Preview: Murdoch Mysteries, “Rawhide Ralph”

Ralph Fellows has quickly become one of Detective William Murdoch’s most dangerous foes. Colin Mochrie’s portrayal of the villain is smart, smug and truly devious, the perfect foil for our hat-wearing hero.

Ralph returns in Monday’s instalment, “Rawhide Ralph,” written by Peter Mitchell and directed by Bosede Williams. Here is the CBC’s official synopsis:

Murdoch’s son Harry is coming to visit when he and Ogden, who is pregnant, are abducted by a nefarious, vengeful foe.

And here are more observations from me after previewing the episode.

Additional guest stars
Aside from Colin Mochrie, look for Brandon Oakes (Diggstown, Anne with an E) as Uriah, the return of David Andrew Reid as Milo Strange, and Dylan Trowbridge and Tammy Isbell, who have both guested on Murdoch Mysteries in the past as different characters.

The action starts right away
Harry and Julia, who are headed to Toronto by a horse-drawn coach, run afoul of a nefarious vengeful foe almost immediately. Taking the scenic route does have its drawbacks. Far from being meek about the situation, Harry promises to keep Julia safe from Ralph. And while he has a sharp tongue, it may lead to harm. Also, it may not be what Julia may have planned, she and Harry bond over their circumstances.

Back in Toronto…
Milo is begging Watts to attend his latest fete, but the latter is concerned about keeping a low profile and wary of being in an additional relationship. Watts is barely able to reflect on his next steps when the case of a missing woman comes in Station House No. 4, the wife of a man Watts knows very well.

Violet and Arthur
Things may appear to be all smiles between these two, especially in public, but the truth is far darker.

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

Images courtesy of CBC.