Murdoch at the Opera

I love Murdoch mysteries but the episode Murder at the Opera was spoiled by the actresses not being able to lip sync and made the episode look like a pantomime. Plus both the opera singers had the same voice.

An opera company is rehearsing La Bohème by Puccini at the Toronto Opera. A squabble breaks out between the two principal singers, Mimi, the soprano, and Rodolfo, her lover. Both flounce off the stage, but Mimi refuses to return, so the rehearsal resumes with an understudy. The characters drink wine, but the understudy immediately collapses, and dies, uttering the word, "viola." She has been poisoned.

Murdoch arrives to investigate, closely followed by Inspector Brackenreid, who stops to buy a rose for his buttonhole, because despite his brash manner, he is a secret opera fan, and just happens to be besotted by the diva, Rosa Hamilton, who is singing Mimi.

Since the Understudy drank from Mimi's glass, the investigation is first directed at who might have means, motive and opportunity to kill the diva.

The investigation discloses a spider's web of relationships in the opera company, It seems that everybody thought that the diva is an ogre, whom they only tolerate because of her crowd appeal.

Murdoch and Brackenreid must penetrate the motives of *all* in the cast to solve this murder, and the Inspector also has to keep his wife content, because she dislikes the special effort he is making for the diva.

This is a more average plot than usual for MM, though fans will likely find it entertaining enough.

The singing by the soprano was outstanding. I loved the final scene and that singing in that. Murdoch always shows us different communities like this one about an operatic cast. It is so enjoyable, but I do miss Julia. I know she will be back in coming episodes.

I found the music wonderful and the subplot quite intriguing. Measha Brueggergosman is great. You have to know "La Boheme" in order to appreciate it fully.