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Preview: Murdoch Mysteries, “The Philately Fatality”

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Last week’s special Halloween episode, “Murdoch and the Cursed Cave,” was almost resoundingly embraced by Murdoch Mysteries fans. You, like me, loved the storyline, humour (Higgins tackling the monster and Murdoch’s look of surprise at that killed me) and tone of the episode. It’s already taken a spot in my Top 10 favourite episodes of Murdoch Mysteries.

Now, on to Monday’s new instalment. Here’s what the CBC has revealed about”The Philately Fatality,” written by Mary Pedersen and directed by Sherren Lee.

Murdoch investigates the murder of a stamp collector with homosexual tendencies.

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

Watts returns
When I posted pictures for this episode on Facebook, many quickly commented simply “WATTS!!” Indeed, Daniel Maslany returns to Station House No. 4 for this storyline and Mary Pedersen’s script hints as to where he has been. Look for Jesse LaVercombe, Wade Bogert-O’Brien and veteran Quebec actor Charles Lafortune in guest roles; Jeremy Legat pops in to reprise Aldous Germaine.

Same-sex story
Homosexuality has been part of storylines since Season 1 in “‘Til Death Do Us Part,” memorably in Season 8’s “What Lies Buried,” and with Dr. Grace‘s character evolution. On Monday, we open with a house party where music is playing, drinks are consumed and dancing is happening. Sherren Lee does a wonderful job making us feel like we’ve been invited to the soirée. Not invited? Crabtree and Parker, who have been summoned to the home because of “noise complaints.”

Parker is bored
Though a murder has been committed, the former Pinkerton agent doesn’t feel as though his skills are being used to their full potential. Why is Murdoch seemingly holding him back?

Julia is flustered
Dr. Dixon arrives, unannounced, to her home while William is away. I will say no more.

Watts vs. Brackenreid
It’s no secret how Brackenreid feels about homosexuality. So his views on handling the case go up against how Watts wants to tackle it. The result is some great back and forth between actors Daniel Maslany and Thomas Craig thanks to Pedersen’s writing.

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

Images courtesy of CBC.

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Featured, Murdoch Mysteries

Preview: Murdoch Mysteries, “Murdoch and the Cursed Caves”

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Last year’s Halloween episode, “Sir. Sir? Sir!!!” was the most galvanizing Murdoch Mysteries ever. People either loved it or absolutely hated it. Me? I appreciated showrunner Peter Mitchell’s moxie for changing things up and going in a different direction.

So, will Halloween 2019 mark the return of an off-the-wall, outrageous storyline that will attract the ire of some viewers? Here’s what the CBC says about “Murdoch and the Cursed Caves,” written by Noelle Girard and directed by Mars Horodyski:

While camping Murdoch and Ogden discover two men killed by a fabled feathered beast.

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

A new theme for a themed episode
Oh man, do I love it when a show changes things up for a special occasion. All I’ll say is I want to use Robert Carli’s theme for my ringtone even more now. I can tell he had fun recording it; I smiled the entire time I listened to it.

Julia is back
Fans have been wondering where she’s been; some have speculated Hélène Joy’s absence because of her film projects. Beats me why, but she’s back next to Murdoch on Monday and has a special trip planned for she and William. Yes, the aforementioned camping.

Ruth and Higgins, side by side
It’s been a while since we’ve seen Ruth; thankfully that is remedied on Monday too.

Margaret returns too
The episode is jam-packed with familiar faces, as well as new ones in Barbara Gordon, and Matt Cooke who actually played Superintendent Sam Steele in “Murdoch of the Klondike.” Back in the city, the Brackenreids are celebrating a special occasion, but the neighbourhood kids are putting a damper on their evening.

Frightfully fun
I haven’t spoken to the episode’s writer, Noelle Girard, but I get the feeling she and the rest of the writing room called upon several spooky projects for inspiration. A certain animated Great Dane, a shaggy young fellow and a Mystery Machine immediately leapt to mind as I watched.

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

Images courtesy of CBC.

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Preview: Murdoch Mysteries, “Prodigal Father,” features Colm Feore

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It’s hard to believe that Colm Feore hasn’t appeared on Murdoch Mysteries before. According to the veteran actor of both stage and screen, he’d been ready and willing. Check out Melissa Hank’s great story on how Feore ended up on Murdoch Mysteries, as well as some additional story information.

Here’s what the CBC says about Monday’s episode, “Prodigal Father,” written by Simon McNabb and directed by Yannick Bisson.

A death at an investment event leads Crabtree to the father he never knew.

