'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.
"If the Shoe Fits" wasn't to me as great as "Brotherly Love" and "Hearts and Flowers", but it's a very well done and interesting episode. Particularly for, agreed, the enlightening depiction of the attitudes towards foreign workers in the 50s and post-war period and also for containing of the show's most gruesome deaths.
Season 2 onwards were a little tighter in pace perhaps with Season 1 at times having a finding-its-feet feel, while the stories became slightly richer. With "If the Shoe Fits", and with the previous two episodes, the show showed signs of settling if not quite fully.
As ever, "If the Shoe Fits", like the rest of the series, 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. 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. Lucien and Jean's relationship agreed is blossoming and charming beautifully.
In summary, very good once again. 8/10 Bethany Cox
