Miss Fisher Murder Mysteries is often referred to as a feminist show. One of the many ways it goes about demonstrating this is in the the way it regularly disregards gender in the interactions between showâs characters.
This is not to say that gender is entirely ignored in the show, but I will argue that, in many ways, the gender of the characters is irrelevant.
For example, Iâm not the first to say that the characters of Phryne Fisher and Jack Robinson are not stereotypical depictions of their respective genders, but Iâm going to take it one step further and say that, in their relationship to each other, Phryne and Jackâs genders are immaterial.
A lot has been said about how Phryne turns gender norms on their head, behaving in ways we are more used to seeing stereotypically male characters behave. I want to focus on the way she and Jack interact, because I think itâs one of the reasons their relationship is so incredible to watch.
While there is an undeniable sexual attraction, the show, early on, establishes that they view each other first and foremost as human beings on equal footing. They could swap genders, or be of the same gender, and there would be very little difference in how they interact. For two characters as outwardly feminine and masculine as Phryne and Jack, this is remarkable.
This disregard to gender norms is covertly evident in the very first episode.
Their first encounter takes place with Phryne in a one of the most stereotypically feminine ensembles she ever wears. It is pink and floaty with demur white gloves and shawl. She is smily and flirty. Jack is in staid grays and browns, hair firmly slicked back to accent his strong, masculine jaw and he wears a deep scowl on his face.
Almost immediately, Phryne goes from slightly silly and flirty in his presence to commanding and serious as she recites a detailed and accurate analysis of the crime scene.
Jack appears disgusted to have run across this flighty female who looks at crime as an amusing hobby. Sheâs just another toff who thinks rules donât apply. He quickly becomes a man intrigued and rethinking his first impression âand it has nothing to do with her beauty and flirting. Itâs about her insights and observations. She not clever for a woman. Sheâs clever. Period.
Heâs impressed, and the next time he greets her at the station, itâs with a now earned modicum of respect. He doesnât behave like a man in thrall to a beautiful woman, and heâs not going to go out of his way to help her, but heâs cordial and forthcoming with information, and speaks to her the same way he addresses the men in the room. He doesnât mince words or worry that a woman might be too delicate for a discussion about an illegal abortion ring. Heâs just as straight forward in his actions with her as he is with everyone else.
She outright tells him she plans to meddle in the Butcher George business and he doesnât warn her off, or express concern that itâs dangerous for a woman. Heâs happy to let her do as she pleases, and canât be bothered to care much.
Due to the time period, a Detective Inspector would probably have to be male, but replace Phryne with a man in this scene, would anything about the interaction be different?
Later, when Jack hears Phryne is in trouble, he doesnât immediately rush off to rescue the damsel in distress. There wonât be any Dulcinea Effect on this show. Sheâs not a women in need of Jackâs protection, sheâs just another annoying pain in his ass in a town full of them.
Phryne is first introduced as a bit of a crusader. Unconventional and amazing, but firmly on the side of the angels. Sheâs come home to make sure her sisterâs killer wonât go free, she immediately takes up the cause of the young girl nearly killed due to an illegally obtained abortion, and after pursuing the thief that stole her earrings, she ends up trying to help him.
At first glance this might make her seem like the nurturing, caretaker type of character often depicted by a female lead, but in other instances, she behaves in ways weâve come to expect of male characters. Her confidence and overt sexuality being just the tip of the iceberg.
By the second episode more of Phryne and Jackâs respective personalities are revealed and expectations continue to be turned around.
Jack may not be so stiff as he first appears. Heâs not above using Phryneâs intelligence to his benefit. Heâs manipulative in a way we often see female characters behaving. He teasingly lets her know that he can see through her deceptions, (shoes with âballistic capabilitiesâ) similar to the way a woman might gently let a man know sheâs on to his tricks without challenging him, or risking insult to his masculinity. Jackâs not above flattery either, climbing up on the train to coerce her to help him. Heâs not a man stooping to meet a woman at her level. They are evenly matched.
They both know what the other is up to, and while neither is fooled, they seem to enjoy the back and forth. She drops any false flattery, and through the banter, they speak to each other in a knowing and equal manner. You could make them both the same gender and it wouldnât make a difference in these interactions. They are individuals, first and foremost, each starting to respect the otherâs abilities.
(Iâll pause here to acknowledge the amazing  sexual chemistry between the two leads, but ask yourself, is their being of the opposite sexes really a requirement of it?)
Another early example of Phryne defying gender norms happens when she first takes in Jane, the runaway child. One might assume she does it out of some type of nurturing impulse, but when Mr. Butler asks how long the child will be staying, she replies, âUntil she tells us everything she knows.â
This is not maternal instinct driving Phryne, her interest in Jane is initially case driven. She wants answers. After that, what happens to the child is of little interest.
These first two episodes set the tone for the relationship between Jack and Phryne and it is not reliant on him being male and her female. They are two individuals that recognize each otherâs abilities and are becoming friends. Regardless of gender, their budding relationship would unfold the same way, based on mutual respect, and a similar way of viewing people and the world.
Itâs not just with each other that gender is immaterial. Both characters are very consistent in their treatment of all individuals, male, female, adult or child. Neither is swayed by societal status or rank. They live their lives with integrity and expect others to do the same in order to earn their respect.
Their gender identities are not flipped, they are irrelevant, with both characters allowed to show traditionally female and male characteristics equally.
Neither of them openly show much emotion, (usually a male characteristic) but they donât hide their sensitivity either, (a supposedly female trait). When Jack speaks to Phryne of his broken marriage there is an obvious regret that heâs not afraid to show.Â
Phryne lets Jack see the guilt and pain she feels over her sisterâs death. Both of them make plain the toll some cases take and their mutual sorrow over manâs cruelty to man. They are two no-nonsense, hardened, but compassionate people. They are human beings, kindred spirits and possibly the most equal partners I have ever seen portrayed.
Because Phryne, the lead, and Jack, the most dominate male character in the show, are mostly gender blind in their interactions with each other and others, the show is able to illustrate how ridiculous the attitudes of a patriarchal society and inequality between the sexes really is.
Phryne is most definitely the hero of these stories, but, by ignoring gender stereotypes, the show has been able to introduce a partner, and love interest for her, without diminishing her power or overshadowing her. Itâs incredibly refreshing.
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