The Doctor Blake Mysteries (TV Series) The Blake Mysteries: Ghost Stories (2018) User Reviews

Great potential

[mynorswallis · 8/10 · 9 December 2018]

Very pleased to see the Blake Mysteries back. The new format has great potential but does need to flesh out the character of Jean Blake, wonderfully acted by Nadine Gardner. Her new role of possible deserted wife or widow and her involvement as councillor requires more depth and realism. Maybe the young housekeeper Amy could offer some possibilities for humour and drama especially if it is similar to Nadine's performance as Gloria O'Grady in Class Act many years ago. And I'm sure she'd clash well with Chief Super Matthew!

Keep it going!

[Lorraine-113 · 8/10 · 13 December 2018]

The TV detective show Taggart continued despite the death of its main character and they did a great job of it. I like the new Taggart better than the original version. I'm glad that the Blake Mysteries will continue without Dr. Blake and I think Jean, who is a very strong character, can definitely pick up the lead. I just wish they didn't paint her up as a doll just because she has a more prominent role. She was more believable before when she was a normal human being, not all dolled up. It's just so out of her character. She's a down to earth woman, not a "check out my clothes and make-up" kind of woman. Anyway, I look forward to seeing more of the new series!

Please Consider

[fanbasefem · 7/10 · 5 December 2018]

I applaud 7 for not letting this series go under. However I believe they need to keep an opening for the return of its main character 9 preferably with Craig McLaughlin). As a female I am most concerned that the #Metoo movement has gone too far and that actors can now be judged by media first without proper trial and find themselves written out of shows and facing the complete loss of their livelihood before due process is implemented. I found the absence of Craig McLaughlin's masterly portrayal of the doctor meant the show lacked and anchor and felt like it was not sailing smoothly. The new series seems to contradict the old series and the lead character seems to be out of kilter. Jean Blake has always been the reliable, sensible grounded character that balances out the doctor. It seems out of character to now portray Jean as a busy body who feels she somehow to prove herself as a supersluth. The balance is just not there anymore. The new series is trying too hard to prove itself. I believe an avenue needs to be created to bring the doctor back ( preferably with Craig Mclaughlin who crafted the doctor, however, if not possible, then at least with someone who can recreate the doctor). Right now the deficit is obvious and needs to be plugged . Jean's character needs more fleshing out so it is more bellievable and rounded. We need to see her take on the challenges of female ouncillor in the 1960's and deal with the anxst of not knowing her husband's whereabouts . The mystery behind the doctors disappearance and possible hint that he may be found will create an added layer that stops the show from being too formulaic and will help prevent 7 from losing the old fan base. It would be more believable to explain the doctor's absence in relation to past involvement in connection to spy / intrigue circles he moved in during the war than his need for adventure - the latter seems implausible given the pain it took for Jean and the doctor to get together. However, I applaud 7's attempt to deal with a difficult situation and implore 7 not to write off Craig McLaughlin altogether - he is just a flawed as everyone else and deserves a chance to redeem himself!

Jean Blake is a marvel

[kikinassaustin · 10/10 · 15 December 2018]

I have watched the Blake series from season one and have been a huge fan from the very beginning. I had high expectations for The Blake Mysteries, as Jean has always been my favorite character, and it far surpassed what I thought they could have pulled together in such a short production time. Both in her developing relationship with Lucien, and even more so, in the journey, perseverance, strength, intelligence, sass and beauty of the character herself, Jean Blake is a rich and complex enough of a character to stand on her own... in beautifully crafted stories. So seeing more of her, along with the increased presence of other favorite characters from the original series, Alice Harvey and Matthew Lawson, and new characters Amy Parks and Constable Crowe (I hope he keeps smiling), was more than enough to get my support and interest to see more. I hope Ghost Stories was the first of many movies in this New Beginning.

Blake without the doctor,

[mannbarbara · 1 December 2018]

Not a bad follow up to the Dr Blake Mysteries, but missing some of my favourite characters, in particular, Charlie Cousins and Cate Wolfe. I found some bits confusing, especially in the beginning when it jumped around from one murder to another without explanation. However, I look forward to seeing future episodes.

