Preview: Murdoch Mysteries, “The Final Curtain”

The last time John Brackenreid was on Murdoch Mysteries, it was in the two-part Season 12 finale. John had been shot, recuperated and announced to his parents that he was going to quit being a copper and pursue a career as an actor.

We catch up with John during Monday’s episode, “The Final Curtain,” written by Simon McNabb and directed by Mina Shum. Here’s what the CBC has revealed as the main storyline:

An actor is killed at a play attended by Murdoch, Ogden, Crabtree, and Brackenreid.

And, as always, here are a few tidbits from me after watching a screener.

The Final Curtain
Not only is this the name of the episode, but it’s also the name of the play John Brackenreid stars in. As the episode begins, we join the main characters at the theatre. Watts makes quite the entrance and Murdoch asks a question I always wonder when I attend the theatre. Watching the performance, and how our favourite characters consume and comment on it, is several minutes of fun. And, I think, more than one gentle poke at some critics along the way.

Margaret gets some attention
And Brackenreid isn’t bloody happy about it.

Guests aplenty
Look for Jim Mezon as Grayson Howard, Sara Garcia (X Company) as Ada Cunningham, Jessica Huras as Joan Dalloway, Aidan Moreno as Barney Finch and Ivan Sherry as Herbert Gould (he portrayed Mayor Hopkins back in 2012).

A bottle episode
A traditional bottle episode of television refers to the fact the storyline takes place on just one set. It’s traditionally done to keep production costs down. I have no idea if that’s why Monday’s episode stays in the theatre, but it’s a nice (and literal) change of scenery.

Murdoch Mysteries airs Mondays at 8 p.m. on CBC.

Images courtesy of CBC.

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20 thoughts on “Preview: Murdoch Mysteries, “The Final Curtain””

  1. It is actually not just one set though it feels like it. We shot the actual theatre stage and auditorium in St Mary’s but most of the backstage rooms were built in studio. It is however the first episode not have a horse according to people standing around on set.

    1. Theatre means costumes and that means a lot of work done by Joanna Syrokomla & Co.
      I already love the royal outfit on Julia. A feast for our eyes! The colour is superb, the slim waist-stressing skirt and the buttons… the hat…

  2. Hi ,I am inquiring when the episode of Murdock that takes place in Kingston is to be televised. Don Bracken

    1. You may want to check the Ovation TV website (www.ovationtv.com); this channel may show the current season of MM sometime next year. It ran Season 12 earlier this year in April. You can sign up for news emails on the site.

  3. We loved this episode! “The Final Curtain” was great fun and kept us guessing until the very end. There was plenty of humor throughout. It was fun watching the Murdoch regulars hamming it up as much as the stage actors.

  4. Loved Final Curtain great whodunit lots of drama plus very funny moments! The aging lothario trying to seduce Margaret was hilarious and then her refusal to accept John’s escapades was a total been there done that moment for me. Great to see Julia getting her hands dirty with murder again. All in all a home run for this series!!

  5. Great episode! I call these episodes “Murdoch classics.” An interesting plot, an unusual theatrical interior, participation in the investigation of all your favorite characters in the show, a harmonious combination of serious and funny scenes. Pleases the appearance of John Breckenried, in this profession I like him more. It should be noted the wonderful costumes of actors, especially Julia. Dr. Ogden had an interesting idea about theater directing, see if it will be realized.
    The final scene of Julia and William is exciting, like all scenes of expression of feelings of this beautiful couple!
    I hope the following episodes will be just as interesting.

  6. What a clever and entertaining episode !
    I imagine everyone had a blast making this. How did they keep their faces straight ?

  7. I really enjoyed this episode. It’s MM’s at its best when Julia is involved with William solving a case. There has been a lot of talk about the possibility of Julia cheating on William. I know because I was considering it myself. But after the last couple of episodes with all the affection Julia and William are giving each other there is absolutely no indication that Julia is upset or bored with William, In fact it’s the opposite. I still believe Dr Dixon will become more and more obsessed with Julia as the season moves forward. I think we are in for a unpleasant finale for Julia.

  8. Ummm why isn’t the killing dose episode up on this site?? I certainly have plenty to say!!

    1. If I had to guess, it’s a mid season finale, he may not be able to say anything more about it, if indeed he knows what happens.

    2. Given the controversial nature of the subject, it was possibly a wise, if frustrating, move not to place a resume of the story and allow comments.
      Who knows ?
      Personally, I found the whole episode lacking in any credibility.

      Although, it’s good to see Detective Watts is back on his snacks !

  9. Who here thinks that Julia was only going to the hospital to resign at the end of The Killing Dose?

    1. I certainly hope so but I don’t think she’d tender her resignation to Dickson but to the chief surgeon!

    2. I think that Julia was so upset at William’s reaction that she went to the one person who understands why she helped the patient die. Whether this was for comforting or because she is worried about the legal predicament she is now in remains to be seen. William’s response reminded me of how he reacted when he learned about Julia’s abortion. He opposes abortion and assisted death, but he was okay with Julia’s assisted pregnancy.

      1. Perhaps! We’ll find out on the 6th. And a word of caution to the writers of the episodes pull this situation out of the fire fast cuz we’re watching you!!! ( how is that for a double entendre)

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