Murder Call

I enjoyed this series (two seasons) and admired the crisp direction and technical aspects. The characters are well defined and the acting is serviceable. However, the dialog seems to be written at a grade-four level, lacking both grown-up wit and any sophistication or dynamics in the vocal interplay that distinguish these murder shows from one another. That's probably the result of the scripts being written solely to advance the plot; the characters sometimes act in a ridiculous manner, making logic-defying choices that no trained cop would make. But it is reservedly wonderful to see a series where the female plays Sherlock, solving crimes while her Watson partner scratches his head.

I just picked up "Deadline" by Jennifer Rowe at a garage sale and on the cover it proclaimed "Introducing "Murder Call"'s Senior Detective Tessa Vance. I was instantly transported back 10 years. Even when it was first on television the station mucked about with the times - often it was on at 9.30 or later. But I persevered. It was so unlike any police show before or since. It was very "noirish" - the sets were often suffused in amber, the venetians

made the shadows slanted, the rooms were often dark - exactly like a 1940s detective movie. Lucy Bell's beauty was in keeping with the theme - dressed in Armani suits (or was it Gucci??) she had a blonde loveliness that set her apart.

It was advertised "Detective Steve Hayden (Peter Mochrie) solves crime by the book but Detective Tessa Vance (Lucy Bell) uses intuition" and each episode usually ended in a voice over from Tessa putting all the clues together and then calling Steve (usually in the small hours of the morning) with her solutions - which were always right!! The gruff Det. Inspector Malcolm Thorne was played by Gary Day, who cut his teeth on "Homicide" one of Australia's first police drama series. There was also Geoff Morrell as Lance Fisk in forensics, Glenda Linscott as "Tootsie" Soames - she did the autopsies and Jennifer Kent as Dee Suzeraine, the police photographer. They were all great and perfect in their roles. In the tradition of "Midsomer Murders" there was never just one murder - the crazy killer always had several people to dispose of.

I wish I had this series on DVD - I'd even settle for VHS!!!

Highly Recommended.

I loved this series, only complaint is Fisk, too opinionated and rude to Dee, Imogen and Hayden. The inspector gives orders, but only wants to be involved when it's a high profile crime. I know that it's just a series, but the two of them got on my nerves.

It's a shame Murder Call lasted for only two series. The lead actors were great, the stories enthralling, the locales and production values fantastic. And the theme song was very catchy!!! It was, at the time, the Nine Network's most-expensive program (if my memory serves me correctly).

Why it didn't last any longer than two years is beyond me. But then again, it was in a difficult time-slot on Tuesday nights. Ratings, schmatings!

Australians have a knack for producing quality dramas. Think, Flying Doctors, Police Rescue, Water Rats, A Country Practice, All Saints.

It's a pity our sitcoms aren't as well-made!

I like everything about this show! The actors in this ensemble are natural in fulfilling their roles. I like the (sort of film noir) feel to it. And actually wish I could buy/download the quirky theme song! Only sorry it was a short-lived series.