The Doctor Blake Mysteries (TV Series) The Heart of the Matter (2014) User Reviews

Quietly Intriguing Murder Mystery

[l_rawjalaurence · 7/10 · 30 November 2014]

Viewers of a certain age and vintage will recognize Craig McLachlan as the former ingénue from NEIGHBOURS. Here he has a much more somber role as a police doctor operating in Ballarat, Victoria, in 1957. While concerned for his patients' welfare, he definitely has a past that concerns his conduct during the War and after-wards. This is repeatedly alluded to but not actively explained: viewers will have to look back to Season 1 to find out precisely what it all means.

In this episode a self-important mayoral candidate (Colin Lane) meets a sticky end. Dr. Blake is drawn into a complicated web of intrigue that has a lot to do with self-interest, even though mayors and other local government officers are supposed to be responsible for the citizens' welfare. In the course of solving the case, Blake experiences more personal trauma, but at least right triumphs in the end.

Declan Eames' production is rich in period detail; the setting could not be better (it is almost as if Ballarat has been stuck in a time- warp over the last five and a half decades), and the radio broadcasts of Richie Benaud bowling against the touring Indian cricket team remind us of how cricket has always been part of the (white male) national consciousness. Blake's often rocky relationship with Spt. Matthew Lawson (Joel Tobeck) is well brought out in this episode; it sometimes as if they are working against one another rather than in collusion.

Return Trip

[Hitchcoc · 8/10 · 7 December 2017]

When Lucien Blake returns from Shanghai where he has visited his daughter, there have been some changes. There is a new inspector, a serious guy named Charlie, and his young friend has gone to Melbourne. This episode begins with the murder of a politician on a staircase, who has just been elected mayor. This man had aspirations, including the job of Prime Minister. There were two distinct factions in the town and the vote was split, but was decided by an independent woman. As Blake investigates he hooks up with Joy, the reporter, and this leads to some truly bad stuff. There are some triangles involved here, and they need to be investigated. We also learn very late about his encounter with the girl whom he thought dead. The second season has a very positive, though sad, beginning.

A murderous matter with a heart

[TheLittleSongbird · 9/10 · 5 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 starts off with a bang with "The Heart of the Matter". One of the best episodes of 'The Doctor Blake Mysteries' up to this point, and an example of the show having found its feet and established everything well by now. Relationships and characters continue to deepen, the mysteries are even twistier and the pace has more lustre.

Like the rest of the series, "The Heart of the Matter" 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 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, 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. Especially between Blake and Lawson. Am not completely sure about Charlie though, slightly bland.

Overall, great. 9/10 Bethany Cox