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Preview: Murdoch Mysteries, “Fox Hunt”

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Before I get into this week’s preview of Murdoch Mysteries‘ newest episode, I want to say a couple of quick thank yous.

First, thank you to CBC for inviting me to an incredible fan event celebrating 200 episodes. It’s always fun to be able to catch up with the people involved in making the show and it was an honour to sit with props master Craig Grant, costume designer Joanna Syrokomla and writers Mary Pedersen and Noelle Girard during the cast Q&A and screening.

Secondly, thank you to the Murdoch fans who made me feel like a rock star. Writing about this show we all love is a pleasure, and you telling me in person that you enjoy what I write and appreciate my thoughts on the show is something I don’t take lightly.

Now, on to this week’s episode! Here’s what the CBC has revealed about “Fox Hunt,” written by Simon McNabb and directed by Craig David Wallace:

When a fox hunter is killed, Murdoch suspects a group opposed to the sport.

And here are a few tidbits I gleaned from watching a screener.

The Mimico Newsomes have arrived
You can’t have an uppity social event without Rupert and Ruth! As usual, Cyrus Lane and Siobhan Murphy engage in some major scenery-chewing. I caught myself smiling every time they were on-screen, especially when Rupert revealed his post-Henry-Ruth nuptials adventures. Simon McNabb’s script is pitch-perfect for these two; can Rupert and Ruth please have their own spinoff or at least digital series?

Margaret appears
I was thrilled to see Margaret appear within the first seconds of “Fox Hunt.” And, if you listen closely, you hear Margaret discuss the story behind the dress she’s wearing.

Horses and Huckabees
It’s wonderful to see Thomas, William and others astride their equine co-stars. Meanwhile, Julia has a mystery at home involving the Murdoch’s next-door neighbours.

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

Images courtesy of CBC.

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Murdoch Mysteries

Link: Yannick Bisson says 200th episode of ‘Murdoch Mysteries’ ‘snuck up on all of us’

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From Katie Scott of Global News:

Link: Yannick Bisson says 200th episode of ‘Murdoch Mysteries’ ‘snuck up on all of us’
“The loyal fan base is the reason the show is as popular as it is, and this passion for the show, the stories, the characters is what helps drive all us to ensure that it is the best that it can be and continue to improve as the series goes on.” Continue reading.

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Featured, Murdoch Mysteries

Preview: Murdoch Mysteries, “Parker in the Rye”

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A new year is here and with it the remaining new episodes for Season 13 of Murdoch Mysteries. When we last left them, William and Julia were on the outs after he learned she was behind the assisted death of a severely wounded young woman.

So, will the pair make up on Monday night? Here’s what the CBC has released as an official episode synopsis for “Parker in the Rye,” written by Dan Trotta and directed by Mars Horodyski.

Murdoch sends Parker undercover to investigate the brutal slaying of a whisky baron and his family.

And here are more tidbits of information from me after watching a screener.

Julia and William talk
It’s brief, it’s off the top of the episode and it shows things are definitely NOT all right between the pair.

Parker and Crabtree work the streets
I love this pairing. I do miss Higgins and Crabtree working the beat together, but seeing the city through Parker’s eyes has refreshed the series for me somewhat. And it’s always nice to have an American around to make queries about how we do things in Canada.

Julia shines
She may not know what’s going on with her relationship with William, but Julia knows how to talk, listen and offer reassurance. She uses all three when speaking with Jacob Quincannon, played by Sean Dolan. Their scene together is wonderfully tender and emotional.

Gord Rand returns to Murdoch Mysteries
Last seen in 2014’s “Blast of Silence” as Travis Macquire, Gord Rand is back, this time playing a very bad man named Leon Bronson.

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

Images courtesy of CBC.

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Preview: Murdoch Mysteries, “The Final Curtain”

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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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Featured, Murdoch Mysteries

Preview: Murdoch Mysteries, “Toronto the Bad”

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I loved last week’s episode for a couple of reasons. The first was some quality emotional roller coasters regarding William and Julia. I know it’s not a very popular opinion among some fans, but I enjoy it when a wrench is thrown into their lives. Relationships aren’t easy in real life and there’s no reason they should be on television either.

The second reason I enjoyed “The Philately Fatality” was the revelation that Watts may be gay. Whether he turns out to be or not—yes, he entered the butcher’s apartment, but that’s all we saw, other than a curious and excited look on Watts’ face—I love the journey this character has gone on and the way Daniel Maslany has played it. The writers and actors have created some truly memorable characters over the last 13 seasons and Watts is one of them.

Now, on to Monday’s new episode, “Toronto the Bad,”  written by Dan Trotta and directed by Sherren Lee. Here’s what the CBC has revealed about it.

While moonlighting as a cab driver, Higgins finds a dead passenger in the backseat.  

And here are more details from me after watching a screener.

Higgins takes on a second job
It’s been hinted at before; now Higgins has jumped into a side career as a cab driver to make economical ends meet. Higgins is known more for comic relief, but you can feel the lack of sleep he’s feeling as he drives around Toronto in the dead of night. It’s also an opportunity for viewers to see the seedier side of the city, something we don’t see on the show often. Kudos to director Sherren Lee and director of photography Yuri Yakubiw for making Toronto look so sleazy.

Brackenreid and Murdoch on the case
I always enjoy it when Thomas puts on a hat and hits the street with William. The old-school versus new-school take on investigating is fun to observe.

Mrs. Huckabee drops by
William and Julia’s neighbour, Goldie Huckabee (Jonelle Gunderson) swings by for a snoop, er, visit. It gives Julia the opportunity to show off some of their home’s decorations. Also, look for Annie Briggs (CLAIREvoyant) as Lucille Anderson, the owner of MacRury’s Billiard Hall; Erik Knudsen (Continuum) as Frank Rizzo; Ethan Burnett as Tim Little, and veteran thespian Jason Blicker (Jann, What Would Sal Do?) as David Dillinger.

A nod to Hill Street Blues?
Something Murdoch says to Higgins has me convinced Dan Trotta is giving a salute to the classic cop drama.

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

Images courtesy of CBC.

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