As this demure Catholic detective battles evil, his cohorts are Dr. Julia Ogden (Helene Joy, ReGenesis), the alluring coroner who finds clues and confirms theories; and two bungling -- but adorable -- constables: Crabtree (comedian Jonny Harris, Grown Up Movie Star) and Higgins (Lachlan Murdoch, Learning Curve). It might be noted that Constable Crabtree is engaged in the pastime of writing a novel, and quite on target when he imagines future applications for some of Murdoch's machinery, such as a microwave in the future that would bake potatoes in an instant, and an entertaining board game of crime, weapons and clues.
The series as seen on public television and based on author Maureen Jennings' successful mysteries wind their way around the inventions created in this era, but also include historical events such as the Civil War, the mention of famous Victorian writers and their works like Dracula's Bram Stoker, Oscar Wilde's The Importance of Being Earnest, H. G. Wells' The Time Machine, and a Wonderland masquerade ball dedicated to the characters of Lewis Carroll. Murdoch collaborates with Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, H. G. Wells delivers a speech on eugenics, Houdini baffles police with his escapes, and Buffalo Bill Cody pines for the "good ole days." Medical and scientific advancements create safe blood transfusions and secret war machines, while Tesla's electricity is used as a murder weapon, and a serial killer surfaces with the same characteristics as Jack the Ripper. All in all, Murdoch Mysteries Collection: Seasons 1 - 4 teems with adventure, creativity, comedy, drama, and -- let's not forget -- the romantic electricity between the coroner and the good detective.
The writing is dazzling, the cast superb, and the direction and music dramatic. Murdoch glides through his roles as if transcended from those around him, contemplating, meditating, analyzing his cases, using psychological and scientific mastery to solve brutal crimes. Bisson took on the direction duties in the "Buffalo Shuffle" episode of the Murdoch Mysteries. There's a surprise appearance in "Confederate Treasure," and Yannick's daughter, Brianna, plays the role of Crabtree's cousin, Penny Ranton, who comes to attend secretarial school in "Love and Human Remains."
Noteworthy Special Features include the pilot episode commentary and interviews with author and cast giving greater volume and understanding to the characters; an alternate ending for Season 3, and in Season 4, an alternate love letter; photo galleries; cast filmographies, and character biographies. There is also a PDF on the props of Murdoch Mysteries to open on your computer. Guest stars include Victor Garber (Alias), Simon Williams (Upstairs, Downstairs), Sarah Gadon (A Dangerous Method), Peter Keleghan (The Newsroom), Lisa Faulkner (Murder in Suburbia), and Nicholas Campbell (Da Vinci Inquest).
When Season 4 ended, I felt a sense of loss. I am certainly looking forward to not only the following series of the Murdoch Mysteries Collection, but anticipating the Murdoch Mysteries Movies as well. There is mention of drugs, light romance, and crime, so parents will have to determine viewing for any children. However, the Murdoch Mysteries Collection: Seasons 1 - 4 are extremely enjoyable despite the autopsies and crime scenes -- but even these are kept tasteful and to a minimum.
