Frankie Drake Mysteries Season 3 [DVD]

I gave up on Series 2 after a few episodes because the stories became too ridiculous for words - as with the associated "Murdoch Mysteries", the whole thing seem to have descended to a very poor level. Upon the advice of a friend, it was decided to give the show another chance with Series 3, and here the makers do seem to have pulled their socks up and, overall, this series is a great improvement on its woeful predecessor. In a totally undemanding way it is quite entertaining and benefits from likeable and well-portrayed leading characters.As with all these light "period" detective shows, whether it be "Murdoch", "Father Brown" etc., we are presented with a completely fictional depiction of life the way it was "back in the day". These shows are as much a fantasy as "Game of Thrones" or "The Hobbit". Which is fine when the makers stick to producing a good old yarn. Alas, the writers can't resist the temptation to proselytize and preach about contemporary issues whenever they get the opportunity, all too often falling into the trap of trying to impose present-day values on past eras. It takes a highly skilled and intelligent author to do this effectively; in shows such as "Frankie Drake" (and others of this ilk) it is usually clunky, very simplistic and sometimes downright inaccurate. With this series, it doesn't completely spoil the entertainment but it does jar, and shows like this would be so much better if clumsy moral crusading was eliminated.If you can tolerate this unfortunate element, and the usually "pantomime villain" depiction of some of the detectives' opponents, then there is fun to be had with this show.

Lauren Lee Smith has grown on me, and I now rate her 5 star as a lead in series. This series 3 has, sadly for me, begun to get a bit hard to take, like "Murdoch Mysteries". So I try not to take the implausibilities too seriously and just go with the flow. The 4 main characters are diifferent and all very likeable. The plots vary but on the whole are fun. It's harmless non violent entertainment (there is some violence of course, it's just not gratuitous). If I was 40 years younger I could fall in love with Frankie, and Rebecca Liddiard as her "Morality Officer" colleague. It's fun, and well made and siutable for everyone. (though I did find Ep2 - where Frankie enters the boxing ring to be rather daft, but hey...)

Like so many series it's now too Politically Correct for words and hece boring. Same thing's happened to the Murdoch Mysteries series.

Great series.Love the whole team

Light but entertaining. The four women's fashion is high quality. A pleasant way to spend less than an hour per episode.

Like the Canadian scenery. The writter's wit and the casr members sense of fun

Somwthing a bit lacking compared with S1-2 but still good entertainment. Roll on S4.

Watched all 3 series now and good watch with a bit of comedy into the mix