Murdoch Mysteries

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Murdoch Mysteries is a Canadian television drama series that debuted on CityTV on January 24, 2008. Evolving out of a series of television movies based on mystery novels by Maureen Jennings, the series stars Yannick Bisson as Detective Murdoch, an investigator in Toronto in 1895. The series airs in the UK on UKTV Drama

1 Synopsis
2 Filming
3 Episode Guide
4 References
5 External links

[edit] Synopsis

The series follows eccentric Detective William Murdoch of Toronto who solves many of his cases using unusual (for the time) methods of detection. These methods including fingerprinting, human blood testing, surveillance and trace evidence ^[1]. Throughout the series it is revealed he comes from Nova Scotia, and he is Catholic. His religion is the main focus of two episodes. It is also revealed that his father frequently beat his mother, and may have indirectly caused his mother's death. Following that incident, he was taken to live in an orphanage.

He works with three main other characters. Inspector Brackenreid, Doctor Julia Ogden, and his inexperienced, but eager partner Constable George Crabtree. His supervisor, Inspector Brackenreid, is usually skeptical until Murdoch starts getting results. Inspector Brackenreid prefers conventional detection methods over Murdoch's eccentric methods, but is usually pleased and proud when Murdoch is successful despite all odds. Constable Crabtree is often unable to grasp the much more advanced methods, but his enthusiasm and loyalty makes him a good partner and assistant. Like Constable Crabtree, Dr. Ogden is a great supporter of Murdoch's methods. Her skill in pathology usually helps by revealing a great deal of useful evidence to aid Murdoch in solving cases. Throughout the series Murdoch's growing infatuation with her, and his inability to express his feelings, provides a light subplot.

The series also make frequent references to current events, and foreshadows future events. For example, in one episode it is implied that secret British-American government co-operation was producing a highly-advanced aircraft similar to the Airship. After the characters were forced to give up pursuit of the scheme, Crabtree and Murdoch allude to the building of a secret government facility in Nevada/New Mexico, a possible allusion to the well-known Airforce Base Area 51.

[edit] Filming

A couple of days were spent in old West Galt of Cambridge, Ontario, in the historic Dickson Hill area. Sidewalks and driveways were covered in earth, and the Dobie mansion was used for a day of indoor filming.^{[citation needed]}

“Murdoch Mysteries” is produced and developed by Shaftesbury Films in association with Citytv, Granada International and UKTV, and with the assistance of the Canadian Film or Video Production Tax Credit, the Ontario Film and Television Tax Credit and the Canadian Television Fund.