3 reviews
Rock 'n Roll Can Be a Dangerous Business
In this episode our hero (Craig McLachlan) investigates the death of a rock 'n roll singer (Steve Danielsen) and becomes involved in a complicated tale of a violent criminal turned religious preacher (Cameron Daddo) and a young girl with a crush on the deceased singer (Nicole Gulasekharam).
Once again the production vividly evokes the spirit of the late Fifties, a time when rock 'n roll not only attracted legions of screaming fans, but also produced a backlash as many conservatives believed that it would signal the death of the family and 'respectable' life as we know it. Blake himself remains a statuesque figure, apparently impervious to its charms; but as the episode unfolds, and he begins to understand its rhythms, so his attitude changes. By the end both he and Jean Beazley (Nadine Garner) have become attracted to it.
This production highlights the often rocky relationship between Blake, Spt. Lawson (Joel Tobeck) and constable Charlie Davis (Charles Cousins), a particularly over-zealous police officer who seems to be suspicious about Blake's past. Nothing has been overtly stated at present, but we understand that this is a plot-line that will be developed in future episodes.
Once again the production vividly evokes the spirit of the late Fifties, a time when rock 'n roll not only attracted legions of screaming fans, but also produced a backlash as many conservatives believed that it would signal the death of the family and 'respectable' life as we know it. Blake himself remains a statuesque figure, apparently impervious to its charms; but as the episode unfolds, and he begins to understand its rhythms, so his attitude changes. By the end both he and Jean Beazley (Nadine Garner) have become attracted to it.
This production highlights the often rocky relationship between Blake, Spt. Lawson (Joel Tobeck) and constable Charlie Davis (Charles Cousins), a particularly over-zealous police officer who seems to be suspicious about Blake's past. Nothing has been overtly stated at present, but we understand that this is a plot-line that will be developed in future episodes.
- l_rawjalaurence
- Nov 29, 2014
- Permalink
Too Much Love
This episode involves a rocker who finishes a performance and dies in front of his public in an alleyway. He has been stabbed and there are several possible suspects. Blake autopsies him and finds a type of knife was used. During the investigation, we meet a new constable who is very serious about his job. Blake also must deal with the adoring public and a preacher who attacks the music as the tool of the devil.
If murder be the food of love
'The Doctor Blake Mysteries' may not quite be among my favourite shows of all time, but it's a riveting series that keeps getting better and one of the better detective drama shows in recent years. It is always fascinating to see a mystery series from outside England and America, and 'The Doctor Blake Mysteries' is one of the better examples.
Unfortunately, 'The Doctor Blake Mysteries' tends to be buried within daytime television scheduling, both on the BBC when first getting into it three or so years ago and on not as much watched channel (i.e. Alibi). It also tends to be aired at a time where most people will be at school or work, for me it was during sporadic periods when not needing to go into music college. The series deserves much better than that when it has consistently been one of the better shows to be aired in the early afternoon.
Season 2 continues the excellent standard set by the previous episode "The Heart of the Matter". By now, 'The Doctor Blake Mysteries' felt like it had found its feet and had established things well by this point. Relationships and characters continue to deepen, the mysteries are even twistier and the pace has more lustre.
Like the rest of the series, "The Food of Love" is exceptionally well made. The post-war period is beautifully evoked in the sumptuous but also atmospheric settings and scenery and charming costumes and period detail. It is beautifully shot and atmospherically lit, the dark grey-ish tinge being very appropriate and adding much to the overall feel of the episode. It is scored sensitively and the haunting theme tune gets embedded in the brain, while the direction is suitably restrained.
Writing continues to be very good with the tone established very well. There is great thought-provoking dialogue that always makes the mystery elements interesting but the atmosphere doesn't ever feel too grim. The story is riveting, suspensefully written and you care about having it solved. The solution is not obvious nor is it too complicated, very neat without being too pat. The characters are well written and more than just stereotypes, Lucien Blake still has it in how fascinating a character he is.
Craig McLachlan is superb in the role as well, quite possibly his best role and certainly the best acting he's ever done. He seemed an unlikely choice at first, but the character suits him perfectly. All the acting is very good actually, and seldom if ever any less. The relationships between the characters are well worth investing in. Charlie as a character was still leaving me unsure at this point, but his relationship with Lawson is handled very well.
Overall, another excellent effort. 9/10 Bethany Cox
Unfortunately, 'The Doctor Blake Mysteries' tends to be buried within daytime television scheduling, both on the BBC when first getting into it three or so years ago and on not as much watched channel (i.e. Alibi). It also tends to be aired at a time where most people will be at school or work, for me it was during sporadic periods when not needing to go into music college. The series deserves much better than that when it has consistently been one of the better shows to be aired in the early afternoon.
Season 2 continues the excellent standard set by the previous episode "The Heart of the Matter". By now, 'The Doctor Blake Mysteries' felt like it had found its feet and had established things well by this point. Relationships and characters continue to deepen, the mysteries are even twistier and the pace has more lustre.
Like the rest of the series, "The Food of Love" is exceptionally well made. The post-war period is beautifully evoked in the sumptuous but also atmospheric settings and scenery and charming costumes and period detail. It is beautifully shot and atmospherically lit, the dark grey-ish tinge being very appropriate and adding much to the overall feel of the episode. It is scored sensitively and the haunting theme tune gets embedded in the brain, while the direction is suitably restrained.
Writing continues to be very good with the tone established very well. There is great thought-provoking dialogue that always makes the mystery elements interesting but the atmosphere doesn't ever feel too grim. The story is riveting, suspensefully written and you care about having it solved. The solution is not obvious nor is it too complicated, very neat without being too pat. The characters are well written and more than just stereotypes, Lucien Blake still has it in how fascinating a character he is.
Craig McLachlan is superb in the role as well, quite possibly his best role and certainly the best acting he's ever done. He seemed an unlikely choice at first, but the character suits him perfectly. All the acting is very good actually, and seldom if ever any less. The relationships between the characters are well worth investing in. Charlie as a character was still leaving me unsure at this point, but his relationship with Lawson is handled very well.
Overall, another excellent effort. 9/10 Bethany Cox
- TheLittleSongbird
- Apr 14, 2018
- Permalink