This is very good. A man lands on the hood of a car, having fallen from a high place. At first it looks like a suicide until it is realized that his fall was from an even higher place. Doctor Blake saw these kinds of injuries from paratroopers whose chutes did not open. It scatters the internal organs. Blake begins to explore the local airfield and the pilots that fly the small planes. The reason is that it had to be something local. This made the investigation easier to focus on and the people involved more specific. We get a look at the illegal trafficking of high grade tobacco, which is illegal. The solution of this mystery is quite satisfying. One of the better episodes.
3 Reviews
Tightly Plotted Episode that Alludes to the Legacy of War
l_rawjalaurence1 December 2014
This episode begins with a body apparently flying through the air and crashing on to a car. It is local business person Noel Ashford (Lance Anderson), a member of the local flying club. Dr. Blake (Craig McLachlan) investigates and uncovers a complicated web of intrigue involving tobacco smuggling, a corrupt barber (Paul Moder), and a pretty young woman (Kristina Brew) who is not quite what she seems.
Lee Rogers' production contains more than its usual fair share of social commentary. It shows how aircrew had been left virtually redundant after World War II had finished; many of them spent their time dong pick-jobs, often on the shadier side of the law. This episode also suggests that Senior Constable Charlie Davis (Charles Cousins) is not quite the cold fish he initially appeared - although the Doctor and the Chief Superintendent (Joel Tobeck) suspect his motives, Charlie ends up having an abortive affair and compromising his position as a police officer. Maybe he will need to become more affable towards his colleagues in the future.
Lee Rogers' production contains more than its usual fair share of social commentary. It shows how aircrew had been left virtually redundant after World War II had finished; many of them spent their time dong pick-jobs, often on the shadier side of the law. This episode also suggests that Senior Constable Charlie Davis (Charles Cousins) is not quite the cold fish he initially appeared - although the Doctor and the Chief Superintendent (Joel Tobeck) suspect his motives, Charlie ends up having an abortive affair and compromising his position as a police officer. Maybe he will need to become more affable towards his colleagues in the future.
Falling from the sky
TheLittleSongbird16 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.
Season 2 continues the excellent standard with "Smoke and Mirrors". 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, "Smoke and Mirrors" 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 even more social commentary than usual. 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 though.
Overall, excellent and one of the best early season episodes and of the show. 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 with "Smoke and Mirrors". 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, "Smoke and Mirrors" 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 even more social commentary than usual. 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 though.
Overall, excellent and one of the best early season episodes and of the show. 9/10 Bethany Cox
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