‘Brilliant’ crime drama with ‘outstanding’ acting is better than DCI Banks

Fans of ITV’s Endeavour and DCI Banks must watch this period crime drama

Crime drama enthusiasts have just discovered their next obsession – and it’s an ideal watch for devotees of ITV series such as Endeavour and DCI Banks.

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, reports the Express.

The programme opens with Dr Blake returning to his hometown of Ballarat after a 30-year absence, having studied medicine in Scotland before serving in the Far East during the Second World War. He takes over his late father’s 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.

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 1950’s-1960’s Australia, way darker than Endeavour). I’ll also second Inspector George Gently (amazing series! ) and Unforgotten.”

While another contributed in a separate Reddit thread on the same subject: “Agree with all the foyles war and george gently suggestions, they’re awesome. I would add dr. Blake mysteries, father brown, grantchester… [sic].”

The Doctor Blake Mysteries has garnered significant acclaim on IMDb, with one viewer awarding a 10/10 rating and stating: “Craig McLachlan’s acting is brilliant in this show! I just can’t say enough of his brilliance at portraying the part of Dr. Blake. As I said, outstanding acting on Craig’s part.”

Another highly-rated review 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 enthusiastic reviewer observed in their top-tier assessment: “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 continued: “I didn’t 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.”

The Doctor Blake Mysteries is currently available to stream on U and Channel 4 at no cost.