On the edge of such innovation is our forensic sleuth, Detective William Murdoch (Yannick Bisson, Sue Thomas: F.B.Eye) from Inspector Brackenreid's (Thomas Craig, Where the Heart Is) Station House Four with the ever-ready assistance of Constables Crabtree (Jonny Harris), Higgins (Lachlan Murdoch), and Jackson (Kristian Bruun). Paramount to any investigation will be the expertise of Murdoch's wife, Coroner Dr. Julia Ogden (Helene Joy, Durham County) who opens the episodes with haunting visions of last season's cliffhanger.
This season spotlights the Great Toronto Fire of 1904, the World's Fair Olympics in St. Louis, and historic characters including horror author H.P. Lovecraft (Tyler East), and the inventor of the wireless telephony, Reginald Fessenden (William Matthews). Guest stars include Samantha Bond as Lady Suzanne Atherly, Ari Millen as Agent Tanner, Peter Stebbings as James Pendrick, Peter Keleghan as Terrence Meyers, and singer Alan Doyle. Returning to Murdoch Mysteries will be Dr. Ogden's morgue assistant Rebecca James played by Mouna Traore, and newcomers include Toronto Gazette's journalist Louise Cherry played by Bea Santos, and Detective Llewelyn Watts is played by Daniel Maslany.
Sports is featured throughout the series specifically soccer and skating, and even our renown Inspector Brackenreid takes time off to coach an Olympic soccer game. Inventions you might come across are the alarm clock and an innovative electrical wall outlet, the wheel chair reappears, and womens' concerns take center stage with their provocative assertion into the sports field with competitive derby skating, and also into the investigative field (once again) with female detective Freddie Pink (Alex Paxton-Beesley). Sporting events implement the accompaniment of a doctor, along with teammates, to ensure a medical professional and supplies in case of emergency care. Also plastic surgery has begun in New York City. New industry is developed as motorcars continue to fill the roadways and a need is created for mechanic shops. But, you'd better watch your step, because Toronto streets are filling up with bicycles, motorcars, motorbikes, and skaters.
Murdoch Mysteries: Season 10 opens with a two-parter highlighting a high society ball to parade debutantes for a "marriage auction" to a young eligible Toronto bachelor. When murder interrupts the festivities, jealousy and greed raise their ugly heads, while a massive fire blazes away to destroy the city's homes and businesses. Murdoch's reputation receives public questioning when the Crown sends in Detective Watts to re-examine evidence to find out whether Murdoch condemned an innocent man.
You'll enjoy James Pendrick's return and his discovery of the Fountain of Youth; Terrence Meyers also returns to the Canadian government from a mystical foreign field; and unfortunately mass-murderer James Gillies (Michael Seater), Murdoch's arch nemesis, resurfaces to continue to plague William and Julia. And, the property where the Murdochs plan to build their future home is plagued with the dead and requires an intensive police investigation. A central topic of this season is missing women and children, with new Detective Watts searching for his missing sister, and, in the process, locating a sanctuary sheltering mistreated and abused women.
Interesting episodes are "Weekend at Murdoch's" where Crabtree is assigned to protect the wily last living witness in a high-profile murder case. My favorite episode, however, is "A Murdog Mystery" where a prized show dog is found murdered before a prestigious competition, and in solving the case, Murdoch interacts regularly with a dog named Pistachio. The addition of a dog to work with Detective Murdoch would be an outstanding regular novelty. By the way, didn't Nick and Nora Charles have a dog? I personally think the addition of a dog (if not "Pistachio" featured in the episode) would enhance the novelty and tone of the show.
The cliffhanger Episode 18 of Murdoch Mysteries, "Hell to Pay," will have you gasping and on the edge of your seat as Murdoch becomes a prime suspect in the murder of a burlesque dancer. He goes into hiding from the police, and Chief Constable Davis (Richard Clarkin), who harbors a vendetta against him, is on his case like a rabid dog.
In the Making Murdoch featurettes, you'll find fascinating commentary by stars and crew on certain aspects of each disc, such as Bisson discussing the important effects of fan events. There'll be personal opinions and favorites on historical characters, guest stars, series' scenes, 1980's movies, and who was the funniest cast member.
Author Maureen Jennings' Murdoch Mysteries continues to be multi-generational entertainment bringing full-rounded programming for the family, plus the historical content is educational. However, parents must be cautioned that this series does contain graphic images and sexual situations, and may not be acceptable for all ages (The "Master Lovecraft" episode, specifically, has some rather disturbing imagery). I hope this series goes on forever, because it never fails! So get your copy as soon as you can – you will not be disappointed.
