The Doctor Blake Mysteries

Recommended series. Lucien Blake (Craig McLachlan) is an ex-POW now practicing medicine in post-WW2 Ballarat, Australia who gives the local police headaches by his obsessive refusal to accept the obvious explanation when called to the scene of a murder in his official capacity. Engaging characters, elegant ensemble acting, and fantastic period sets make this a winner for those who love a good murder mystery. Close attention is required for those who don't speak Australian. Erotic tension between the Doctor and his no-nonsense practice manager/housekeeper Jean (Nadine Garner) adds spice to the mix. Despite being it's highest rated show, the series inexplicably has been canceled by the network. Yet another Dr. Blake Mystery.

Craig Maclachlan is a revelation in this. I had only ever seen him in Neighbours or as a pop star. He is great as Dr Lucien Blake - the part really suits him and he is totally convincing as a doctor. When I first watched this I took no notice of the cast list and just thought "there is something familiar about that guy"! It took most of the first episode before the penny dropped. It is a pity that the programme has been buried away in the BBC's daytime schedule. I am convinced that it would draw an evening audience were it to be shown then. It is certainly a cut above Midsomer Murders et al. What helps the reality is the fact that all the actors are unknown over here in the UK. I have seen two series now and the quality has not dropped at all.

After seeing this show wondered why we don't have more types of TV like this made in Australia.

I so love the production on this new Aussie show, which is made in Ballarat and set in the early 50s.

A worthy partner of Miss Fisher Murder Mysteries, another fabulous, beautiful looking period piece.

I really really liked this show. I was worried thinking of my memories of Craig McLachlan singing Mona in the 80s with a mullet and all those terrible shows he was in like Neighbours etc but he does a great job as Dr Blake and I really love his house set up and rather eccentric personality!

Can't wait for the next episode.

A nice little gem out of Australia. The premise about Dr. Lucien Blake, a police surgeon (kind of like an earlier era law enforcement medical examiner) who can't escape the shadow of his super successful father, also a doctor is intriguing. Blake (portrayed with a steady hand by Craig McLachlan) makes a few totally human assumptions along the way in each weeks mystery. This means he messes up and sometimes is lead down the wrong path before finding the right one. I like this because it means there aren't too many ridiculous jumps in logic when the sleuthing happens and the clues are followed. Sometimes the mysteries can be solved by the audience before the end but sometimes not. Again, I like something that makes me think a bit. Its also nice to watch a show from Australia that doesn't feature the tired stories about bubble heads hanging out on a beach or some forgettable vapid slapstick comedy thing. Great show, solid cast, nice tidy little, well-written under-an-hour whodunits. Grab a cup of tea or Java and have a sit-down and watch this show if you like mysteries.

I first came across this series a couple years ago and since then have looked forward to each new series and have not been disappointed every episode has hit the mark.

Craig McLachlan breaks away from his likely lad image and makes a brilliant job playing the maverick police surgeon Dr Lucien Blake. The wonderful Nadine Garner plays his housekeeper Jean Bezley to perfection. Equally brilliant is Joel Tobeck as the police inspector and former school mate of Dr Blake.

The inter play between Dr Blake and his housekeeper is major source of amusement running through the series. Both characters have back stories that put obstacles in the path of a romantic outcome. Joel Tobeck's police inspector has the tricky job of managing Dr Blake he admires Blake's brilliance but has to reign in Blake when breaks procedure and takes the investigation of at a tangent.

Watch and enjoy every episode is a gem.