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Preview: Murdoch Mysteries, “Toronto the Bad”

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I loved last week’s episode for a couple of reasons. The first was some quality emotional roller coasters regarding William and Julia. I know it’s not a very popular opinion among some fans, but I enjoy it when a wrench is thrown into their lives. Relationships aren’t easy in real life and there’s no reason they should be on television either.

The second reason I enjoyed “The Philately Fatality” was the revelation that Watts may be gay. Whether he turns out to be or not—yes, he entered the butcher’s apartment, but that’s all we saw, other than a curious and excited look on Watts’ face—I love the journey this character has gone on and the way Daniel Maslany has played it. The writers and actors have created some truly memorable characters over the last 13 seasons and Watts is one of them.

Now, on to Monday’s new episode, “Toronto the Bad,”  written by Dan Trotta and directed by Sherren Lee. Here’s what the CBC has revealed about it.

While moonlighting as a cab driver, Higgins finds a dead passenger in the backseat.  

And here are more details from me after watching a screener.

Higgins takes on a second job
It’s been hinted at before; now Higgins has jumped into a side career as a cab driver to make economical ends meet. Higgins is known more for comic relief, but you can feel the lack of sleep he’s feeling as he drives around Toronto in the dead of night. It’s also an opportunity for viewers to see the seedier side of the city, something we don’t see on the show often. Kudos to director Sherren Lee and director of photography Yuri Yakubiw for making Toronto look so sleazy.

Brackenreid and Murdoch on the case
I always enjoy it when Thomas puts on a hat and hits the street with William. The old-school versus new-school take on investigating is fun to observe.

Mrs. Huckabee drops by
William and Julia’s neighbour, Goldie Huckabee (Jonelle Gunderson) swings by for a snoop, er, visit. It gives Julia the opportunity to show off some of their home’s decorations. Also, look for Annie Briggs (CLAIREvoyant) as Lucille Anderson, the owner of MacRury’s Billiard Hall; Erik Knudsen (Continuum) as Frank Rizzo; Ethan Burnett as Tim Little, and veteran thespian Jason Blicker (Jann, What Would Sal Do?) as David Dillinger.

A nod to Hill Street Blues?
Something Murdoch says to Higgins has me convinced Dan Trotta is giving a salute to the classic cop drama.

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

Images courtesy of CBC.

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Featured, Murdoch Mysteries

Preview: Murdoch Mysteries, “Murdoch and the Cursed Caves”

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Last year’s Halloween episode, “Sir. Sir? Sir!!!” was the most galvanizing Murdoch Mysteries ever. People either loved it or absolutely hated it. Me? I appreciated showrunner Peter Mitchell’s moxie for changing things up and going in a different direction.

So, will Halloween 2019 mark the return of an off-the-wall, outrageous storyline that will attract the ire of some viewers? Here’s what the CBC says about “Murdoch and the Cursed Caves,” written by Noelle Girard and directed by Mars Horodyski:

While camping Murdoch and Ogden discover two men killed by a fabled feathered beast.

And, as always, a few tidbits from me after watching a screener.

A new theme for a themed episode
Oh man, do I love it when a show changes things up for a special occasion. All I’ll say is I want to use Robert Carli’s theme for my ringtone even more now. I can tell he had fun recording it; I smiled the entire time I listened to it.

Julia is back
Fans have been wondering where she’s been; some have speculated Hélène Joy’s absence because of her film projects. Beats me why, but she’s back next to Murdoch on Monday and has a special trip planned for she and William. Yes, the aforementioned camping.

Ruth and Higgins, side by side
It’s been a while since we’ve seen Ruth; thankfully that is remedied on Monday too.

Margaret returns too
The episode is jam-packed with familiar faces, as well as new ones in Barbara Gordon, and Matt Cooke who actually played Superintendent Sam Steele in “Murdoch of the Klondike.” Back in the city, the Brackenreids are celebrating a special occasion, but the neighbourhood kids are putting a damper on their evening.

Frightfully fun
I haven’t spoken to the episode’s writer, Noelle Girard, but I get the feeling she and the rest of the writing room called upon several spooky projects for inspiration. A certain animated Great Dane, a shaggy young fellow and a Mystery Machine immediately leapt to mind as I watched.

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 October 25

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I am of Caribbean origin, but I live in the U.S. I am totally captivated by Murdoch Mysteries, even more so by the relationship between Julia and William. The chemistry between them, and their love and respect of and for one another is so tangible, it really makes one believe in true love. However, Season 13 thus far has me a bit concerned. I haven’t seen much of William and Julia, and with that near kiss with Dr. Dixon I hope they will not be breaking up. This would be in a word “heartbreaking.” I am a bit confused, because I also read in a Toronto paper that they had a baby, and William delivered the baby. I hope that is really going to happen. I truly love these characters, Hélène Joy can do no wrong in my book. She is brilliant. She is a fantastic actress, I just love her. She is beyond amazing. The last two episodes of Murdoch Mysteries were a bit lacklustre, I hope it picks up soon. Bring Julia back, please … I want to see her with William, we need more of that. Solving crime together is great, but the romance between them is even better. I beseech the writers of the show. Thank You. —Alicia

I also think this season so far has made the storyline around guest stars, and really not very interesting stories. I am from America, and do not know some actors, expect for Red Green people, love them. Julia needs to be back (I am sure her absence is due to early filming of a movie). I did not get an end to the Crabtree story. Just OK, not great. A lot of us Yankees love Canadian movies and TV shows. —Janie

I have a even scarier theory: Julia dies. Think about it. There has been nothing in the way of interviews on what might be in store for William and Julia. The show always had a Q&A with the cast. Not this year. Hélène is very busy with her film coming out in the spring, so no time for MM. I think she has another one coming up soon, Run Bobby Run, and she has been named a executive producer of Murdoch Mysteries. Peter Mitchell has tweeted that he was working on the finale and he hopes the fans don’t hate him after they see it. What do you think is going to happen? Something to think about! —August

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

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Preview: Murdoch Mysteries, “Prodigal Father,” features Colm Feore

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It’s hard to believe that Colm Feore hasn’t appeared on Murdoch Mysteries before. According to the veteran actor of both stage and screen, he’d been ready and willing. Check out Melissa Hank’s great story on how Feore ended up on Murdoch Mysteries, as well as some additional story information.

Here’s what the CBC says about Monday’s episode, “Prodigal Father,” written by Simon McNabb and directed by Yannick Bisson.

A death at an investment event leads Crabtree to the father he never knew.

And here are more tidbits from me after watching the episode.

Colm Feore is fantastic
After wondering what George’s father looked like and what kind of man he was for 13 seasons, we finally find out. He’s dashing, well-spoken, charming and loves a good scotch. He’s also a big thinker, something his son has obviously inherited—and has big plans for Toronto. And how George finds out who his father is, well, it’s classic Simon McNabb fun. As for Feore, the actor? He commands every scene he is in.

Crabtree is puzzled
But is George ready for a relationship with his dad? He seeks Murdoch’s advice, but William has had his own complicated relationship with his father. Of course, Higgins has opinions on what George should do too.

Guest stars galore
In addition to Mr. Feore are appearances by Nabeel El Khafif (Ransom, Private Eyes) and Janine Theriault (Bellevue) in great little roles.

Murdoch’s crime scene mental walkthrough … with a twist
I won’t spoil it; I will say I laughed out loud.

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

Images courtesy of CBC.

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Featured, Murdoch Mysteries

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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