Blake Miseries for Seven as Craig McLachlan fans stay away
The first outing of the Doctor Blake franchise without former lead Craig McLachlan delivered Seven a mediocre ratings result on Friday night.
McLachlan: Removed form the series after allegations
The Blake Mysteries: A New Beginning was fronted by actress Nadine Garner, who played housekeeper Jean in the original series. But it rated less than half of the audience of its final outing on the ABC.
Doctor Blake was axed by the ABC in March last 2017 after five series, despite being the national broadcaster’s most popular TV series. Its final episode on the ABC saw 891,000 metro viewers tune in.
However, late last year the show was then rescued by Seven, which announced the commission of a series of The Doctor Blake Mysteries telemovies.
Before the franchise could go into production McLachlan, who played Dr Lucien Blake in the drama set in 1950s Ballarat, was accused of sexual harassment.
McLachlan is now suing the ABC, Fairfax Media and actress Christie Whelan Browne for defamation over the allegations.
Seven and production house December Media eventually decided to go ahead with a telemovie without McLachlan, renamed The Blake Mysteries.
Garner stepped up to lead the show
Set two years later, it featured Jean Blake who had married Dr Blake shortly before he mysteriously disappeared.
Blake’s back and she’s on Seven! Here’s an exclusive first look at The Blake Mysteries telemovie. #BlakeMysteries pic.twitter.com/7bNWekcb2R
— Channel 7 (@Channel7) September 10, 2018
A late time slot, on a traditionally low viewing night of the week did not help The Blake Mysteries find an audience. Airing between 8.30pm and 10.30pm, the telemovie delivered Seven a metro audience of just 450,000. With regional viewing, this rose to 697,000.
However, Seven still dominated the ratings. Seven News – with a combined metro and regional audience of 1.2m – was Friday’s most watched program.
And Better Home and Gardens rated 882,000 nationally.
Tim Burrowes founded Mumbrella in 2008. He worked on Mumbrella until 2021. At various points he was editor, content director and editor-at-large.
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Watched it…..just say so…felt Nadine over acted initially but improved somewhat as show continued. Not sure if I would watch next one as it does lack something and that something is Craig. For the goodness sake the guy is still innocent so if you want a good show with good viewer numbers BRING CRAIG BACK!!
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I look forward to the new series, the cast is solid and like other shows where an actor leaves if the writing is good life goes on. I wish the cast all the best
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We enjoyed it last night. Don’t give up on it.
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As an avid fan of The Doctor Blake series I say give the new series
A go. I was disappointed that they didnt say what had happened
To Lucien until late in the programme but after they did say what
Had happened to him it seemed to be more believable and
I enjoyed the way it finished. I also Nadine Garner seemed to
Settle into the role as the programme progressed.
But the follow up series for Miss Fisher is an insult to her.i wont
Be looking at that no way it is like a satire.
I hope that Craig Mclachlan wins his case and comes back so
Good luck to him there is too much of these stars being shamed
With them having no answer to their accusers. PATRICIA HALLp
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I watched the new Blake Mysteries ,and enjoyed it far more without Craig in it. Script is better and the acting is more believable. Great show enjoyed watching the new series.:-)
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Dr Blake Mysteries will not work without Craig he is brilliant I cannot believe these accusations
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I love the show Nabien Garner did a great job but please please bring Craig Mclachlan back the show is not the same with out him
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It was on far too late! BHG went beyond 8.30pm and thus made very late viewing. Either cut down on the Ads or make the episode shorter.
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Bring back Craig McLachlan. It is not the same without him
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Whilst the new Dr Blake was interesting and Nadine was impressive it doesn’t inspire me to watch it in its present format,,Craig McLachlan was excellent in this role .regards Maureen Wainwright
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I enjoyed the new show, but missed Craig, who did a wonderful job as Lucien Blake. I think it is appalling that he has been sacked from the show. What is this? Guilty until proved innocent? All people do inadvisable things from time, but neither Craig nor Geoffrey Rush deserve to have their careers and mental health destroyed. Without a judgement, Craig’s career should have continued. He is scarcely in the same league of infamy as Rolf Harris!
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Bring back Craig and I will watch it, without Craig it’s not worth watching
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Love the show miss graig. ….come on guys we all make mistakes no one is perfect i think he has done his time …
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Hopeless without Craig McLachlan
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Must agree.. but theres NO role for sexual misconduct female or Male and GOOD actors get respect.So if Criag wins lets All give him due respect and diligence to his career.
