‘Murdoch Mysteries’ season 11 review

We may earn money or products from the companies mentioned in this post.

“Murdoch Mysteries” debuted in 2008, and since its inception the series blossomed into some of Canada’s best television. Over the course of the series, the characters, notably the titular Det. William Murdoch (Yannick Bisson), city coroner and Murdoch’s wife Doctor Julia Ogden (Helene Joy), Constable George Crabtree (Jonny Harris), and Inspector Thomas Brackenreid (Thomas Craig). “Murdoch Mysteries” season 11 boasts some of the series best episodes with its superb guest stars, mix of story arc and one-off episodes, and refreshingly bold plot lines.

Following a gripping “Murdoch Mysteries” season 10 finale in “Hell to Pay,” with a cliffhanger of epic proportions, “Murdoch Mysteries” season 11 kicked off with “Up From Ashes.” During this emotion-wrought series entry, Constable Jackson (Kristian Bruun) was revealed to be dead. At the episode’s onset, it seemed Crabtree might have been killed as well. But this was a double feint. “Up From Ashes” ultimately wrapped up a conspiracy within Toronto which involved Chief Constable Davis (Richard Clarkin) and set the tone for the remainder of the season.
While the CBC hit series persistently presents a balance of drama, comedy, and intrigue, season 11 finds “Murdoch Mysteries” at its darkest. Killing off Jackson proved that the show is willing to go against audience expectations. This theme continues with the penultimate episode “Shadows are Falling,” and “Murdoch Mysteries” season 11 finale “Free Falling.” Over the course of the last two episodes, Julia has a miscarriage, leading to tension in the Murdoch marriage.

During this time, Inspector Brackenreid emerges as the voice of reason, a drastic departure from his depiction early in the series. That’s an area where “Murdoch Mysteries,” and particularly season 11, excels: its nuance. Julia’s pregnancy played a major role in “Murdoch Mysteries” season 11, and its arc has thus concluded.

Similarly, Crabtree’s courtship of Nina Bloom (Erin Agostino) evolved. Nina and George traveled to France, and in “Free Falling” Crabtree proposed. However, Miss Bloom rejected his proposal. It certainly looks as though this may be the end of the Crabtree-Bloom romance. George’s former lover, Louise Cherry (Bea Santos), attempted to make up for her fake news and criticism of Murdoch. Possibly we’ll see the pair reunite again? I’m certainly hoping she gets another shot with Crabtree. Yet Constable Henry Higgins (Lachlan Murdoch) finally found love, proposing to (Ruth Newsome).

While “Murdoch Mysteries” season 11 finishes a few story lines, it spawns a new arc with a sub plot featuring a conspiracy between coroner assistant Violet Hart (Shanice Bantonse) and Horace McWorthy (Sean Bell).

In true “Murdoch Mysteries” fashion, there’s a slew of returning characters including Mr. Pendrick (Peter Stebbings) in a delightfully steampunk episode “F.L.A.S.H.,” Terrence Meyers (Peter Keleghan), as well as Nate Desmond (Jordan Johnson-Hinds) and Rebecca James (Mouna Traore). Several historical figures appear including Alexander Graham Bell, Teddy Roosevelt, and Helen Keller. A per usual, George continues with his forward thinking inventions such as naming the TV dinner in “Crabtree a la Carte.”

Highlight episodes include “21 Murdoch Street” which borrows from the plot of “21 Jump Street,” retro futuristic “F.L.A.S.H.!,” Thomas Brackenreid-centric “Brackenreid Boudoir,” and “8 Footsteps” with Helen Keller. Arguably the best episode in “Murdoch Mysteries” season 11 comes as “The Accident,” a sort of one-shot which transpires in a one location over a few hours. It’s really unique in its execution.

While “Murdoch Mysteries” season 11 is among the season’s best, it’s a bit trope-ridden in spots. Particularly, Murdoch and Julia’s resolution in “Free Falling” feels far too convenient. Likewise, George goes from proposing to Nina to accepting her rejection as for the best in a quick turnaround which seems unrealistic.

Nevertheless, its character development, complexity, and emotionally-charged plot lines find “Murdoch Mysteries” season 11 at its finest. A well written season full or surprises, comedy, drama, historical characters, and beloved guest stars, “Murdoch Mysteries” season 11 stays true to the spirit of the series while continuing to mature.