Crime drama enthusiasts have just discovered their next obsession, and it is an ideal watch for devotees of ITV series such as Endeavour and DCI Banks. The Australian crime series The Doctor Blake Mysteries is set in the 1950s and centres on Dr Lucien Blake, portrayed by Craig McLachlan, as he solves cases alongside the police.
Plot and Setting
The programme opens with Dr Blake returning to his hometown of Ballarat after a 30-year absence. He studied medicine in Scotland before serving in the Far East during the Second World War. Upon his return, he takes over his late father's medical practice and assumes the position of police surgeon. In the course of his daily duties, Dr Blake employs his sharp powers of observation to function as an amateur investigator, unravelling complex crimes.
The series ran from 2013 to 2017, concluding with a television film that tied up the storyline. McLachlan, formerly known for his roles in Neighbours and Home and Away, earned a prestigious Golden Logie for his leading performance in The Doctor Blake Mysteries.
Viewer Praise
On Reddit, numerous viewers recommended it as essential viewing following ITV's Inspector Morse prequel Endeavour. One user wrote: "The Doctor Blake Mysteries, set in 1950s-1960s Australia, way darker than Endeavour. I will also second Inspector George Gently, amazing series, and Unforgotten." Another contributed: "Agree with all the Foyles War and George Gently suggestions, they are awesome. I would add Dr Blake Mysteries, Father Brown, Grantchester."
The Doctor Blake Mysteries has garnered significant acclaim on IMDb. One viewer awarded a 10/10 rating and stated: "Craig McLachlan's acting is brilliant in this show! I just cannot say enough of his brilliance at portraying the part of Dr Blake. Outstanding acting on Craig's part." Another described it as a "thought-provoking show", noting: "Amazing writing and intrigue. Dr Blake is a marvel. I wish they had shows like this in the US." A third reviewer observed: "It is a classic example of the period detective genre like Ripper Street or Murdoch Mysteries with a little bit of 21st century hindsight." The same viewer added: "I did not find Blake at all grumpy, quite the opposite. I get a little fed up with the short-tempered detectives of the likes of Frost or DCI Banks."
Where to Watch
The Doctor Blake Mysteries is currently available to stream on U and Channel 4 at no cost.
