Murdoch Mysteries

bingeconnectco
Aug 11, 2020
2 min read

Updated: Aug 12, 2020

Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HGpo35Xm5BA

Networks/Platforms:

CBC, Ovation, Citytv,

Netflix, Youtube, Amazon Prime Video, AcornTV, Hulu,

Episode Length: Approx. 45 minutes

Run Time: 2008 - Present

Number of Seasons:13 Seasons (renewed for 14th)

Cast:

Yannick Bisson as Detective William Murdoch

Hélène Joy as Doctor Julia Ogden

Jonny Harris as Constable George Crabtree

Thomas Craig as Inspector Thomas Brackenreid

Summary:

Murdoch Mysteries, known as The Artful Detective in the US, is a TV show that takes place in Toronto, Ontario, in the late 19th century. It follows Detective Murdoch as he (successfully) attempts to solve the murders thrown his way, often impressing those around him with his modern mystery-solving methods. He is often joined by his faithful “sidekick” Constable Crabtree, the dominating, yet well-meaning Inspector and the independent and intelligent, Doctor Ogden. Together, they not only tackle petty crimes but assassination attempts, cover-ups by high-ranking officials, and the occasional case of feelings, with a little bit of history thrown in too!

Review:

Having been on the air for eleven years, some could argue that Murdoch Mysteries has run its course and has now become "boring." The reviewer would like to say otherwise. Sure, after thirteen seasons, there tend to be some repeated plot devices (i.e. Constable Crabtree's inability to find a lady friend or Doctor Ogden's need for an assistant). But the show has done an incredible job of not only creating unique mysteries for the detective to solve but evolving the characters and their relationships with one another in ways that seem natural. We see colleagues become friends (and sometimes more). We see characters make decisions that compromise their morals, but ultimately give them depth. We see life and death scenarios and how some are willing to go all the way for their loved ones. All the "heavy stuff aside," the jokes and pokes to future inventions and events are humorous, and the will-they-won't-they relationship will have you groaning because it's obvious they love each other! Yes, the show is guilty of creating relationship issues for "drama," but even those have some context and build up. Overall, Binge Connect recommends this show to anyone that has a love for mysteries or period dramas. Just beware of the commitment needed (and the fact that it was renewed for yet another season)!