Nadine Garner and cast own this movie

[nuwcnmbw · 10/10 · 17 December 2018]

The cast and writers took an impossible situation - the loss of the main character - and turned it into gold. No one wanted this situation but they truly turned lemons into lemonade. The murder mystery is fascinating and fast paced. Nadine Garner's powerful performance makes me wonder how on earth she never was a leading lady before. We grieve with her, we grow with her, we share her triumphs. This is Jean to the core, sassy, strong, but a little broken. The rest of the cast steps up too and that's where the meat of this movie is. The chemistry between Tobeck, McClory, and the rest is terrific. We see new facets of old characters, and new characters finding their place in the world, with Jean at the center pulling all the action together. The movie was riveting, clever, tragic, and often funny too. This was a great movie and I hope there are many more.

Disappointing

[roba-49360 · 6/10 · 6 May 2019]

I am a big fan of Dr Blake mysteries and really wanted to love this episode but I found it ranged from good to cringeworthy to laughable and then back again. The acting of the main characters were solid as usual but some of the minor characters were trultly dreadful. I also found Jeans sudden transition from house frau to wannabe sleuth completely implausible.

One of the best

[robinlemke · 10/10 · 15 December 2018]

I've been watching crime fic my whole life and no one does it better than the Blakes. Jean Blake grabs your heart like no other character. She's strong and fragile and clever and you can't help but cheer her on at every turn. Watch every episode of this story and don't skip this last one. Nadine Garner has crafted an entire world in Jean Blake and it's one worth visiting again and again.

Nadine and cast wonderful!

[bwhiteman-76500 · 9/10 · 16 December 2018]

Nadine and supporting cast were wonderful, particularly Joel and Belinda. Very much enjoyed the telemovie and I hope there are more!

Excellent

[vixson6 · 10/10 · 15 December 2018]

Love this Blake Mysteries episode: With Jean as the main character she carried it off very well, carrying on in the absence of Lucien. I loved how they touched on his absence in a very subtle way. The new characters will add a much needed change with the show now in the 60's. With Matthew and Alice's burgeoning relationship a nice touch. I look forward to many more episodes

Boring

[tbruno46 · 1/10 · 6 August 2020]

I just couldn't get into this. I love Jean but to believe she just went from housekeeper to detective overnight is ridiculous. I missed Dr. Blake, with all his antics. I hope if they do another movie, it is with Dr. Blake and Charlie who was also missed.

Loved The New Blake Mysteries

[missymft · 10/10 · 15 December 2018]

Brilliant & Clever-so well acted by leads Nadine, Joel & support team. Absolute credit to Australian December Media and Channel 7 for bringing it to us😊. Looking forward to more of the same🎉

A Great Injustice Overshadows this Show

[rshockley-72502 · 13 March 2019]

