Tag Archives: Murdoch Mysteries

Preview: Murdoch Mysteries, “Murdoch Knows Best”

Murdoch Mysteries fans know there are certain things that will happen in a season. An appearance by Terrence Meyers is one of them.

Played by Peter Keleghan, any scenes with Meyers crackle with an energy that I love. So, I was excited to preview Monday’s new instalment, “Murdoch Knows Best,” written by Simon McNabb and directed by Don McCutcheon. And, I have to say, this may be one of the best Meyers-themed episodes ever.

Here’s the CBC’s official synopsis:

After a man’s murder, Murdoch and Brackenreid discover spy Terrence Meyers’ civilian life.

And here are some observations from me after watching the episode in advance.

Terrence Meyers… family man?
You absolutely never know when Meyers is telling the truth. Spies lie. So, is the CBC’s synopsis that we truly go into his civilian life fact or fiction? I had a lot of fun finding out, and think you will too.

Guest stars aplenty
Aside from Peter Keleghan, look for Leah Pinsent (Keleghan’s real-life wife) as Meyers’ spouse. Also, Cynthia Preston, Jim Annan and Nicholas Fry all drop by. Though the episode is titled “Father Knows Best,” a nod to the classic American sitcom and the surnames on that show, I caught a surname attached to another classic series, and the episode’s director; and there is a very clever nod to a certain board game many of us have enjoyed.

Meanwhile, back at the Station House…
Watts and Crabtree are approached by a youth basketball team who are concerned because their coach has gone missing. A bloody hat is their only clue. Speaking of Watts, David Andrew Reid, introduced last week as Mr. Strange briefly returns on Monday.

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

Images courtesy of Shaftesbury.

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Preview: Murdoch Mysteries, “The Incorrigible Dr. Ogden”

What has Julia gotten herself into? That was my first thought upon seeing images for Monday’s new instalment of Murdoch Mysteries. Had she been sent to an institution for bad behaviour?

As it turns out, she’s there for a very good and important, reason. Here’s the official synopsis for “The Incorrigible Dr. Ogden,” written by Christina Ray and directed by Craig David Wallace:

To solve an inmate’s murder, Murdoch sends Ogden undercover at a woman’s reformatory.

And here is more information from me after watching an episode preview.

Things start gorily
Murdoch Mysteries isn’t known for being over-the-top with its portrayal of dead bodies, and Monday’s death certainly isn’t that. Still, it’s a little disturbing to start off the episode with, well… you’ll see.

A Slasher star guest-stars
If you’re a fan of Slasher: Flesh & Blood or Kim’s Convenience, you’ll recognize Sabrina Grdevich in a key role on Monday. Keep your eyes peeled for August Winter (Mary Kills People), Sarah Dodd (Anne with an E), David Andrew Reid and Murry Peters.

Margaret is back!
And it’s good to see her.

A new case for Watts
A case of kidnapping brings a new person into Watts’ life, just when things seem to be at an impasse with Jack.

A history lesson
Yes, the Andrew Mercer Reformatory for Women was a real place. Opened in 1872, it closed in 1969(!). Find out more about where it was located, and a building that still stands from the complex, here. And, learn more about Eva Tanguay, “The Queen of Vaudeville,” and Long Tack Sam.

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

Images courtesy of Stephen Scott for Shaftesbury.

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Preview: Murdoch Mysteries, “I Know What You Did Last Autumn”

Remember “Sir. Sir? Sir!!!,” the Halloween episode of Murdoch Mysteries that was so controversial? An homage to classic horror movies like Invasion of the Body Snatchers, it featured a dire conclusion. Fans either loved it (like me) or hated it.

Here we are again with a Halloween instalment of Murdoch Mysteries. Will it be as galvanizing as “Sir. Sir? Sir!!!” was?

Here’s the synopsis for “I Know What You Did Last Autumn,” written by Simon McNabb and directed by Craig David Wallace:

At Halloween, Murdoch pursues a killer dressed as a clown who is terrorizing romantic, young couples.

And here are some observations by me after previewing the episode.

It begins with the opening credits…
Monday’s episode lets you know this one’s going to be different with a twist to Robert Carli’s theme.

… And gets creepy fast
Like the serial killer genre it is acknowledging, “I Know What You Did Last Autumn” features a mysterious phone call that goes downhill quickly.

