In this episode, the focus is on history between two men. But the main story is the investigation of the death of the headmaster at a school. There are numerous suspects because motives and secrets abound. Sometimes these episodes are easy to calculate and figure out. This is very satisfying with a conclusion that is both sound and believable. It could be the best of all so far. As usual, Blake takes some serious liberties, including testing two people he loves with a poisonous cake.
4 Reviews
Strong Stuff for a Detective Series
l_rawjalaurence14 December 2014
This is perhaps the best episode of the Australian detective series so far - a disturbing tale of an amorous head teacher (Andrew Broadbent) found dead in his office, that brings Blake (Craig McLachlan) and Lawson (Joel Tobeck) into an unfortunate encounter with their pasts. We learn how Lawson, as a child, was the victim of ill-treatment by a sadistic teacher (Kevin Harrington) who still works at the same school, and aspired after the deceased head's post.
As Blake investigates the case, he opens up a can of worms that need to be revealed, but tell us a lot about the school's code of behavior (or lack of it, in this case). What seems on the surface to be an institution dedicated to 'traditional' education actually turns out to be nothing more than a facade: the teachers often believe they have carte blanche to behave as they wish.
This theme is not uncommon in the movies (it was explored in the late Sixties in Lindsay Anderson's memorable IF ...), but here it is given new meaning, as director Declan Eames shows how an obsessive concern for a 'good' education leads many of the teaching staff to believe that they are immune from justice. McLachlan is particularly good in this episode as the doctor, becoming more and more disturbed as he finds out just what has been happening - hitherto undetected - at the school.
As Blake investigates the case, he opens up a can of worms that need to be revealed, but tell us a lot about the school's code of behavior (or lack of it, in this case). What seems on the surface to be an institution dedicated to 'traditional' education actually turns out to be nothing more than a facade: the teachers often believe they have carte blanche to behave as they wish.
This theme is not uncommon in the movies (it was explored in the late Sixties in Lindsay Anderson's memorable IF ...), but here it is given new meaning, as director Declan Eames shows how an obsessive concern for a 'good' education leads many of the teaching staff to believe that they are immune from justice. McLachlan is particularly good in this episode as the doctor, becoming more and more disturbed as he finds out just what has been happening - hitherto undetected - at the school.
Just to reiterate... Brilliant!!!
dirkdirkreedreed4 October 2018
"The Doctor Blake Mysteries" just keep getting better and better. This episode "The Silence" is outstanding in every way. How often can tragedy and humor both flow naturally in the same show? Kudos to the entire cast and crew for making this an unforgettable viewing experience. Bravo!
The case of the murdered head master
TheLittleSongbird18 April 2018
'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.
Up to this point of the show, "The Silence" for me is the best and also one of the best 'The Doctor Blake Mysteries' episodes overall. Not just because of how disturbing and frightening it is, but also of its interestingly different viewpoint/meaning of a familiar theme.
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 Silence" 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. Loved what was done with Lawson here, always a good character but the most interesting he's been up to this point.
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.
Overall, brilliant. 10/10 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.
Up to this point of the show, "The Silence" for me is the best and also one of the best 'The Doctor Blake Mysteries' episodes overall. Not just because of how disturbing and frightening it is, but also of its interestingly different viewpoint/meaning of a familiar theme.
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 Silence" 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. Loved what was done with Lawson here, always a good character but the most interesting he's been up to this point.
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.
Overall, brilliant. 10/10 Bethany Cox
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