I am really grateful to see that this show is continuing, that there are some regulars this series and I'm so happy for Nadine Gardner for landing a lead role. Congratulations, Nadine! However, I can't express enough what a great loss it is to have Craig McLachlan not be on the show. I am very disappointed, as I know many others are, that he has been ripped from the show indefinitely before accusations of sexual assault and lewd behavior have been substantiated. This is a HUGE loss to this TV program. Although I understand the reasons why a producer may consider this decision when a cast member has been "accused" of lewd behavior, I am reminded that the accusations were made in another role, on another set and the investigation into behavior while on this set cleared him for any wrongdoing even though he still suffered consequences. I must admit that this is a HUGE injustice for all involved and it's viewers for many reasons. 1. McLachlan was investigated and cleared of lewd behavior in this setting. 2. He still suffered major consequences by losing his lead role and any membership of the program because he was "accused," although not proven guilty. 3. A message has now been sent that any person can accuse anyone of wrongdoing and even though the law says "innocent until proven guilty," the accused person will lose his/her status, income, and/or employment. 4. This is unfair to the accused. It is unfair to their social circle- in this case, McLachlan's colleagues on the set who formed close attachments to such a talented and respected actor and most important this is unfair to the viewers. The decision to remove his very central role to the program was premature and leaves a huge barrier for viewers to overcome as they adjust to basically a "new" spin off of the original series. Please note I sympathize for any true victim; however, standards for conduct and behavior have grossly declined- primarily as a result of producing movies where sex sells. Boundaries nowadays are blended and how do you tell an actor to be sexual on a movie set in a role- that this behavior is ok even to the point of filming explicit sex scenes- but once the set is over, to cut it off so suddenly in real life when these two realities coexist so closely? Directors promote, accept and teach the behaviors they are now penalizing individuals for. And colleagues are able to "pretend" very real emotions on a set turning a blind eye to being lewd and displaying inappropriate sexual conduct while in a scene, but throw their hands up later claiming sexual assault if it happens to continue beyond the movie screen. Why isn't it considered lewd, sexual assault and harassment while filming? It's kinda hypocritical to say it's ok while acting, but not ok to be turned on to the same person when the scene is over. Emotions can very easily get involved and things can become inappropriate very easily in this field. In any case, this show was one of the most acceptable on tv and true fans of Doctor Blake Mysteries became emotionally involved with the characters that have been developed over a course of YEARS! Truly, I'm disappointed. I'm disappointed by the consequences that a man is now guilty until proven innocent. I am very sad for this show because it was perhaps one of the best. I am sad for the close knit cast. I am sad for McLachlan and I am sad for fans everywhere!! Now we not only have to adjust to the disconnect between season 5 and the happenings in season 6, but we also have to adjust to a new title, major losses in various characters like Charlie, and we have to adjust to Nadine in her new role while at the same time grieving the loss of Doctor Blake. Although a win for those continuing the show, this is a major loss to it's viewers. But we don't count!

Love the New Beginning!

[birchhillfarms · 10/10 · 23 December 2018]

I like how the writers, alluded to Dr. Blake's absence, and the sadness and uncertainty it has left in Jean's life. I loved the way, they showed her carrying on, with glimpsed past and present, and how her life and experiences with Lucien have led to her inability to NOT "butt in" to what she believes is the truth in a criminal/mysterious situation. I love the way the writer's have fleshed out the other characters, Matthew and Alice, especially, and truly hope the series remains strong.

Awaiting the return of Craig McLachlan

[pensman · 8/10 · 29 May 2019]

Most fans of the Dr. Blake Mysteries know Craig McLachlan is Magistrates Court battling accusations of sexual misconduct. It seems someone has decided to keep the idea of the show alive until the court makes its decisions. We have some of the major cast members return for this episode featuring Jean Beazley Blake stepping in to solve several murders past and present. We have a good whodunit here and some new characters are introduced who could become regulars should this format continue or if we have a return of Craig McLachlan then Dr. Blake can pick up just where he left off when his mysterious disappearance is explained. Until then, enjoy this episode for itself.

THE SHOW MUST GO ON

[trudylittle · 10/10 · 30 December 2018]

To see our Australian production return to a new broadcaster is fantastic. Definately a new dynamic but it was done well. We have so much talent going to waste with the drop in locally made shows for tv. Many appreciate the history and morals of a different era being shared with a large multigenerational audience. I hope channel 7 finds it an appropriate timeslot.... that allows for best ratings.

Missing the good doctor

[flzelnicks · 3/10 · 19 June 2019]

This spinoff lacks the originality and chemistry of the outstanding Doctor Blake Mysteries. The script seemed disjointed and aimless, plodding along then suddenly rushed to wrap up everything neatly at the end.

The characters of both Jean and Alice Harvey changed. Jean had no foil for her usual sharp attitude and the attempts to play off the male leads fell flat. Nadine Garner seemed stiff and her acting forced. The quirky personality of Alice was replaced with a lack of self-confidence. I truly expected better.

