Girls rule! Boys drool! That was the first thing that popped into my head when I spotted images for Monday’s new episode of Murdoch Mysteries. As you can see above, that’s Effie Newsome, Louise Cherry and Dr. Julia Ogden looking very much like Charlie’s Angels as they strut Toronto’s cobbled streets.

Here’s what the CBC has released regarding “In the Company of Women,” written by Lori Singer and directed by Gary Harvey:

Ogden and Effie try to untangle the death of a hair salon owner that occurred outside Murdoch’s jurisdiction.

And here, as always, are more observations from me.

Lots of ladies …
In addition to Clare McConnell and Bea Santos, look for Carlyn Burchell (who previously appeared as Monique/Victoria in “Monsieur Murdoch”). It’s quickly established that Effie and Louise are at odds when it comes to a certain Constable George Crabtree. Could he have two women battling for his affections? Also, Hélène Joy shows her comedic side, which is always welcome.

… and a couple of gentlemen
Jesse LeVercombe returns as butcher Jack Walker, alongside one heck of a large pig named Atley. Jack Clarke appears as Detective Graham Irwin. Det. Irwin is in charge of the investigation because it falls outside, as mentioned above, of William’s purview.

Where’s William?
While his wife works on solving a crime, Detective Murdoch is busy at the station house, discussing exotic meals and assigning Watts a missing porker.

Julia vs. Violet
This is all I will say on the subject.

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

Images courtesy of CBC.

Sad, but true. Season 13 of Murdoch Mysteries is coming to a close. And with it, key appearances by beloved characters. Last week’s episode, “Rigid Silence,” brought back Chief Constable Giles. It was good to catch up with him as William and Julia solved a murder in Kingston, but I can’t help but worry about his safety as he closes out his sentence. A lot of bad can happen in three months.

As for this Monday, Toronto welcomes Terrence Meyers. I love Peter Keleghan, the actor who plays him, but Meyers has never been a favourite of mine. I think it’s because it’s hard to get a straight answer out of him and it frustrates me. Regardless, here’s what the CBC has revealed about “The Trial of Terrence Meyers,” written by Paul Aitken and directed by Gary Harvey:

When Terrence Meyers faces charges of treason, Murdoch and Ogden are named as accomplices.

And here are more details from me after I watched a screener.

Back at home
After decamping to the hotel because of those nasty plumbing troubles, William and Julia are back at home. We meet up with them moments before tucking into a home-cooked meal William is cautiously optimistic about.

Oodles of intrigue
Paul Aitken’s script sets the tone early, establishing how serious the government is in regards to its charges against Terrence Meyers … and William and Julia.

A true team effort
Terrence’s trial recalls many of his past exploits. That means flashbacks to scenes written by Adam Barken and the late Graham Clegg, and directors Jill Carter, Leslie Hope, Sudz Sutherland, John L’Ecuyer and Shawn Alex Thompson. Combining all of the flashbacks as part of the main storyline makes for a highly entertaining tale and a fond look back at some of Meyers’ more outrageous scenes.

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

Images courtesy of CBC.

A familiar face returns to Murdoch Mysteries this week. Yes, the former Chief Constable Giles, played by the always-great Nigel Bennett—his back and forth with William in “What Lies Buried” is amazing to watch—figures in Monday’s episode.

Here’s what the CBC has revealed about the main storyline, written by Murdoch author Maureen Jennings and directed by Shamim Serif.

When Murdoch and Ogden investigate a prison inmate’s suspicious suicide, they discover rival gangs in the jail.  

And here are more notes from me after watching the episode in advance.

Filming on location
Murdoch Mysteries filmed the prison scenes at the now-closed Kingston Penitentiary. Kudos to director Shamim Serif for capturing the feel of the old building and its wonderful architecture. That’s not the only area of Kingston, Ont., to be co-star. The market square area behind the city hall is prominently featured too. I laughed out loud at that what I think is a reference to the venerable Chez Piggy.

Margaret is back!
Also, keep an eye out for Shailene Garnett as Nomi Johnston, Adam Kenneth Wilson (formerly Jagger Brown) as Deputy Warden Brian Kelleher and Liisa Repo-Martell (who played Lydia Howland in a past instalment) as Bridget Mulcahy.

Meanwhile, in Toronto
Inspector Brackenreid has got his hands full with striking Bell Telephone Systems operators, and the cells are filling up. Not only that, but Nomi appears and shakes up his world.

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

Images courtesy of CBC.

After the fun of last week’s Murdoch Mysteries episode “Fox Hunt,” this one definitely takes a dark turn. And it also seems to rehash some much-traipsed ground.

Here’s what the CBC has released for the main storyline for “Kill Thy Neighbour,” written by Mary Pedersen and Noelle Girard, and directed by Craig David Wallace.

Suspicions fall on Murdoch when his unpleasant neighbour is murdered.

And here are a few observations from me after watching a screener.

Paul Braunstein = big payoff
When I first spotted Paul Braunstein as Raymond Huckabee earlier this season, I knew fans were in for more than just a casual storyline. Braunstein, who has appeared on Baroness Von Sketch and Burden of Truth is just a little too high-profile for a small B-story. He created such a big—albeit annoying—character in Raymond that it would make sense an angry William could be accused of his death.

Murdoch is out of sorts
Due to some emergency work being done at the house, William and Julia are back at the hotel. A lack of sleep has made William grumpy, short-tempered, distracted and more than a little paranoid. Not good traits to have when you are accused of murder and need to keep calm.

Guests aplenty
Jonelle Gunderson, Marc Senior, Sebastian Spence, Bea Santos and Clare McConnell all stop by to play.

Walking a worn trail?
As soon as I read this week’s synopsis I thought, “Again??” I feel like every major Murdoch Mysteries‘ character has been accused of someone’s murder and spent time behind bars. Heck, wasn’t Julia there twice and William once already? Why go there again? After watching the instalment … I loved it. Mainly thanks to a certain guest who is integral to making this week’s murder mystery so appealing.

I well-planted Easter egg
Look for a nod to grip Joe Strazzeri around the 37-minute mark.

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

Images courtesy of CBC.