Murdoch Mysteries

I'm been watching mysteries for many years and never have enjoyed a series more than Murdoch Mysteries. The time period, set design and writing matches the great performances by the cast, who you can't help but appreciate. If ever a series deserved a wider audience and advertising, it is this one. The unfulfilled love affair between Doctor Ogden and Murdoch is so well written and performed perfectly by Helene Joy and Yannick Bisson. Also, top notch acting by Jonny Harris in his portrayal of Constable Crabtree gives just the prefect comic relief while Murdoch solves the case using every scientific method available. Thomas Craig is also marvelous as the cranky Inspector Brackenreid. I can't help wondering why this show does not have a larger audience base since it is the talk of so many people I know, both at work and socially. My wife and I eagerly await each and every episode. Please make many many more!

This started off as a guilty pleasure for me, but now it's just a pleasure.

The foreshadowing of modern technology is as subtle as a brick, but deliberately so and that makes it OK in my book.

Yannick Bisson is an impeccable straight man, with just the right hint of humour now and then, and Thomas Craig (a Sheffield lad, like me) is brilliant. I defy anyone to find the term 'buggerlugs' used in tv or film with such panache!

Helene Joy is beautifully poised and credible and I'm surprised she's not been in more tv and film. She's excellent.

The standout though is Jonny Harris, who's brilliant in every scene. My mum and my girlfiend think so too - both of which disturb me slightly... but never mind that, his comic timing is perfect and the blend of Father Dougal, Bertie Wooster and everything else he brings to the role make Constable Crabtree a truly endearing character. The clay bust and potato room lines are laugh out loud funny (as I guess you'd expect from a stand-up comic), but I'm only up to series 4 so I hope there's plenty more to come.

City scene effects are a bit iffy, but I'm guessing budget was tight so no disrespect to the techs.

PS just read briefly down previous reviews, and the 1/10 from someone trying to be Steppenwolf but unable to write made me laugh out loud. For your edification 'steffern', I have a Masters in literature and my colleagues find me hilarious. Or if they don't, I do.

'Murdoch Mysteries' stars Yannick Bisson as Inspector William Murdoch who solves crimes in 1890's Toronto, is an exceptionally well made and acted series, which makes a nice change from CSI/NCIS etc. staple of whiz-bang, FX laden crime shows

Bisson is likable as the handsome Inspector, with English Actor Thomas Craig suitably sceptical and at times dopey as his by-the-book boss and Johnny Craig is good as his rather naive partner and at times hindrance Constable Crabtree.

Helene Joy is suitably understated as the resident Doctor/Pathologist.

Now in its Third series, currently being shown on UK Cable channel ALIBI, (It surely deserves a wider audience on a Major British Channel)

The writing, set design and Photography is exquisite and convincing

Fans of well made and intelligent Mystery Series will find much enjoyment in Inspector Murdoch's cases.

Murdoch was a superb blend of concept, plot, wardrobe and character. I enjoyed the first thirteen seasons. The cast is strong throughout and the stories interesting and believable in the context of the show. Some of the historical figures inserted into the story have added flavour. The relationship between Murdoch (Yannick Bisson) and Ogden (Helene Joy) works remarkably well with both of them contributing to cases and providing a spine from which to hang various plots.

Last season (14) the writers began to run out of steam and this year many of the episodes are poor and pander too deeply to modern-day sensibilities. Sad to say, it is time to be put out to pasture.

I like this series as it has so much to offer. The scenes & locales are interesting & very real to life. The actors demonstrate their abilities to fit the characters & make the characters real. I've seen both versions of Murdoch Mysteries with the 2 different lead roles & find them both a credit to each of the actors. Yes, obviously, they present different aspects of the character but each brings quality to the part. I really enjoy this series & look forward to each episode. It's great to see a Canadian production of this quality on TV - such a rare gem. I do hope this series is kept on & is appreciated by both the public & especially by the TV providers - cable & satellite.