Entertaining Watch

[vintagegeek · 9/10 · 18 August 2019]

Surprisingly nice for a spin-off first pilot. Old characters still carry their part well and new ones engaging. Hoping for more episodes.

Hoping to see more Blake Mysteries episodes with Nadine Gardener and the regular cast

[debbie811 · 8/10 · 31 December 2018]

As former Dr. Blake watchers. We were glad to hear Nadine Gardner would continue as Jean Blake in a new series continuing the drama of the missing doctor and her involvement in local government and police activities. Can't say anything bad about Ghost Stories, although does Jean always wear the red lipstick - even at home?

Was skeptical...now hooked

[dlc1952 · 10/10 · 29 May 2019]

I wasn't sure this show could go on without Lucian. Boy was I wrong. Jean makes a great detective. It's lovely to see her grow into her self and be something other than the " house keeper". I love the doctor Blake mysteries but I sometimes found Dr. Blake's mannerisms off putting. Sometimes they just seemed wooden & enforced. Especially the last season. I wasn't enjoying it as much as I had other seasons. But this, this new incarnation is refreshing well acted the story was great. Give it a chance I think you'll be pleasantly surprised just how good it is.

Women Rule!

[sadigur · 8/10 · 12 September 2019]

I actually found the original series somewhat on the dull side; the new version is more lively and colorful. As an "old hippie", it's somewhat painful to relive the blatant barriers we women faced back in the day. Things are more subtle now, but they still exist. Still, I am looking forward to future episodes.

Adding to my earlier positive review...

[dlc1952 · 10/10 · 29 May 2019]

Just submitted a review but I forgot a couple things... Seems to me in my watching the series Jean was always there asking the questions that helped Lucian think through what was going on. She was always there pointing out something he might've missed. She was always helping Dr. Blake giving him things to think about that helped him move in the direction of finding who did it. Now she comes shining through. Proving she can do this just as well as he did. You go get them Jean! shows great you're great; loves the new cast. It makes for some great new faces around the dinner table joining some of the old ones. Keep it up !

A disappointment

[equinoxygene · 1/10 · 30 July 2019]

Confusing, disconnected and downright boring. The characters have become cartoons of themselves, Jean, as always is wooden and uninteresting, not believable. The new show is a flop. To make matters worse, the story is badly written, the premise ( a series of murders intended to cover a long forgotten murder) is not realistic. As to the main character, what happened to not sentenced until proven guilty? Has he been proven? Or is it just some more MeToo# hysteria?

Excellent stand-alone series. Short lived.

[Bernie4444 · 10/10 · 15 December 2023]

The Blake Mysteries - Ghost Stories (2018) Known as "The Blake Mysteries" Original title: Ghost Stories, is a different program than "The Dr. Blake Mysteries". "The Blake Mysteries" is a spin-off of "The Dr. Blake Mysteries."

This has only one season and two episodes. The show was originally intended to have more episodes, but due to various reasons, it was cancelled after only two episodes

Jean Blake (Nadine Garner) is still adjusting to life after her husband Lucies' disappearance 8 months earlier. Nobody knows why he disappeared, but they keep commenting on it throughout the show.

In the meantime, the local paper is running a series of articles about Ballarat's most infamous unsolved mysteries. A couple of locals seem to have met their fate and it looks like it might be tied in with the articles.

Chief Supt. Matthew Lawson with a few innocent questions gets Jean Blake's interest up. Soon Jean Blake, with her knowledge of the town's history, is practically running the investigation.

Do not be afraid to watch the series and they do wrap it up at the end of episode 2.

BOOOOORING

[mkeawsh_2000 · 1/10 · 28 August 2019]

Now just another typical run-of--the-mill murder mystery show.

Dr. Blake's character was unpredictable, sometimes out of control, enjoyable to watch his fumbles and faux pas, the caring moments and thoughtfulness. He made it a totally different original type of murder mystery. This new show - boring. It needs Dr. Blake and his antics. Thank goodness, there are the five seasons that I am able to relish viewing.