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Loved it much better without Graig
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I thought the show was excellent. It moved through very quickly with no time for boredom and the acting was very good. I didn’t miss Craig McLaughlin at all. Well done Channel 7.
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Yes, we all miss Craig being in it but give it a chance. I thoroughly enjoyed it as it is much better watching Australian content than another US series. The Characters are good solid Characters. Good story line. Enjoyable .
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Craig was the Doctor Blake misterys. Bring him back.
What ever happened to being innocent untill proven gilty.
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Thought the show started and finished way too late. Plot good and actors from former series were at their best but the absence of Craig McLachlan was telling. He was the focus of the series and his rapport with and eventual marriage to housekeeper Jean (Nadine Garner) was the highlight of the show. Something missing now.
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Felt Nadine wasnt up to the task at the start but did settle into it as it progressed but it was somewhat boring and missing Lucien I have never been a Craig McLachlan fan until the blake series. I think this series will be short lived and Craig should be re-introduced if there is to be any success here
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We watched The Blake Mysteries, not expecting but hoping the new would come close to the old. The show had the same feel but was lacking something and that of course was Craig McLachlan. Not to detract from the performance of Nadine Garner, who was her usual great self as were the other cast members, but unfortunately we are huge fans of Craig and were disappointed that he was removed from the show. It’s appalling that we have this trial by media that is happening with some of our fabulous actors that are being accused of sexual harassment. We hope the situation is resolved quickly and Craig McLachlan is returned to the show in the role we all love him in, as Lucian Blake.
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Innocent till proved guilty i was always led to believe, bring back craig McLaughlin
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The show was alright. Nadine did rather well with huge shoes to fill. I did think it was wrong to jump on the band wagon whilst unfortunately Craig Maclaughlins career has been halted and condemned with no proof or trial. I did keep an open mind. It won’t succeed without Craig. For goodness sake bring him back.
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I enjoyed the show and have always liked Nadine. Please continue. I see time when Craig could return.
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Of course we miss Craig but I really love Nadine garner. So I remain loyal to Blake mysteries regardless of the outcome for Craig. Hope Craig is proved innocent.
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Ýes I agree that it all sounded like a bit òf a witch hunt he should still be in the show I think or they should have waited for the outcome of the court case.
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Watched the show fell asleep half way and then watched the ending. What we’re you thinking, no disrespect to Nadine BUT no Craig no Blake.
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It was a generic murder mystery with a female lead, a la Murder She Wrote or Miss Marple. I absolutely loved the character of Jean Beazley Blake. This was a caricature of that character. Jean was snarky and it played well with Lucien; it aided in the development of their relationship. She had nowhere to go with that type of personality here. I also felt that she was overacting. She seemed stilted at times then comic at others. As I am such a fan of Nadine Garner as Jean, I was stunned at the poor quality this time.
The best character, most true to the series was Cec. Second was Matthew. The new young constable didn’t seem to have much .
personality. And, the introduction of a younger female actor felt contrived and too plotted. Bad girl comes round at the end
I don’t like telemovie formats regardless; this one did not change my mind. Too many storylines, trying to tie up lose ends halfway through, trying to introduce new characters and have them gel by the end so as the production can be a stand alone. There is no chance for any character development over a series.
The only scene that felt natural was the discussion of Lucien between Jean and Matthew. That scene gave us the Jean Beazley Blake who has developed over five series. Everything else just felt forced and acted.
As an American viewer, if this was my first introduction to these characters, I would not bother watching again and I won’t if this is the direction of the new show. I see little difference between this and Murder She Wrote or Miss Marple. I am not interested in those shows.
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I was hooked from the start of the Dr Blake Mysteries with Craig Maclahan…and I really enjoyed the new series as well..I guess it leaves room so if it turns out Craig is found to be innocent then he can always come back to the series..still he is supposed to be innocent till proven guilty
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Rubbish. Tbe show is great and so is he. Now leave it alone.
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Hi. I am a fan of Doctor Blake. I didnt bother to watch it as it is not the same without Craig. I also dont like ads.
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Great comment ,I totally agree
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I enjoyed the show ,but would love Craig back,
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I agree it was missing Craig so hopefully they have left an opportunity for him to come back and he as Lucien and Jean can work together on crimes..will keep watching but maybe Friday night not the right time
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Just bring Dr Blake back. Not the same without him. I agree with what everyone else is saying innocent untill proven guilty.
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It was never a great show, ordinary script writing and often over-acted. I watched it for two minutes out of interest. I can’t watch it on principle of what is being done to McLachlan.
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I just loved Craig Maclaughlin in this role sorry Nadine…. it just doesn’t work for me…
No Craig no Blake for me….
