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Preview: Frankie Drake Mysteries says goodbye to magical Season 2

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Say it isn’t so! Season 2 of Frankie Drake Mysteries has come to an end already? I’m sad, but what a ride it’s been. I’ve enjoyed this sophomore set of 10 episodes under new showrunner James Hurst. Interesting cases, killer guest cast in folks like Natalie Brown and Anthony Lemke and lead character advancement has been a joy. Seeing Mary has been a particular treat; new we need to learn more about Flo.

On Monday, it’s the second season finale. Here’s what the CBC has revealed about “Now You See Her,” written by James Hurst and directed by Ruba Nadda.

When a magician’s assistant is killed, Frankie goes undercover to find the culprit. But can she see clearly through the smoke and mirrors?

And, for the last time this year, my thoughts after watching a screener.

The magic man
Saving Hope and Burden of Truth fans will be happy to see Benjamin Ayres appear in Monday’s season finale as Ben Sellers, a magician who is key to the case. Other guest cast include Timothy Dowler-Coltman, Amy Groening, Raoul Bhaneja, Mishka Thébaud and Murdoch Mysteries fan favourite Nigel Bennett.

Trudy’s in charge
With Frankie going undercover, her right-hand woman steps into the lead investigator role. It’s a great opportunity for Trudy to show her stuff and progression as a sleuth. As for Mary? Well, magicians aren’t her favourite thing. Kind of like me when it comes to clowns.

Frankie Drake Mysteries airs Mondays at 9 p.m. on CBC.

Images courtesy of CBC.

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Preview: Frankie Drake Mysteries deals out drama

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While a new episode of Murdoch Mysteries was bumped from CBC’s Monday night schedule for the Scotiabank Giller Prize, fans of Frankie Drake Mysteries will be happy their favourite ladies remain intact. And what an episode! After a few weeks of Bessie Starkman vs. Frankie Drake, the gals go all out in “Dealer’s Choice.”

The CBC released the following synopsis of the episode, written by John Callaghan and directed by Ruba Nadda:

Frankie and Trudy reluctantly take a case from mob boss Bessie Starkman, but things take a turn when Frankie’s accused of murdering a mole.

And, as usual, here are my two cents after watching a screener.

Gambling gals
Frankie and Trudy are investigating the case of a lost silver pocket watch. It seems like a simple enough case. But a twist and a turn later and the pair are face-to-face with Bessie Starkman (Natalie Brown). Needless to say, Bessie is not happy to see Frankie. Bessie, if you remember, expressly warned the private investigator to steer clear of her dealings. Soon, Bessie finds herself grudgingly teaming up with Frankie in the hunt for the watch.

Guest stars galore
“Dealer’s Choice” boasts 19-2‘s Conrad Pla, The Expanse‘s Ted Whittall and The Handmaid’s Tale‘s Rohan Mead in various roles throughout the hour. Whittall’s character is a particular kind of cad. Recurring cast members Grace Lynn Kung and Anthony Lemke are featured too.

Frankie Drake Mysteries airs Mondays at 9 p.m. on CBC.

Images courtesy of CBC.

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Preview: Frankie Drake Mysteries digs for diamonds

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Diamonds and race horses and gardens, oh my! Whenever I see an image of Wendy Crewson dressed in Nora’s finery I know we’re going to be in for a treat. Frankie Drake Mysteries is jam-packed with great characters, and Nora’s swagger takes it to another level. Plus, her constant back and forth with Frankie leaves me in stitches. Nora appears in Monday’s new episode; here’s what the CBC has revealed about “Diamonds are a Gal’s Best Friend,” written by Carol Hay and directed by Peter Stebbings:

What starts as a simple case of a missing horse leads the team into the gardens of Toronto’s elite in pursuit of a murderous jewel thief.

And, as always, more tidbits from me after watching a screener.

Anastasia Phillips guest-stars
Phillips (above) most recently appeared on Reign and Grey’s Anatomy, but I’ll always remember her in two of the creepiest episodes of Murdoch Mysteries ever. Phillips portrayed Charlotte in “Me, Myself and Murdoch” and “The Incurables.” Anyway, she drops by Frankie Drake Mysteries as Camille, the daughter of the farmer whose horse has gone missing. The delicate case calls for Nora to help. Keep an eye out for Cliff Saunders as the farmer,  Christopher Morris as Count Johan, James Graham as Hank and Laurie Murdoch (Lachlan’s dad) as the hotel manager.

