‘Ms. Fisher’s Modern Murder Mysteries’ Recap: ‘A Killer Unleashed’

Written by John Edward Betancourt

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode Four of ‘Ms. Fisher’s Modern Murder Mysteries’.
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One particular truth that no one ever likes to face, is the sheer fact that crime is a random force of nature. One that can strike and upend a life at any time, and it makes sense as to why we despise thinking about that. Simply because we are beings that search for meaning and purpose in everything we do. So, the thought that an average human being could just snap and rob a bank, or worse, take the life of another human being… is genuinely unsettling and that is why crime fiction remains so popular. For it is a place where creative minds can put order to chaos and potentially find some meaning behind the randomness of the universe, giving us some semblance of peace. 
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But alas, deep down, we know that the chaos will continue to permeate and that the meaning we find in a fictional story may mean nothing in the everyday world and that should leave us quivering in fear. But thankfully, we don’t. Largely because we know there are people out there trying hard to keep us from harm and their efforts do indeed prevent some from trying to commit to the darkness and well, that creates a precious and fragile balance that we can all live with for certain. If anything, that delicate dance between order and chaos is relevant to our discussion today, because it serves as the focus of the next episode of the AcornTV series, Ms. Fisher’s Modern Murder Mysteries.

For ‘A Killer Unleashed’ sees crime take place in the most unlikely of places… a dog show. For right in the middle of competition, a well-known trainer named Lavinia drops dead. Seemingly because her prized border collie, named M’Lady, snapped and attacked her. But it doesn’t take long for Peregrine to realize that this gorgeous pup is about as gentle as they come, which leads her and James to come to the conclusion that foul play is afoot… but the grand question is why? Because it doesn’t make sense that someone would take the time to hurt another human being at a dog show, nor is there any rhyme or reason to commit to murder over an event where cute dogs prance about and do amazing tricks. 

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But alas, someone made that decision and as Peregrine and James dug deeper, the chaos and randomness and pettiness of murder came into focus. For as it turns out, the local veterinarian at this show, Dr. Clifford Gill, was the man responsible for this heinous crime. All because he opted to enter into an affair with Lavinia, one that she was eager to take part in so she could use his services for stature. Because she was able to woo him into quietly spaying M’Lady, all so she would forever win shows and no one would be the wiser that the rules about such a move had been broken... since he would certify M’Lady as ready for competition. But once Lavinia was done with him and the risk to his career and reputation were exposed, he chose violence and murder and well… that is about as chaotic and as petty as murder gets.
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Because his career could have survived elsewhere since he was obviously a capable and talented veterinarian. But instead, ego and the heat of the moment motivated him to go another path in life and take several in the process and that really is a supremely raw look at murder. One that hammers home the message of this particular tale and really, this show deserves a serious round of applause for going that route commentary wise. Because you just don’t see crime shows, especially cozier ones such as this, take the time to offer up such a frank and honest message about the world. But this one pulled it off no problem and did so in an entertaining and palatable manner and it just goes to show, that Ms. Fisher’s Modern Murder Mysteries is a genuinely unique crime series… one that can deliver on heavier concepts without leaving us in silence when the story ends. 

But while that message alone could have carried this tale, this episode also had some other important moments to offer the audience. Since it was revealed that Birdie is back in the spy business and scaring dear Samuel in doing so and of course… it was a huge deal that Peregrine and James, more or less resolved their awkwardness for the time being. For they really are a dynamic duo when on the case and hopefully finding a touch of peace here, will allow for them to eventually reconcile their feelings for one another. Since they are clearly, madly in love with each other, and the only way to figure that out is to talk about their feels. In the end, however, this was simply another incredible episode from this series, one that offered up a great mystery and a powerful message that was balanced out nicely by quality comedy, and it also had dogs. Which is always wonderful because dogs are pure, and you can never go wrong with a show that spotlights puppies and now that this case is closed, it’s time to sit and wait for next Monday’s caper… one that might involve a crooked cop. Until next time.

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