All the best you Craig hope all works out for you…
Christina
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Oh no, I missed it!! 🙁 relying upon the 7 repeating it many times. hopefully will catch it then 🙂
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Loved it, especially Nadine, not the 2 hour format.
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I agree with you regarding the scene where Jean and Matthew are talking about Lucien. It had believable emotion and was well acted. I will stick with the new format to give it a chance and hopefully Craig will return one day when all these accusations are finally dealt with.
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Craig made the show. When are the replays of the first 44 episodes on channel 72 going to start again?
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Craig made the show. When will the replays of the first 44 episodes on channel 72 start?
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The new show has lost its spark of Craig McLaughlin not Ann Cafferty is trying to hard to fit in big shoes, and if try to be Miss Fisher don’t work?. it’s got inpack with crying am women it shouldn’t them against us. When the shows year when women were housewife or single with job not both,
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The Blake Mysteries is nothing without Craig. He made the (original) series. He is a great actor, as also saw him in Adelaide in Rocky Horror, where he was brilliant. Cannot believe the so called allegations against him. Bring back Craig.
Carol
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Sorry Nadine, I’ll keep replaying my collection of The Doctor Blake Mysteries. Unless Craig comes back.
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I fully agree with Jenny I miss Craig he made the show I watched the programme but didn’t enjoy it there was something missing bring him back he’s innocent ( bring him back if you want ratings )
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Well said, totally agree.
The plot was a shocker, too many loose threads that never gelled at the end. Who the heck was that guy who ended up being the murderer, l watched the plot diligently, but got totally confused with who was who. Terrible script writing and plotting, that’s what let it down badly.
Totally disappointed when the confused & unlinked ending was revealed.
It looked like they had an original script that included Craig, then scrambled to do a quick rewrite which failed dismally.
A failure.
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Just wasn’t the same. Need Dr Blake back.
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Bring Craig back! Movies was mediocre.
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I won’t be watching Dr Blake without Craig McLachlan, no way!
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I thought Nadine was excellent. Really enjoyed watching her step up to the lead role – she’s more than capable of carrying the series. But the script could have done with another rewrite- what was up with the murderer reveal?? That felt totally contrived and jarring. And the direction in regards to acting was lackluster and at times seemingly absent. All that said, I’ll watch the next one. Really enjoying seeing so many strong women on screen at once.
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I wonder if December Media can also sue for losses.
I hope the show continues…a wonderful Aussie drama ??
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I wish the judging would stop and allow Craig some dignity, and a return to the Dr Blake Mysteries. It was empty without him. I have resorted to watching reruns of the series. Please take heart Craig, you are a fine actor and sorely missed on the screen
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Just love Craig so sad to see career interrupted not finished because of allegations Dr Blake is Craig will be proven innocent and once again be entertained as we have been before in so many roles
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I have been a loyal fan of the Dr Blake Mysteries since day one. I believe it has been one of the best Australian TV series for a long time. I have bought the dvd’s from each series and have watched them over and over, even though you know what the ending is going to be. I am a 1970’s kid and I must say that my teenage kids also love the show. It is always hard to adjust when a main character leaves the show and the new series was no exception. I found it hard to follow the story at the start, probably because I was wanting to know how they wrote off Dr Lucien Blake, but I felt more comfortable when I found out that he hasn’t been killed off, just missing. I still love the show and will keep watching if the producers decide to continue with it, but I would be so grateful if you would “Bring back Craig”.
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amen
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Come on Australia. Here’s a high quality Australian production with Australian actors, costume and set designers and all the other creative types it takes to make a TV series, and you are not giving it a go. And some of you aren’t even giving the company’s new offerings a go before you’ve even seen them.
Stop blaming the wrong people and start supporting our home grown Aussie film and TV industry. I think it’s a cracking good show.
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I think it was VERY good but in its own respect- you can’t compare it to the series cause it’s quite different.
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Nadine had a huge load to carry and did better than well, however as much as I kept an open mind and tried hard not to think about the missing craig as Dr Blake, my thoughts were interupted throughout the show wishing Craig Was in it as it was definitely missing that unique point of interest that only Craig can bring as Lucien Blake. Hes the main reason I watched Dr Blake and he completely took it to its great heights due to his character and incredibly believable and charming acting skills.
It cant be an ongoing success without Craig. December Media needs to bring Craig back question is- does Craig want to come back after his ill treatment? Come back Craig. You will be proven innocent and return with your head held high.
