Ep 5. Murder a la Mode

Miss Fisher's Murder Mysteries is an Australian television drama series that follows the adventures of the glamorous and sophisticated private detective, Phryne Fisher, played by Essie Davis. Set in the 1920s, the show is based on the popular novels by Kerry Greenwood and features a varied cast of characters including Phryne's loyal assistant, Dot Williams, her admirer and police detective, Jack Robinson, and a rotating cast of suspects and victims.

Season 2, episode 5, titled "Murder a la Mode", finds Phryne juggling multiple mysteries as she investigates the sudden death of a young model during a photo shoot. As always, she's ahead of the game, piecing together the clues and interviewing the suspects with her usual charm and wit. But when another young woman goes missing, Phryne realizes that she's dealing with more than just a simple murder case.

The episode opens with Phryne attending a glamorous fashion shoot, trying to catch a glimpse of her friend, the famous designer, Madame Fleuri. But when one of the models collapses and dies, Phryne suspects foul play is involved. As the police arrive to investigate, Phryne examines the scene and quickly finds evidence suggesting that the model was killed by someone she knew. With the help of Inspector Jack Robinson, Phryne begins to piece together the victim's relationships, uncovering some surprising secrets along the way.

At the same time, Phryne is also dealing with a personal mystery of her own. She receives a mysterious package containing a valuable diamond necklace and a note from an anonymous sender. Phryne is initially delighted with the gift, but when she discovers that the necklace may be tied to a recent burglary, she becomes suspicious. Is it a trap? And if so, who is behind it?

As the investigation into the murdered model continues, Phryne's attention is diverted once again when a young seamstress goes missing. The girl, who worked for Madame Fleuri, was last seen arguing with one of the photographers, adding another layer of suspicion to an already complicated case. Phryne races against time to find the missing girl before it's too late, even as she continues to pursue the identity of her anonymous gift-giver.

The tension builds throughout the episode, with multiple suspects and red herrings keeping viewers guessing until the end. As always, Phryne's quick thinking and fearless attitude make her a formidable opponent for any criminal, but she also shows a softer side, expressing compassion for the victims and their families. The episode is filled with stunning visuals, from the elegant dresses and hats worn by Phryne to the gorgeous Art Deco sets and locations, including an exquisite vintage dress shop and a bustling, candlelit café.

Overall, "Murder a la Mode" is a thrilling episode of Miss Fisher's Murder Mysteries that combines a gripping murder mystery with engaging characters and sumptuous visuals. It showcases all the things that make the show so beloved by fans, from Essie Davis's captivating performance as Phryne to the clever writing and intricate plotting. Whether you're a longtime fan or new to the show, this episode is sure to entertain and keep you on the edge of your seat until the very end.