Acorn Media
March 5th, 2013
Miss Fisher, based on novels from Kerry Greenwood, originates from Australia and features Essie Davis as Miss Phryne Fisher, a wealthy, stylish amateur detective loving life in the 1920s. Fisher loves solving crimes and seems quite good at it (why is not always too clear). In addition to being a sleuth, she passes her time living the life of a wealthy socialite of high status and prowling after young men (Miss Fisher may well be one of the first cougars).
The stories are not straight up stand-alones, as things carry on from episode to episode. This does go a fair ways towards adding depth. As the series progresses, we learn that Fisher’s sister was murdered and that Fisher still hopes to ultimately bring the killer to justice.
Overall, there is not a ton of depth to the show. The stories are pretty standard stuff, as is the concept. Take a colorful, quirky protagonist and follow them as they act interesting and solve crimes. I don’t mean to sound overly harsh, the show can be quite fun. Davis has a blast with Fisher and delivers a rather delightful performance. She vamps it up with glee and charm. I would say it is along the lines of cozies, with maybe touch of extra sass and an occasional dab of darkness. I tore through the set in just a few sittings. It is the kind of show you put on when you want to escape the world for a while. Folks looking for some fun, bright entertainment will likely have a good time with Miss Fisher and company.
Jeremy Lynch
