This show had an interesting topic. Apparently 1000 pounds was a really significant amount. A TV quiz show has two bright people compete (not unlike the 64,000 Question. One of them is handsome and polite and quite charming; the other is an Asian man who has minimal social skills. After the former wins the title (due to the fixing of the show), he goes to his room where he is electrocuted when he touches his television. Of course, his opponent is the immediate suspect (even though he had nothing to gain) because the viewers hated him and because of racism. Dr. Blake moves in and befriends the loser only to have an enormous twist occur. Decent story.
2 Reviews
Who wants to be a murder victim?
TheLittleSongbird3 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.
All the previous episodes are very good to great. Season 1 has not yet faltered, and "Game of Champions" is one of the best episodes of a solid season, that has not yet fully settled but is finding its feet and started to settle quite well. The pace lustre isn't always there, but that's not a major issue at all.
"Game of Champions" is interesting for seeing how TV quiz shows worked in the post-war period, and yes seeing £1000 as treated at a significantly more value than today is always a fascination even when you know it already. The big twist was an unexpected shock, the most surprising twist easily of the first season.
Like the rest of the series, "Game of Champions" 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.
For so early on, the writing is 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 generally riveting, if at times slow, 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, already Lucien Blake is a fascinating protagonist.
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.
In summary, great. 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.
All the previous episodes are very good to great. Season 1 has not yet faltered, and "Game of Champions" is one of the best episodes of a solid season, that has not yet fully settled but is finding its feet and started to settle quite well. The pace lustre isn't always there, but that's not a major issue at all.
"Game of Champions" is interesting for seeing how TV quiz shows worked in the post-war period, and yes seeing £1000 as treated at a significantly more value than today is always a fascination even when you know it already. The big twist was an unexpected shock, the most surprising twist easily of the first season.
Like the rest of the series, "Game of Champions" 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.
For so early on, the writing is 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 generally riveting, if at times slow, 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, already Lucien Blake is a fascinating protagonist.
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.
In summary, great. 9/10 Bethany Cox
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