My Heroines: The Honourable Miss Phryne Fisher

In this first "real" entry I want to talk about one of my newest heroines: the Honourable miss Phryne Fisher (Essie Davis). She is the main character in the Australian TV series Miss Fisher’s Murder Mysteries, which is based on a series of books by Kerry Greenwood. I have understood there are some differences between the TV series and the books in considerations to both characters and plots. This entry will however be entirely about the character from the TV series, because unfortunately I have not had the opportunity to read any of the books (yet).

It seems that both versions of Phryne Fisher's "adventures" are quite popular in a lot of other countries throughout the world, but none of them have been given the attention they deserve over here in Sweden. The TV series is broadcasted on somewhat obscure channels, which probably contributes to this lack of interest, but not even sites like tvdags.se have talked about it that much other than a shorter article that does not say much about the show or its characters other than comparing it to Downton Abbey. There does not seem to be any interest in the third season either. It has neither been shown on TV nor is it up on Swedish Netflix. This is all a shame since it is such an amazing show!

The series is about Phryne Fisher (played by Essie Davis) who in the first episode arrives back in her native Australia, after having spent many years in England, to prevent the man in prison for kidnapping her little sister Jane (but who has never admitted to the crime) when they were children being released. Phryne is a wealthy lady after having inherited money and a title after the First World War, but has grown up very poor. She loves to dress up in fancy clothes (Her costumes in the show are amazing!) and jewellery, but because of her upbringing, she is not at all cheap! She understands what it is like to be poor. She often helps out friends, family (or other people she meets) if they have economic difficulties.

Phryne as a character is headstrong, independent, hedonistic, quirky, kind and somewhat reckless. She enjoys solving crimes and starts helping the police. In the course of the series, she develops a “special” sort of relationship with Detective Inspector Jack Robinson.

Jack is first married to Rosie Sanderson, but they get a divorce at the end of season one. It is clear, early on in the show that he and Phryne have a total attraction to one another, but Jack is quite shy and probably afraid of getting hurt and therefore is not exactly willing to commit to Phryne. It is also clear that Phryne is not going to wait around for him to make a move.

Phryne: “So, do you want to come have another look at the body with me?”

Jack:      “Is that an invitation?”

Phryne: “Well, I could wait all day for yours.”

~ Episode 3x1, Death Defying Feats

Phryne loves men, but is never dependent on them. She has sexual relations with various of different partners and is not ashamed to admit it. Jack does not handle this very well and is often openly jealous, but he understands that it is a part of who Phryne is and that he cannot change it. (Probably some of this contributes to his fear of commiting to her.) I also think that this sexual side of Phryne is really well portrayed in the show. It is always shown from her perspective (because it is totally her show!). This gives her an opportunity to be sexual, without being sexualized.

Phryne and Jack

One aspect I especially like about Phryne as a character is how "feminine" she is allowed to be. In popular culture of today (especially when it comes to the mystery genre), so called "strong women" are often masculinised. Lately I have started wondering why only those characters are enhanced in feminist debates. Actually creating female version of the stereotypical "macho man" does not really help women or society to become more equal. In this perspective, so called "female" characteristics are still given a lesser value than "male" ones. There is nothing wrong with being caring, loving, helpful and showing empathy towards others. Actually I think we need more characters with these characteristics (both male, female and other types of gender).

These characteristics does not prevent Phryne from enjoying a wilder side of life either. Actually she is often seen doing traditionally "male" activities such as flying an airplane, participating in a car rally and being physically active. She also seems to know quite a lot about sports such as (Australian) football, tennis and boxing. Besides all of this, she owns a pistol (golden and with a pearl handle) and keeps a dagger in her garter. This is really what makes her a whole person and not just a stereotypical "tomboy" or "girly girl" and a big reason to why she means a lot to me.