In 1989, Kerry Greenwood of Melbourne published the first book in a series that brought a magnificent heroine to the world. Miss Phryne Fisher, the central entity of the series, now delights fans across the world through books and Netflix. Sadly, I haven't allowed myself much leisure reading time, so I've only encountered Miss Fisher via Netflix.
The Honourable Miss Phryne Fisher is a Melbourne detective — quite unofficially, yet much more effective than the red-tape restrictions of legitimate police forces allow their men to be. She is dexterous in her abilities, according to Essie Davis, the actress who brings the femme fatale to life; the skills possessed by Miss Fisher range from fan dancing to crime scene analysis and mastery of various foreign languages to directing films, to name only a select few.
The show is in a beautifully-created third season, which is available for instant viewing on Netflix. Personally, the initial appeal of the show was about the historical setting and accuracy of the costumes. Marion Boyce is the show's costume designer. Her personal interest in 1920s fashion — of which she has her own private collection — has given the show an extra flair of legitimacy and aesthetic appeal. Miss Fisher never approaches anything with a less-than-perfectly crafted outfit, thanks to Boyce, even if she's climbing a roof, chasing a murderer or sipping a drink.
Miss Fisher is the real reason I stuck with the show, however. Tucked in between satin dresses and fur coats was a woman that I truly admired. Her past was cloudy and traumatic; she had experienced an abusive relationship with an older male lover, served as a nurse during WWI and lost her little sister to a cruel man when they were just children. Her present, however, never ceases to be a firework of a life lived fully.
Phryne is the woman who pursues all of the things that delight her and dismisses the judgments of others. The people that surround her are true friends that are drawn to her kooky and liberated lifestyle; everyone from her butler to her ward share her unshakeable devotion to pursuing justice, truth and equality.
Miss Fisher doesn't shy away from her sexuality, which is progressive and tasteful. The show, which is largely created by women, understands the liberation that is provided by comfort with sexuality; thusly, Miss Fisher is freed from societal constraints because she just doesn't give a damn about being judged for her decisions. If the show featured a male character doing the same, it would most likely go unchallenged. Miss Fisher follows the same route; it doesn't define her nor consume her, but is merely an aspect of living a life that suits the creator of it. In this case, Phryne creates a life that pleases herself first — and doesn't burn any unnecessary bridges while doing so.
I've meditated on brave women quite a lot recently. As a young woman who struggles with confidence and personal growth, I work to surround myself with figures, especially other women, that encourage me to be fearlessly authentic. Miss Fisher, although fictional, makes this path tangible and realistic. I remain in the fantasy world for the 50 plus minutes of each episode and enjoy the chases and sprees and mysteries; when the show is over, I savor the lingering sense of strength that resonates long after the end credits have ceased to roll.
Being brave isn't necessarily about wearing trousers in the early 20th century, although that's part of it. Miss Fisher's brand of bravery is so vibrant and revolutionary that the setting is just a facade, as her challenges are still all too relevant almost 100 years later. She fights inequality in almost every episode. I've watched her pursue factory workers' rights, acceptance of female race car drivers and education for orphans and abandoned children, as well as many other worthy causes.
Phryne is incredibly adorable and well-dressed, but her desire to lead a positive and helpful life is so much more attractive. She's gutsy in all the right ways and never turns her back on an adventure. I admire her dynamic life because she experiences every moment fully and with a philanthropic vibe that can't be ignored. Miss Fisher is the most controversial and kindhearted woman on television. She is the perfect blend of human emotion, unbridled curiosity and devout feminism. It's the most palatable and yet inspiring mix; wrapping her in a package of couture gowns and suits is simply the cherry on top of a delightfully well-done show.
Looking into the future, there are whispers concerning a full-length film. With such a vibrant set of admirable characters, I hope the show is given the opportunity to expand to the silver screen.
