Last week’s episode of Frankie Drake Mysteries took a 90-degree turn from the light storylines we’ve come to expect from the series.

In a tearful exchange between Flo and Mary, Flo discussed being sexually assaulted years before. It was a bold choice to cover a topic like that on a show I’ve come to view as lighter in tone than its Monday night neighbour, Murdoch Mysteries. I doff my cap to showrunner Peter Mitchell and his writing team for tackling the subject.

Here’s how the CBC describes this week’s episode, “Ward of the Roses,” written by Andrew Burrows-Trotman and directed by Stephen Reizes.

An old friend of Trudy’s needs her help when she finds herself at the centre of a highly fraught election campaign.

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

Olunike Adeliyi guest stars
The Workin’ Moms and American Gods actress joins 1920s Toronto as Etta Rose, who is running for Alderwoman of The Ward. While discussing how the voting preparations are going with Trudy and Frankie, they are visited by former Alderman William Hubbard. Look for Richard Walters to reprise his role as Tickles Malone, Flashpoint‘s Mark Taylor as Boyzey Pembroke, Marvin Kaye as a talkative bartender and Jann‘s Deborah Grover.

A history of The Ward
Anyone who is interested in Toronto history and learning about The Ward will enjoy some of the facts unearthed by Frankie, Mary, Flo and Mary in “Ward of the Roses.” If you want to learn more, read this excellent book.

No Frankie next week
Frankie Drake Mysteries is pre-empted on Monday, Nov. 18, because of the Scotiabank Giller Prize.

Frankie Drake Mysteries airs Mondays at 9 p.m. on CBC.

Images courtesy of CBC.

After a week away because of the federal election, Frankie Drake Mysteries is back with an all-new episode. Thanks to previews, we already know that Sean Cullen drops by, but what else can be gleaned before Monday night?

Here’s what the CBC has released as a synopsis for “Life on the Line,” written by Keri Ferencz and directed by Adriana Maggs.

When a toy store owner is the target of a harassment campaign, the gang goes undercover at a telephone exchange to nab the culprit.

And here is more info after I watched a screener.

Flo is at a crossroads
We’re so used to seeing Flo working on—and making jokes over—cadavers. But, what if she passes all of her medical tests and becomes a doctor? Aside from her studies, Flo and Mary don headsets and do some detective work.

Matt Watts guest stars
Watts, who has starred in The Newsroom, Michael: Every Day and The Writers’ Block, is a major part of the A-storyline as Ernie Penny, the focus of the harrassment. He hires Frankie and the team to uncover the person behind it. Watts is pitch-perfect, a neurotic, twitchy, bundle of nerves who is convinced someone is out to get him. Also, look for Katy Breier, who portrayed Lydia Hall on Murdoch Mysteries, Rodrigo Fenandez-Stoll of Kim’s Convenience, Hannah Cheesman and Alice Snaden in guest gigs.

Bill and Trudy
Romaine Waite figures into Monday’s episode too. She calls him to move their lunch date—work and all—and he gives the telephone a quizzical look as he hangs up. What’s going on with these two?

Frankie Drake Mysteries airs Mondays at 9 p.m. on CBC.

Images courtesy of CBC.