The supporting cast of Miss Fisher's Murder Mysteries: Series 3 consists of her efficient assistant "Dot" Williams (Ashleigh Cummings), who brings a righteous and moral balance to Phryne's naughtiness. Then there's Phryne's Aunt Prudence (Miriam Margoyles) who always brings that old money charm into the mix. In Series 3 we have the return of Phryne's estranged and irresponsible father, Baron Henry Fisher, (Pip Miller) who has "jumped ship," so to speak, with Mother's money. He becomes pivotal during several episodes. However, our detective is called in to investigate the various murders that occur in her city and with all her charm, once again captivates Detective Inspector Jack Robinson (Nathan Page, The Secret Life of Us) as he stumbles across Phryne's unexpected flirtatious advances. And we must remember the return of Officer Hugh Collins (Hugo Johnstone-Burt), Dot's intended, who comes back into play with some wonderful surprises for his fiance. Also we find Dot wooed by the temporary constable, Constable Neville Martin, (Henry Hammersla) while Hugh is absent. Always present are Miss Fisher's two helpers, Bert and Cec, and of course her ever-steady butler, Mr. Butler (Richard Bligh).
Miss Fisher's Murder Mysteries: Series 3 contains 8 spectacular episodes flashier in fashion and just edging across that border of ethical conscience. I found several surprising subjects being introduced and applauded their timeliness with today's current topics. The costumes and backdrops were true to the Ragtime era, and social, moral, and political constraints were being questioned. Also, artistically speaking, there's a little bit more nudity to grace the viewer's eyes.
Our episodes take us to the backstreets where abandoned urchin children steal and sleep ("Blood & Money"); where Italian restaurateurs uphold generations-long grudges that infect the lives of their children ("Murder & Mozzarella"); gender definition and inequality are brought to the foreground ("Murder & the Maiden"), women's sexual freedoms are exposed ("Death and Hysteria"); Phryne's father is the center of a murder investigation ("Death at the Grand"); and in this series, one of Phryne's most prominent fears is exposed in the episode "Game, Set & Murder." Throughout Series 3, romance becomes more tantalizing as the good Inspector Robinson and his lady faire let romance fill their minds with anticipation.
Miss Fisher's Murder Mysteries: Series 3 is delightful entertainment, but moving much more into the adult spectrum, so parents be cautious of young eyes and ears. The features include Behind-the-Scenes Featurettes and Photo Gallery, together with individual interviews with major role players in the series. There is also a series of mini featurettes, each one with Mr. Butler's direction on how to make the perfect cocktail (for each corresponding episode, respectively) by the discerning host/hostess. This is particularly helpful and enjoyable.
Miss Fisher's Murder Mysteries: Series 3 is excelling itself with each successive Series release and here's to hoping that it gets renewed for a fourth series!
