It’s official. Elvis Stojko has been the most enjoyable casting of Season 12. His guest appearance as the dim-witted Sam caught many of you off-guard; I got many comments from viewers who didn’t know it was Stojko until they read my interview with him. Nikola Tesla and an out-of-nowhere reference to The Chipmunks was just icing on the cake.
But as much fun as “Murdoch and the Undetectable Man” was, Monday’s tale has a darker tone. Written by Simon McNabb and directed by Mina Shum, here’s what the CBC has released about the story:
When a man dies in a deliberately set fire, Murdoch’s investigation reveals some shocking personal history.
And here’s a bit more from me after watching the episode in advance.
Murdoch gets cinematic
The episode begins with Detective William Murdoch standing, alone, in a forest. The camera pans up into the canopy while a simple piano and strings soundtrack plays. Birds chirp, the wind rustles leaves. It’s easily one of the most simple and cinematic scenes I’ve witnessed on Murdoch Mysteries. There are many introspective moments on Monday, spare amounts of time where nothing is said … and doesn’t have to be.
Body image is addressed
A young woman presses Julia for a procedure that the good doctor advises against. And yet, against her advice, the woman goes through with it.
CBC’s description is an understatement
“Some shocking personal history” is, perhaps, the understatement of Season 12. William is rocked by what happens on Monday. A hearty congratulations to Yannick Bisson and Hélène Joy for their performances.
Five-star guest stars
Shockingly, Sara Botsford and Peter MacNeill have never appeared on Murdoch Mysteries before; that is remedied in “Sins of the Father.” Stephanie Belding and James McGowan return as Nurse Sullivan and Dr. Forbes, respectively.
Murdoch Mysteries airs Mondays at 8 p.m. on CBC and streaming on CBC Gem.
Images courtesy of CBC.
A-ha! I thought that was an Alvin and the Chipmunks reference! Thanks for confirming for me!