And here are more tidbits from me after watching the episode.

Colm Feore is fantastic
After wondering what George’s father looked like and what kind of man he was for 13 seasons, we finally find out. He’s dashing, well-spoken, charming and loves a good scotch. He’s also a big thinker, something his son has obviously inherited—and has big plans for Toronto. And how George finds out who his father is, well, it’s classic Simon McNabb fun. As for Feore, the actor? He commands every scene he is in.

Crabtree is puzzled
But is George ready for a relationship with his dad? He seeks Murdoch’s advice, but William has had his own complicated relationship with his father. Of course, Higgins has opinions on what George should do too.

Guest stars galore
In addition to Mr. Feore are appearances by Nabeel El Khafif (Ransom, Private Eyes) and Janine Theriault (Bellevue) in great little roles.

Murdoch’s crime scene mental walkthrough … with a twist
I won’t spoil it; I will say I laughed out loud.

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

Images courtesy of CBC.

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Preview: Murdoch Mysteries, “Forever Young”

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First, the bad news. Politics is playing havoc with our Monday nights. Due to a federal election debate, Murdoch Mysteries will not air on Monday, October 7. The good news? We still have this Monday to look forward to.

Here’s the official word from the CBC regarding “Forever Young,” written by Paul Aitken and directed by Sherren Lee:

When a young woman who disappeared a decade earlier is found dead, Murdoch is stunned she hasn’t aged a day.

And, as always, a little more information from me after watching a screener.

Two men in period costume.William’s latest invention unveiled
I’m hoping props god Craig Grant posts some behind-the-scenes shots of the contraption William is using in Monday’s opening moments. It’s wonderful, ingenious and makes the scene wonderfully funny.

A treasure trove of guest stars
Raoul Bhaneja, Patrick McKenna, Bea Santos, Jonelle Gunderson and Paul Braunstein all appear in the episode. Gunderson and Braunstein portray Julia and William’s super-friendly next-door-neighbours, the Huckabees; Bhaneja as Dr. Sanjay Prasad; and McKenna and Santos as, of course, Inspector Slorach and Louise Cherry.

Mr. Parker is useful
Murdoch Mysteries‘ latest addition is a former Pinkerton agent, so he knows his way around evidence and finding people. That’s handy. And his back and forth with George is sublime. I’m quickly warming to the Special Constable.

Two men in period costume.Crabtree’s input on the case is hilarious
A body that hasn’t aged a day? George has thoughts on the reason why. And I’m sure you can guess what they are.

Miss Hart vs. Detective Murdoch
The feud between these two kicks into a higher gear and it’s fascinating to watch.

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

Images courtesy of CBC.

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Featured, Murdoch Mysteries

Preview: Murdoch Mysteries, “Bad Pennies”

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The consensus is that you all loved last Monday’s Season 13 return of Murdoch Mysteries. And why not? A great storyline, a masterful Orsini bomb build by Craig Grant and a fantastic guest stint by Claire Goose added up to a stellar 43-or-so minute instalment.

On to Monday’s new instalment, “Bad Pennies,” written by showrunner Peter Mitchell and directed by Harvey Crossland. Here’s what the CBC revealed as the official storyline:

When a dockworker is shot, Murdoch pursues an elusive witness and learns anti-union thugs may be involved. 

And here, as always, are a few more tidbits from me after checking out a screener.

Three men stand, wearing period clothing.A footrace on the Murdoch set
I’ve visited the set of Murdoch Mysteries several times, so I know how small it was in those early days. It’s gotten progressively larger, something that is really shown off in the episode’s opening moments.

Marc Senior joins Murdoch Mysteries
Introduced in “Bad Pennies,” Senior plays Special Agent Robert Parker, a recurring character. The Toronto actor has appeared in The Magicians, Timeless and The Gourmet Detective TV-movies. Also, keep an eye out for Michael Rhoades and George Masswohl in guest appearances this week. Sebastian Pigott, Clare McConnell and James McGowan return as Dr. Dixon, Effie Newsome and Dr. Forbes, respectively.

Julia is enraged
And it has everything to do with the aforementioned Doctors Dixon and Forbes.Two men and a woman stand in period clothing.Henry gets drunk
And it’s very, very funny.

Miss Hart vs. Detective Murdoch
He was positively rude to her last week. The trend continues. If looks could kill…

Inspector Brackenreid is on the warpath
Murdoch and Crabtree get the rough side of the Inspector’s tongue. I wonder what could be bothering him? An impending visit from his daughter perhaps?

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

Images courtesy of CBC.

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