Wild Wild North could be another moniker for this genre bending Canadian television show. Inspector Murdoch does lack the actor bluster of Artemis Gordon, but Yannick Bisson might fit into Robert Conrad’s tight pants. Elementary, my dear Murdoch.
In 1895 Toronto, Detective William Murdoch (Yannik Bisson) solves crimes. This might not be abnormal but his methods of detection are out of the ordinary. He uses crime scene investigation and techniques that we’re used to seeing like fingerprinting.
He’s joined in his investigations by coroner Dr. Julia Ogden (Helene Joy), constable George Crabtree (Jonny Harris), and they’re lorded over by the blustery Inspector Brackenried (Thomas Craig), who is head of the stationhouse.
The Murdoch Mysteries are based on a series of books by Maureen Jennings, which were made into a three feature length television movies in 2004. The show owes much to “steampunk” shows like Wild Wild West that shows inventions and ideas that we’d not imagine in the time period in which the show takes place. Detective Murdoch also owes a debt to Arthur Conan Doyle’s creation for his deductive skills and it’s no surprise that the titular author makes two appearances in season one.
Doyle is played with bravado by genre vet Geraint Wyn Davies (Forever Knight) and Stephen McHattie makes an appearance as Murdoch’s father. Several historical characters dance through the proceedings. Even thought the show is set in the 1890s if you look closely you’ll see some of the unintentional anomalies, such as a doorplate that looks far too modern for the time. Some of the costumes look much too much like costumes too.
However, those are nitpicks that amused me to point out. The show relies on the acting and I found Yannik Bisson well cast as well as Thomas Craig. Sometimes there’s not much to do for our supporting characters and the insertions of Ogden and Crabtree sometimes feel forced.
I did enjoy the show, but some of the mysteries don’t seem very mysterious and the resolution pops up rather quickly in the last minutes of the show, but my favorite episode was bolstered by the appearance and performance of Doyle and brought me back around to the show.
Disc 1:
Episode 1: Episode 2: Episode 3: Episode 4: Disc 2:
Episode 5: Episode 6: Episode 7:
Disc 3: Episode 8: Episode 9: Episode 10:
Disc 4:
Episode 11: Episode 12: Episode 13:
Murdoch Mysteries is presented in anamorphic widescreen (1.85:1) and is enhanced for 16x9 televisions.
Disc one features a commentary on the first episode with executive producer/showrunner Cal Coons, Yannick Bisson, Jonny Harris, and production designer Sandra Kybartas.
Disc four has interviews with Bisson (4 minutes), Joy (5 minutes), Craig (2 minutes), Harris (4 minutes), and author Maureen Jennings (2 minutes). There are also a behind-the-scenes photo gallery, character biographies, cast filmographies, and a list of the Detective Murdoch novels.
The Murdoch Mysteries is a fun show. I know I enjoyed it. The mysteries are not sometimes hard to figure out but the cast gives it the old college try. I was most impressed with Bisson and a wonderful guest turn by Wyn Davies as Doyle.
If you want to nitpick the production design occasionally lets an item from the wrong time period slip through (I’d imagine their budget doesn’t allow a complete immersion). It’s a jolly good time though if you’re willing to suspend your disbelief.
Murdoch Mysteries: Season One is now available at Amazon and AmazonUK . Visit the DVD database for more information.
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