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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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Comments and queries for the week of September 27

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It is bothersome when shows do something that undermines its essential goal, and part of that has always been that true love exists and is worth fighting for. The writers put in years investing in the relationship and to have a hint of unfaithfulness is troubling. And of course, it would be on Julia’s part. William has always been the one to give up everything for her while encouraging her to do what she wants and needs. My heart is broken. The first episode was so promising. Very disappointing. —Sara

It’s called Murdoch Mysteries, Julia should be back as the coroner working with William. I absolutely love the romance between the two but I fear the writers are going to split them up. Which would end it for me and Murdoch Mysteries. I couldn’t watch Julia in the arms of another man. —August

I agree, but I do love Julia. My favourite character; any episode she’s not in I tend to skip on a re-watch binge. I love her in the earlier seasons where she is bold and fierce, and pushes Murdoch to think for himself or reconsider things. I also love that Murdoch is supportive of her decisions and genuinely puts her happiness above his own. I mean, the loyalty, love, and respect that has been evident between them should always be the most eminent thing we see instead of “it just happened” kind of mentality that we see in shows today. That lust is more important and stronger than commitment. But still, Julia and Murdoch definitely do have passion towards each other, last season went out of the way to show us that. The first episode this season was sweet between them, and I loved how Julia put that guy in the end in his place (throwing the glass in his face), so when she closed the door this week and hugged the guy she must have known it was a bad choice, obviously. All that said, I am happy Julia is playing a larger role this season already, I’ve missed her, and I love the two together. But I also appreciate the mysteries and inventions, the historical figures and the gallantry, and I have to say they were better earlier seasons. I’m hoping the season picks up some more steam, I’d be sad to see it end, and it may sound silly, but if the writers do more to keep Julia and Murdoch apart, it’s the end for me anyhow. Like you said, too much has been invested, to ruin it now would diminish the relationship completely. I feel better getting this all out, damn good TV! —Alexa

Got a question or comment about Canadian TV? Email greg.david@tv-eh.com or via Twitter @tv_eh.

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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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Featured, Still Standing

Preview: Five seasons later Still Standing is still going strong

Back when Still Standing debuted, I remarked that Jonny Harris was becoming the next Wayne Rostad. Now, five seasons in, he really has. Like Rostad—who spoke to Canadians from regions of the country from 1987 to 2007—Harris has the wit and charm to win over strangers and get them talking, and a genuine warmth. You can’t help but like him.

Returning Tuesday at 8 p.m. on CBC, Season 5 follows Harris to a little part of the country I’d never heard of: Campobello Island. The New Brunswick community’s only year-round and direct access to the mainland is a bridge to the U.S. This, of course, makes for a unique Canadian/American cultural blend and many challenges.    Including, as Harris points out in the first minute, worrying about having your passport. If the ferries are running, you catch one from mainland New Brunswick to Deer Island and another to Campobello Island. If they aren’t you have to go through Maine.

It’s a unique trait not shared with the rest of the country. And, like the places showcased in Still Standing, makes Campobello Island’s 850 citizens unique. And, like those other communites, this one has fallen on hard times. A decline in fishing has seen the population drop; children are reluctant to stay if the area isn’t prosperous.

But while times are tough on Campobello Island, there’s lots to laugh about. And that, of course, is what Harris helps them do, whether it’s over outlandish border import rules or a wayward brining shed that made international new. Over the course of their visit in each episode, Harris and his writers craft fresh material based on the community and the people in it before entertaining them with a stand-up performance. The result? A funny, folksy look at smalltown Canada.

Future episodes include stops in Schreiber, Ont., and Harrison Hot Springs, B.C.

Still Standing airs Tuesdays at 8 p.m. on CBC.

Image courtesy of CBC.

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