Frankie Drake Mysteries (2017), Season One Review
I always get a thrill when I discover a new period drama, and Frankie Drake Mysteries was no exception. I stumbled upon this Canadian series and knew almost nothing about it. Eagerly, I found the first season and dove in one evening to meet Frankie Drake and her friends.
Frankie Drake, played by Lauren Lee Smith, is a determined and bold woman. As one of only two female detectives in Toronto, she knows she has to work twice as hard to prove herself. She’s learned how to handle herself in tough situations. With her business partner, Trudy Clarke (Chantel Riley), Frankie is paving the way for women in unconventional careers. Among those impressed by Frankie is Ernest Hemingway (played by recurring guest star Steve Lund). However, any potential romance is set aside as Frankie focuses on her latest case involving a stolen necklace and the reappearance of someone from her past.
This period drama, set in the 1920s, is one of the most fun shows I’ve watched in a long time. From the same team that brought us Murdoch Mysteries, it’s no surprise that Frankie Drake Mysteries is captivating, especially since I love the crime drama set in the 1800s. There’s even a guest appearance by Jonny Harris as his Murdoch character, George Crabtree, in one episode.
The show is full of 1920s glamour, from the sets and music to the costumes and witty banter. Speakeasies and morality officers are common themes throughout the series, which focuses heavily on its characters. We get to know the titular character, Frankie, well over the ten-episode first season. Each episode gradually reveals more about her mysterious past. Trudy also stands out, not only as Frankie’s partner but as an intriguing character herself, complete with an endearing family. Then, there’s Mary, played by Rebecca Liddiard, a charming and buttoned-up morality officer with a father who was a beat cop.
This show pays great attention to detail, and the mysteries keep the pace lively. The cases that come through Frankie Drake’s detective agency range from the mystery of the Russian princess Anastasia to jewel thefts and espionage. The plots have enough twists to keep viewers hooked without becoming too heavy, which is a nice balance. Frankie’s witty and sassy personality adds a touch of humor that keeps things light. The good news for fans is that a second season is on the way.
For anyone who enjoys period dramas like Miss Fisher’s Murder Mysteries or Murdoch Mysteries, Frankie Drake Mysteries won’t disappoint. It’s full of sass and personality while ensuring its main aim is to entertain, which is something that’s increasingly rare in today’s TV landscape.
Content Note: The ten-episode series does include some adult content, tense moments, violence, and scenes with dead bodies in the morgue, but nothing is overly graphic. Depending on the episode, the rating would be between TV-PG and TV-14.
Where to watch: Although this is a Canadian series not readily available in the US, you can purchase a Canadian region DVD set on Amazon, which is compatible with US DVD players. UK viewers or those who can play UK PAL formats can find the DVD set for the first season.
Have you watched this series or Murdoch Mysteries? What are some of your favorite 1920s period dramas? Share your thoughts below!