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Bring Craig back! We miss him. What happened to innocent until proven guilty. What is the matter with these women with a problem with him complaining years later? If they were so upset by his behaviour why didn’t they slap him and get over it instead of ruining a great actor’s career. Strange they [Edited under Mumbrella’s comment moderation policy]
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What’s the world coming to?
Dr Blake made it through life making mistakes but they crucified Craig.
Turned over after 10 minutes, we once loved the show. It was flat and missing more than just Craig, sorry Nadine but even the production differed in standard.
Bring back Craig and the right to fail now and then.
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I really enjoyed it. Loved that Nadine got to lead and thought she did a great job. I will keep watching!
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I’m reading good and bad comments. I was hesitant for starter’s in watching it without Lucien there, but for Craig to have a show to come back to it needs an audience to keep the show going. And I have to say I enjoyed it Nadine and everyone did really well and I thank them for all the hard work they put in. Good job to all.
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I enjoyed the show and was surprised that I didn’t miss Lucien Blake in it, the cast were excellent I would certainly watch again.
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I was never Craig’s biggest fan until Dr Blake, loved Craig and Nadine.
Watched 10 minutes of the NEW Blake series then switched off.
Lost it, WHY are we sending people to Coventry for PC sake.
Wake up and so no to bullying Craig.
PS channel 7 YOU should have addressed the Elephant in our lounge in the first minute! WHAT happened to the Doc. I could have written better! Save your money don’t bother with the other “movies”.
Have the courage to bring back Craig. The viewers have voted, check your ratings!
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We have to keep watching to thank Channel 7 for supporting this great show. Hopefully it won’t be long until we see Craig back as Lucien.
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I watched the show and liked it. It was no different to previous episodes, except Craig was missing.
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I really enjoyed it. Loved Nadine and the cast, the usual locations. Didn’t miss Craig even though he was fabulous in the role – felt Nadine had the clout to carry it off.
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The additional character development was terrific. Loved Matthew with a pipe and his interaction with Alice. Mysterious Martin will surely cause problems in the future. Even Hobart provided some much needed sarcasm with his bloody nose. It was nice to see Jean’s official involvement in the town and friendship with Alice, but her relationship with Lucien is what’s missing. His voice was sorely missed. I am holding my breath (here in the USA) for Craig’s return.
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This is was the one show on TV I really enjoyed..
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Totally agree !
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I shall cut and paste this comment and send it to my 16-year-old twins, Emily and Max. So that they can read, analyse, and very much take on board writing that embraces all the heroic features.
Great clarity and fluidity of expression, prose beauty, precision of thought, an engaging and inviting style, a ‘take no prisoners’ and deft use of emojis and, of course, excellence in punctuation.
This short literary eruption goes beyond concinnity. It attains real equipoise.
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I missed it as well but it took that long to air it is already available on DVD. I can’t wait. Just a reminder; Craig also ummed and aaghed about returning after season 1, but he did, so give seven and especially Nadine a go. Hearing people stick up for Craig is good. A question. If everyone rips into Nadine then she may pull the pin herself, then what happens to The Blake Mysteries? I couldn’t imagine anyone else playing Jean. Nadine is perfect for the role. Give it a go.
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Craig himself as I understand it didn’t want to continue after season 1 but he gave it a chance and now look. Give 7 and especially Nadine a go. FYI: IT TOOK THAT LONG TO AIR, it’s already available on DVD so don’t panic. Also not a Craig fan but this has been a brilliant project that I couldn’t imagine anyone else but Craig doing. Good luck 7 and Nadine and thanks.
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Rick you have made my day, in fact my week!
Hilarious!… but sad at the same time.
I hope that the two teachers that were proclaiming to me recently that their “hard work” shows its fruits in our youth in its skilled use of English, read your post and hear it like it is.
Fruits be damned.
Bravo!
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Sorry but I thought was tedious and boring. I just miss Craig’s character.
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They had an ad during the show saying you can stream it from the beginning on 7Plus. They only have the first four series not the last.
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They had an ad during the show saying it was streaming from the beginning on 7Plus. They only have the first four not the fifth from last year.
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Always loved this show and Nadine was great but just felt something was missing. Craig! They really played off each other and their chemistry was always interesting. Another trial by media
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So much better than the episodes with Craig. This really highlighted to me that Nadine is one of Australia’s most talented actresses.
Craig’s acting was obnoxious as Dr Blake and the character was completely undesirable. He was rude and unstable.
And all the Craig fans remind me of Trump voters. You seem to think that Craig’s behaviour is typical locker-room trash talk and, as such, he has done nothing wrong. How would you feel if one of your work colleagues behaved as Craig has been accused of (by multiple women)? I only hope it doesn’t happen to you.
