Miss Fisher is backed by her faithful family entourage including her delicate and shy assistant, Dorothy "Dot" Williams (Ashleigh Cummings, "Tomorrow, When the War Began"), ever-ready Constable Hugh Collins (Hugo Johnstone-Burt, "Cloudstreet"), the proper Mr. Butler (Richard Bligh, "The Mystery of a Hansom Cab"), protectors Bert (Travis McMahon, "Howzat! Kerry Packer's War") and Cecil (Anthony Sharpe, "City Homicide"), Coroner Dr. Mac (Tammy Macintosh, "The Peacekeeper Wars"), Phryne's young ward, Mistress Jane, (Ruby Rees Wemyss, "River Street"), and her loving and faithful Aunt Prudence (Miriam Margolyes, "Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets").
Miss Fisher's Murder Mysteries: Series 2 is based on the stories of author Kerry Greenwood, and takes a step up in this series presentation. Phryne's boldness embraces Miss Dot as she takes on more intense investigative duties while Phryne poses as a fan dancer, drives her 1923 Hispano-Suiza in a male-dominated race, rescues stowed-away teens on the Polly Woodside Ship, participates in a seance, is seated ringside at a indigenous boxing match, assists at a threatened radio station and directs and produces a "talkie" movie, while she prowls around a winery, basks in the sun and sand of Queensland's beach, and investigates murder within a football team and a convent. She is most alluring as she models the extraordinary haute couture of the House of Fleuri Salon. The final Christmas episode takes you to a snow-bound chalet where visitors receive suspicious and threatening numbered cards that label them for murder.
This is a very exciting and sexy series. The romance evolves between Phryne and Jack, while surprises are in store for Dot and Hugh. Miss Fisher exposes her flirty side -- and it's not just with Jack. Our lady detective represents a courageous woman who has risen from a life of poverty to a life of sensual pleasure with the luxury of beautiful clothes, jewelry, and particularly, freedom of expression. These episodes delve more deeply into the life and background of Detective Inspector Jack and expose his softer side and fears. We also learn a little more about Miss Dot and her concerns about the future.
Perhaps the maturity of the Miss Fisher's Murder Mysteries: Series 2 could cause the viewer to pause. This series is brilliantly written and acted and it gives the viewer a great sense of excitement and enjoyment. However, parents should be aware of the adult content. Miss Fisher's Murder Mysteries: Series 1 (see related links below) would give a broader understanding of the characters and their background. The technical aspects of the series were perfect, subtitles were provided in English which assisted with difficult dialects, and you'll see Christmas greetings with some cast members. Bonus features provide cast and crew interviews including Behind-the-Scenes clips, a Photo Gallery and Season's Greetings.
I was completely overwhelmed by how stimulating Miss Fisher's Murder Mysteries: Series 2 was. I am definitely on the edge of my seat awaiting the upcoming series. It has taken a primary place in my Murder Mystery Collection.
