Miss Fisher's Murder Mysteries "Framed for Murder" #2.9 (2013)

Could have been great, 2 June 2017

I'll start this by saying that I agree with the negative comments I have read on the internet over the depiction of Phryne's black lover in chains. The decision to depict this man in that manner is indefensible. It's too bad because this one unnecessary scene puts a damper on what would otherwise be one of the best, most fun episodes in the series.

In Framed for Murder, we discover that Phryne has invested in a film titled Bride of Babylon. Her investment is in danger, however, when the leading man is killed on-set. Phryne is called in to investigate. Before she (or Jack) can find the killer, the film's director is also murdered. Phyrne is forced into multiple roles – detective, investor, and, now, director.

Other than the unfortunate scene I've already mentioned, the rest of Framed for Murder is fantastic. An Australian motion picture studio in the 1920s makes for a fascinating set. I'm not sure how accurate everything is, but it makes for great TV. There are plenty of opportunities for period costumes and the episode uses this to its full advantage. The period detail is, to my untrained eye, fantastic. As with the previous episode, I think the writing in Framed for Murder is as good as I've seen in the series. While figuring out the "why" of the murder is fairly obvious, the "who" is trickier. I'm sure most viewers will be like me and guess incorrectly.

Overall, I'm rating this episode a 7/10. While I was thoroughly entertained and thought about rating the episode higher, the scene I keep referencing left a bad taste in my mouth.

7/10