Now, about Craig no longer being in the series, shut up and move on.
Bring on many more of the Blake Mysteries.
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Loved the new show and hope more is produced.
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I agree!
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Loved it loved it loved it
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It seems that people forget that Craig gave the go ahead so that that 120 people who would have lost their jobs didn’t. He has not been convicted of anything nor even charged. And the fact he was dropped over allegations that apparently cannot be proved or substantiated (the upcoming trial will determine this) shows a vindictiveness that had nothing to do with allegations. The women who made the complaint appear for have been tricked by the media that hounded potential witnesses in McLachlan’s trial and Rush’s trial. No one’s life could stand the scrutiny that these men have endured. The media has continued to defame Craig without proof during this whole time. Bringing his name up over and over trying to put into minds that he is guilty. Destroying another human being is never right and that seems to be the goal of the media.
The meetoo movement was not for adult women who years later had a change of heart about their own behavior or had places they could go for support. Such as the production company, spouses, agents, the police. The movement was for women without power. Such as undocumented immigrants, women in low paying jobs, single mothers or those who had actually been physically assaulted/raped. This applies to men also. Women do these things to men.
This is a new show. I will watch it. But will forever remember how [Edited under Mumbrella’s comment moderation policy] caused damage to hundreds of men and women as the Metoo movement has.
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Heads up for those who missed it, try YouTube. It says it runs for 1hr 22mins.
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So many replies, so many (so called) opinions. This page looks more like a social media fan blog or a petition, than an opinion page for an article about a television drama.
Who may be best suited to playing what, is beside the point, the most important matter is the quality of the theatrical production itself.
The program was poorly scripted, appallingly directed and generally ill conceived.
To continue to bolster and inflate this kind of twaddle, and this kind of generally poorly produced drama is foolish. We are capable of better, and we should be investing in levels of excellence that begin at a very much higher point than those settled for by Blake Mysteries.
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Finally watched The Blake Mysteries. I enjoyed it thoroughly. Probably because I watched the show and not the criticism. Thanks 7 and to the cast, especially Nadine. Under the circumstances I thought you did an excellent job.
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Craig McLachlan is guilty until proven innocent. Get over it!!
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Bring back Craig… he made the show. I expected it to go on for years and years. I love the show but won’t watch without Craig… bring him back.
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Me too didn’t like the housekeeper taking over. Bring him back
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The show is not the same without Lucien Blake. It’s a real shame ?. Much prefer original: The Doctor Blake Mysteries with (❤Jean and Lucien❤) Bring back Craig Maclaughlin!!! to be reunited with Nadine Garner. I’m big fan of perfect couples regards Lucien Blake and Jean Blake.??
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Craig McLachlan is the heart and soul of this franchise.
In the UK we are just waiting for the chaos to stop and Dr Blake to be reinstated.
Leave the man alone!!!
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Bring back Craig!
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Bring back Craig Mclaughlin ASAP!!!!Please
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Love Dr Blake Mysteries! The show is not the same without him. Please bring Craig M back. Would love to see the chemistry between him and Nadine now that they are married.
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Loved the Blake mysteries but miss Craig please please bring him back not liking new format needs Craig back!
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I have not seen the Blake Mysteries, but I would think it just won’t be the same without Craig as Lucien Blake…please being him back?
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I agree. Bring back Craig M.!
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Miss Craig he is so great& the show is terrible without him. Will not watch again. Please bring him back.
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I have been a faithful US fan because your shows are so much better than the trash we have over here. However, I will no longer watch this show as it is not the same without Craig. I thought that in most civilized nations innocent until proven guilty was the norm. As the US with our government is no longer a civilized nation I have had to look to other nations to get my examples. I see I was wrong. Please reverse your snap judgment and bring back the star of the show. Whether you know it or not it is in a slow death spiral.
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I have no time for these [Edited under Mumbrella’s comment moderation policy] if you can’t speak up when the so-called offence takes place then shut up. Good luck Craig hope you return to the series, it’s nothing without you.
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I watched The Blake Mysteries on Britbox and I am seriously hoping for more. If Mr.Maclachan doesn’t return I’m okay. Bring Ms Gardner back.
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Will not make it without Dr. Blake.
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The Blake Mistry didn’t talk too much about Dr. Blake’s disappearance but one comment, that was not enough! It was too easy of a let go of Dr. Blake, no mention of looking for him… Left a bitter taste in the mouth! I couldn’t watch the show without Dr. Blake/ Craig!
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Please bring back Dr. Blake!!!!!!!
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