Ep 12. Unnatural Habits

Set in 1920s Melbourne, Miss Fisher's Murder Mysteries is a detective drama series that follows the keen and stylish private investigator, Phryne Fisher (played by Essie Davis), as she solves complex murder cases while navigating the intricacies of high society. The show's second season features an exclusive episode named Unnatural Habits, which takes Phryne and her team on a thrilling quest to uncover a sinister conspiracy involving illegal adoption and human trafficking.

The episode opens with Phryne receiving a case from the nuns at the Magdalene Laundry, a Catholic institution that houses and provides employment for supposedly 'fallen' women. Sister Mary Benedict (Sara Wiseman) seeks Phryne's help in finding a missing girl named Mary Mulrooney, who was rumored to have left the convent to give birth to a baby. However, as Phryne begins to investigate, she discovers that there is more to the case than meets the eye.

Phryne arrives at the Magdalene Laundry, disguised as a prospective worker, and immediately senses an air of oppression and secrecy. As she explores the convent's winding corridors and hidden rooms, she uncovers evidence of violent abuse and exploitation of the women under the guise of reform and virtue. She soon discovers a shocking truth- unwed mothers are not just hidden away in the convent, but are also subjected to forced labor, malnutrition, and medical experiments. And worse- their babies are not given to adoptive families, but rather sold to the highest bidder in the black market by a powerful syndicate.

Determined to stop the crimes and bring the perpetrators to justice, Phryne enlists the help of her trusty associates, including Detective Inspector Robinson (Nathan Page), her partner Jack (Robyn Nevin), and her loyal maid Dot (Ashleigh Cummings). Together, they track down the missing girl and embark on a dangerous mission to infiltrate the syndicate and rescue the other women and their babies. But the stakes are high, and as Phryne and her team uncover more of the group's dark secrets, they are put in grave danger and must use all their wits and skills to stay alive.

Unnatural Habits is a riveting and emotional episode of Miss Fisher's Murder Mysteries, which tackles sensitive themes such as women's rights, social injustice, and the exploitation of vulnerable communities. It features breathtaking cinematography, compelling acting, and fast-paced action sequences, which keep viewers on the edge of their seats. The episode also highlights the strength and resourcefulness of its female characters, who fight against misogyny and corruption with courage and determination.

Overall, Unnatural Habits is a must-see episode of Miss Fisher's Murder Mysteries, which explores dark undercurrents of injustice and immorality in a historical context. It offers a moving and thought-provoking commentary on issues that are still relevant today, and shows how a group of individuals can come together to make a positive change in the world.