Doctor Blake the character falls into a category I usually don't like: Men who get away with breaking every rule and putting other people in physical and/or career danger, but who end up getting a pass because they solve the crime. I'm thinking of that TV show, The Mentalist, right now, which is a show I gave up on because I just couldn't believe this dude never had consequences for his risky and sociopathic behavior.
There are some similarities between The Mentalist and Doctor Blake. Both actors are Australian (In The Mentalist Simon Baker is playing an American character, though that's neither here nor there!). Both Thomas Jane (The Mentalist) and Dr. Blake are crime solvers who don't normally play by the rules. Both characters have sad nuclear family backstories. Both characters have a group of good back-up and sidekick crime fighters who suffer from their reckless methods, but also get to stand in the spotlight when they solve the crime.
Back to The Doctor Blake Mysteries: I've watched three seasons and despite him being one of those reprehensible badboy-always-forgiven characters, I really enjoy this show. The situations are interesting, the supporting characters are strong and have lives of their own. In fact, although this is a procedural crime drama, there is a strong storyline that delves into the personal history and current issues that plague Dr. Blake, as well as the stories and concerns of the supporting characters.
Season 3 ends in a much anticipated surprise. Can't wait to see more!
I'm giving The Doctor Blake Mysteries four stars**** because I want to watch this again, I highly recommend it to both British drama fans and crime drama fans and its just plain darn good.
I started watching this on PBS, but would never be home in time to catch them. Then finally the library got the DVDs. Right around the same time, they loaded seasons 1-3 on Netflix, so I watched most of the episodes on Netflix.
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