A man crashes his car and is found to be dead. At first it appears he was drinking and it was an easy case to close. But further tests find bites on his wrist and snake venom in his system. This leads to an investigation by our good doctor and into realms that would have been incredibly awkward in this historical period. If there is anything humorous about all this, it would be that three of the principles are door-to-door vacuum cleaner salesmen. The relationship between Jean and Lucien begins to blossom as she kind of works things to her advantage. This is a good, interesting episode for the most part.
The Doctor Blake Mysteries (TV Series)
Death of a Travelling Salesman (2013)
User Reviews
Review this title2 Reviews
Venomous indeed
TheLittleSongbird30 March 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.
Really liked the previous two episodes. Really like "Death of a Travelling Salesman" as well, even more so. The show was still settling at this point, but as said already not many shows find their groove straight away and it can take a few episodes or a whole season even. Season 2 onward would become tighter in the pace, but there is nothing about this even more twisted and complex, without being convoluted, episode that doesn't engage.
"Death of a Travelling Salesman", 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
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.
Really liked the previous two episodes. Really like "Death of a Travelling Salesman" as well, even more so. The show was still settling at this point, but as said already not many shows find their groove straight away and it can take a few episodes or a whole season even. Season 2 onward would become tighter in the pace, but there is nothing about this even more twisted and complex, without being convoluted, episode that doesn't engage.
"Death of a Travelling Salesman", 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
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