Frankie and Trudy visit the wilds north of Lawrence Ave.
I live, no joke, a five-minute walk from Lawrence Avenue. That made the moment Frankie remarked it’s not often cases take them that far such a hoot. Even better? She and Trudy are on a country road, surrounded by fields of corn, and drive by a sign marked “Forest Hill coming soon.” The times have certainly changed.

Flo has eyes for…
I won’t ruin the storyline. But it’s hilarious. Speaking of Flo, I’m hoping she’s able to break free of the city coroner. I’m tired of her being hemmed in by him and looked down upon. Give Flo her own business!

Frankie Drake Mysteries airs Mondays at 9 p.m. on CBC.

Images courtesy of CBC.

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Preview: A deep dive into Detective Greyson on Frankie Drake Mysteries

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Up until now, Frankie Drake Mysteries fans have only gotten a glimpse of the man Detective Greyson may be. We know he’s a law-abiding man—a good trait to have when you are a cop—and that he has a bit of a soft spot for Mary and Frankie.

We get a better picture of Greyson on Monday during the newest episode, the cheekily-titled “Fifty Shades of Greyson,” written by Jessie Gabe and directed by Cal Coons. Here’s what we have for an official storyline from the CBC:

Mary’s (Rebecca Liddiard) job is threatened when she accuses Detective Greyson (Anthony Lemke) of hiding evidence. Has she overstepped her bounds, or is Greyson a dirty cop?

And, as always, a few more tidbits from me of the non-spoilery kind.

Titillating in the 1920s
Franke Drake begins downright saucily, with a burlesque dancer finishing her feathered fan routine in front of a rowdy crowd. That dancer is CiCi Storm. The sassy, self-proclaimed Baroness of Burlesque, played by Sidney Leeder, is accused of a crime and it’s up to Mary and the girls to collar the correct culprit. Aside from Leeder, look for Matthew MacFadzean and Elise Bauman in guest roles. Bauman is Muriel, a fellow morality officer from another precinct who has a taste for the macabre.

Bessie Starkman returns
I was hoping we’d see the cutthroat character played by Natalie Brown again. And boom, she appears on Monday in all her sarcastic glory.

Frankie’s motorbike is back
I was wondering last week where Frankie’s motorcycle had gotten to. Had she sold it? Crashed it? Had the writers decided she didn’t need it anymore? Nope, she uses it to get around on Monday.

Frankie and Greyson go toe to toe
It was hinted in the Season 2 press release that Frankie and Greyson would butt heads. There have been minor nods so far this season but “Fifty Shades of Greyson” turns into the kerfuffle we’ve been teased about.

Frankie Drake Mysteries airs Mondays at 9 p.m. on CBC.

Images courtesy of CBC.

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Preview: Frankie Drake Mysteries visits a league of their own

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Batter up! With the World Series ending in the real world, the ladies of Frankie Drake Mysteries head to the diamond as well.

Monday’s new episode, “Extra Innings,” is of particular interest to me because I was invited to be part of the 1920s audience at the baseball game. Sadly, I wasn’t able to be a part of filming because of my day job schedule. Still, I was looking forward to seeing what the episode looked like … and what might have been.

Here’s what the CBC has released as the official synopsis:

Frankie (Lauren Lee Smith) suspects sabotage when a baseball player dies mid-game. Her investigation puts her at odds with ruthless mobster Bessie Starkman (Natalie Brown, The Strain).

And here’s a little more I can tell you after watching a screener of the instalment written by John Callaghan and directed by Sudz Sutherland.

Natalie Brown plays in the Frankie Drake sandbox
I still miss her on Dark Matter—hell, I still miss Dark Matter—but Natalie Brown is fantastic as mobster Bessie Starkman. The role is particularly great because Bessie goes head-to-head with Frankie, meaning plenty of screen time for Brown and Lauren Lee Smith to share and their characters trade verbal barbs and idle threats. Oh, and it turns out Bessie Starkman really existed.

Amanda Richer guest stars
I had the pleasure of interviewing Amanda Richer when she portrayed Helen Keller on Murdoch Mysteries last year. She’s just an all-around great human being, so I was excited to see her name in the credits for “Extra Innings.” She plays Viola Kelly, a rival baseball team player who is accused of the crime. Additional guests include Amanda Barker as baseball catcher Eileen “Redwood” Richardson and Vincent Walsh as Coach Dutch Cunningham.

Mary knows her stats
It’s been a lot of fun getting to know Mary’s quirks. Turns out she loves baseball. Flo? Not so much.

Frankie Drake Mysteries airs Mondays at 9 p.m. on CBC.

Images courtesy of CBC.

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