The Single Most Important Thing You Need to Know About Phryne Fisher
“Introducing the Honourable Phryne Fisher, Lady Detective”. Terribly Fashionable. Unmistakably Dangerous. Handy with a pistol. Have you met her yet? If not, pull up a chair, because aside from all this, the single most important thing you need to know about Phryne Fisher is that she’s HILARIOUS!
Recently, while enjoying a mid-day meal, I stumbled upon Miss Fisher’s Murder Mysteries on the Ovation Channel, and promptly became acquainted with all things Phryne (pronounced fry-nee).
I’d initially thought to Geek Out and find something educational to watch, #NerdyGirl #LiveLoveLearn
Instead, I was drawn into Phryne Fisher’s mad-cap world and all its charming inhabitants.
** This post may contain affiliate links. You can read our Affiliate Policy here.
Miss Fisher’s Murder Mystery is Set in the 1920s
This is a decade rarely portrayed on television (Downton Abbey notwithstanding), and what struck me first was the Phryne Fashion!
Cloches, long coats, dinner jackets, flapper dresses, headpieces, perfectly bobbed hair, and of course, Phryne bucks conventional norm with a pair of trousers. Very daring Phryne Fisher!
The costumes, cars, colors, jewelry, and architecture are glorious secondary characters.
However, the lead role is smartly portrayed by Australian actress, Essie Davis (Lady Crane in Game of Thrones). She captivates you as the Honourable Miss Fisher.
Upping the fun factor, the show is filmed on location in Australia and is filled with Down-Under idiosyncrasies, such as snow in July, shown in the episode I watched that first day, “Murder Under the Mistletoe”.
I seriously laughed out loud when an adorable, easy-on-the-eyes, Constable addresses the Detective Inspector:
Constable: | “Miss Fisher’s gone on Holiday again, Sir.” |
Detective Inspector: | “Oh? Anyone dead yet?” |
Constable: | “Just one, Sir.” |
I’m probably not doing it justice, but I just about spit my drink it was so funny!
And let’s not forget Phryne herself. Inheriting her title she becomes a woman of means. She’s independent, bearing no desire to get married or have children, and as we all know, that simply wasn’t done!
Phyrne is smart, clever, daring, courageous, hilarious, adventurous, unapologetic, and can fly a plane! You have to watch this show! Share on XPHRYNE THOROUGHLY ENJOYS LIFE AND IS DRIVEN TO RECTIFY INJUSTICE
This ambition is the catalyst for her new vocation, detective work of all things, much to the chagrin of her Aunt Prudence (pun intended) and most of society; all while sporting a dashing cloche and a series of lovers.
Murder Under the Mistletoe was thoroughly engaging, a little hokey perhaps, but in a completely adorable way. “Mistletoe” was Episode 13 of Season 2, airing on Ovation.
I crossed my fingers hoping the show would available on Netflix, Amazon Prime or Hulu. I hit jackpot on Netflix.
All 3 seasons were available under the title, “Miss Fisher’s Murder Mysteries”, and thus began my 2-week binge of Phryne-n-Friends. What a ride!
Update: As of October 1, 2019, this show was no longer available on Netflix.
THE SHOW IS…FUN!
Equal parts entertaining, witty, and wonderfully filmed. The ensemble cast flowed seamlessly with one another, the plots were engaging, and I had a blast with it.
There’s an exception to every rule and this show is the exception to my general opinion that the book is always better.
Miss Fisher’s Murder Mysteries is based on a series of novels written by Australian author, Kerry Greenwood, the first of which is titled, “Cocaine Blues“, and I confess…I haven’t read a single one!
I’d never heard of Phyrne Fisher until Murder Under the Mistletoe, and although research reveals distinct differences between the show and the novels, there’s no denying the enjoyment of the television series.
There’s one downside: 3 short seasons. However, a trilogy of films is currently being planned.
The first film has a written script and a title, “Miss Fisher and the Crypt of Tears“. The movies promise to bring the entire cast of characters back. Sign me up!
Update: As of October 1, 2019, Acorn TV has announced exclusive rights to the Miss Fisher Movie which is set to air in North America sometime in 2019-2020!
Acorn TV also released a new spin-off series, titled, Ms. Fisher’s Modern Murder Mysteries.
In this series Phryne’s long-lost niece, Peregrine, takes over as lead sleuth, and the original Phyrne is, missing?
So, it looks like I just found out what I’ll be doing this weekend! I’ll check out what the niece is up to while I wait for the Crypt of Tears to release.
In the meantime, I’ll do as Phryne does, embracing one of her many mantras,
“Beside every good man is a good woman, and she must always be ready to step in front!”
–Phryne Fisher
Did you watch this Show?
If so, did you like it?
Feel free to comment below, and remember, sharing is caring, so if you liked this post, I’d surely appreciate a share on Pinterest or Facebook, thanks!
Be Well!
Cynthia
385Life
Live · Love · Learn