"Death Defying Feats"[1] is the first episode of Miss Fisher's Murder Mysteries' third season and the 27th episode overall.
Synopsis[]
A sabotaged guillotine leaves a magician's assistant dead onstage and the magician confessing to murder—not of his assistant, but of his wife 10 years earlier. Phryne enters a world of deception and illusion and decides that to solve the crime, she needs to get in on the act.[2]
Plot[]
Cold Open[]
Dot, Bert, and Cec are attended a performance of the Cavalcade of Mysteries. The Mighty McKenzie is demonstrating a guillotine.
Back at home, Phryne is lighting some candles on the dinner table. At the police station, Jack is straightening his tie and checking his appearance. Phryne hears the doorbell and opens it, happily exclaiming "Jack!" To her surprise, it is her father at the door. Jack speaks on the telephone, telling Phryne (rather bitterly) that he understands.
Back at the Cavalcade of Mysteries, the Great McKenzie chops off his assistant's head.
Quotes[]
Phryne: If the killer didn't want the Miraculous Mermaid performed, then performing it...
Mac: ...would be dangerous.
Phryne: But might flush out the killer!
Mac: So might a methodical investigation?