A killer costume
Anyone who is disturbed by clowns will be freaked out by this MM creation. The fact the mask looks handmade is all the scarier, in my opinion. Someone took the time to make themselves look this way. Gah. Helping in the investigation is Miss Cherry, who reported on events the previous year when a clown was stalking “teeners.”

Meanwhile, back at the Station House
Watts and several other lads partake in a pumpkin carving contest. Turns out that Watts is much better as a detective than a jack o’ lantern maker. Also? Someone in the MM cast of characters seems to have invented a certain spice we enjoy so much of today.

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

Images courtesy of CBC.

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Preview: Murdoch Mysteries, “Love or Money”

From the comments many of you have made on this website and on the TV, Eh Facebook page so far, you are really enjoying the tone and storylines in Season 15 of Murdoch Mysteries. I have too, especially last week’s case on the train could with William facing off against his biggest foe … Henry and Ruth’s daughter, Jordan.

Here’s the official synopsis for Monday’s newest installment, “Love or Money,” written by Noelle Girard and directed by Sharon Lewis:

When Murdoch investigates the murder of a ladies’ man, Crabtree’s auntie is the prime suspect.

And here are some non-spoilery observations from me after watching a preview of the episode.

George is back
After a couple of episodes away, Constable George Crabtree appears in Monday’s storyline, supporting Effie as she continues to reflect on her ordeal. As for Effie, she’s not sure practicing law is her true calling.

Debra McGrath guest stars
After having her real-life husband, Colin Mochrie, be part of the Murdoch universe, it only makes sense that veteran actress Debra McGrath would appear. My only question is: what took so long? McGrath is pitch-perfect playing another of George’s aunts … and we can add a new flower to the list of The Flower Girls of Flower Hill. McGrath steals every scene she is in, and the comic timing between her, Jonny Harris and Yannick Bisson is impeccable. Also, keep an eye out for Shaun Benson as Anthony Quivell, a private investigator searching for money taken by the dead ladies’ man.

Julia gets in trouble
When a woman enters the hospital complaining of extreme abdominal pain, her doctor waves it off as something simple. Julia, not happy with his diagnosis, goes behind his back. You can imagine the results.

Director Sharon Lewis makes a mark
Murdoch Mysteries is a visually stunning show. But on Monday, director Sharon Lewis introduces intimacy through the camera work. During conversations, the camera pulls in quite close to the characters, making me feel like I was an active participant. Let me know if you feel the same way.

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

Images courtesy of CBC.

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Preview: Murdoch Mysteries, “Blood on the Tracks”

Happy Canadian Thanksgiving to those who are celebrating. CBC is doing their part to mark the holiday by serving up a plateful of drama and laughs on Murdoch Mysteries. Yes, we do meet Higgins and Ruth’s baby, as the above image suggests, but there is a lot more to the episode than that.

Here is the CBC’s official synopsis for “Blood on the Tracks,” written by Noelle Girard and directed by Yannick Bisson.

When their train derails, Ogden and Brackenreid suspect it was sabotage to hide a murder.

And, as always, a few notes from me after I watched a screener of the episode.

Hitting the rails
Last week’s instalment, “Manhunt,” (a great episode, by the way), brought Louise Cherry, Miss Hart, Julia and Effie to the volleyball pitch, with Inspector Brackenreid as their coach. This week, the ladies are on their way back from a match on the train when the aforementioned blood on the tracks occurs.

A sumptuous set
I am constantly impressed by what the team at Murdoch Mysteries is able to create. This week, entire train cars were built to tell the A storyline (alongside exteriors filmed in Tottenham, Ont.). All I can say is, wow. Also, Shanice Banton doesn’t get to show the wry, sarcastic side to Violet Hart often; she gets a few nice jabs in on Monday night. And, look for a fun sight gag behind Brackenreid while he and Julia are inspecting the crime scene.

A new invention
In Monday’s instalment, it’s a Sunday in Toronto, and William heads to the office to work on his latest creation. I won’t give away what it is; let’s just say MM continues to hint that it is the precursor to the things we enjoy today. Also? It’s because of a new-fangled holiday that Higgins has brought his daughter to the office leaving William with his hands full.

Watts goes on a date
Jack and Watts head to the horse track to place some bets, and an offhand comment from Watts reveals a nugget of backstory.

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

Images courtesy of CBC.

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