While I was aware of this series and had heard of it I’d
never been exposed to it before. And for a series to last not 1 or 2 seasons
but 11 says something about the quality it has to offer. So when I had the
chance to view this one released by Acorn Video I was anxious to see what it
was all about. I’m glad I did.
If like me you were never exposed the series takes place in
Toronto at the turn of the century. Detective William Murdoch (Yannick Bison) is
part of the Toronto Constabulary and works to solve various crimes using
methods most were not familiar with at the time. In essence the show becomes a
sort of historical version of CSI. Combining his criminological skills and
these new techniques he finds solutions to dozens of crimes.
He is aided by several cast members. They include Inspector
Brackenreid (Thomas Craig) his superior more inclined to using tried and true
methods of crime solving that Murdoch, Constable George Crabtree (Johnny
Harris) an inexperienced but eager young officer who dreams of being an author
and Doctor Julia Ogden (Helene Joy), the coroner and scientist in her own
right. By the time season 11 rolls around Dr. Ogden is now Dr. Murdoch as she
and the lead character are now husband and wife. The team also picks up a new
addition in the form of quirky Detective Watts (Daniel Maslany) who is
unorthodox but a solid detective who wants to learn from Murdoch.
When this season opens we find Murdoch in jail framed for
murder and his wife in hiding. The other members of the team have begun working
with a few others they trust to find the real murderer behind the death Murdoch
was framed for as well as the men responsible for the frame up. It all leads to
corruption and wealthy men in power and, since the show continues, it’s obvious
that they will find and identify those they seek.
From there the series moves on into territory it’s
apparently established in previous seasons with various crimes taking place and
Murdoch and his group using newly discovered methods to find the culprits. And
while doing so they often find themselves coming into contact with numerous
historical figures in the process. One example is a murder at a party featuring
Helen Keller hosted by Alexander Graham Bell. Another involves Mary Baker Eddy
who founded the Christian Scientists. Also on hand this season are Theodore
Roosevelt and Al Jolson.
What makes the series interesting is not just the chance to
solve the puzzle before the show ends as one does with all mystery series but
the discovery of various methods employed by this team. Not just that but how
they reference them. Instead of fingerprints that today we consider common
knowledge they refer to them as finger marks. The science was new at that time
but employed here by Murdoch and company.
It’s just one of many that are offered.
There isn’t a single actor involved in this show who does
not offer a standout performance. The difficulty in any series and in
particular one that takes place in the past combined with historical figures is
making the characters believable. Each actor here does exactly that with
perfection. In addition to doing such a fantastic job each character offers a
uniqueness about themselves that they become recognizable. Murdoch tends to be
stoic and humorless while Julia comes off passionate about all things.
Brackenreid is a bit of an old time copper and in this season is dealing with
his son making the decision to join the force. Crabtree is eager and energetic.
And Watts is, as I said earlier, quirky.
In watching this season it made me want to go back and
digest the previous ten. And if, like me, you are new to the series then don’t
worry. This selection doesn’t make it difficult to pick up what’s happening. I
knew nothing about the series save for what I read on the packaging about
Murdoch being imprisoned and I was able to follow along with ease.
Where ever you decide to jump on know that this series is
one worth investing your time in. Each episode is enjoyable and entertaining.
On top of that it will have you heading for google to find out more about the
guests that appear on the show, trying to find out first of they actually
existed and then what their lives were all about. With any luck young fans of
the show will begin looking into history since it brings it to life here. All
combined it makes it a series worth watching.
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