Review: Murdoch Mysteries ‘Bad Pennies’

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Warning: Post contains spoilers

“Murdoch Mysteries” episode “Bad Pennies” opens with a chase through the streets of Toronto. George Crabtree (Jonny Harris) pursues two suspects. Upon catching up to the pair of men, Crabtree knocks out one, later revealed as Robert Parker (Marc Senior). The other escapes, and Constable Henry Higgins (Lachlan Murdoch) signals that there’s been a murder. Parker claims he was chasing the killer, and because of Crabtree’s intervention, the murderer went free.
The deceased is a wharf worker, and former Pinkerton detective. During the autopsy, Crabtree and Det. William Murdoch (Yannick Bisson) discover that he was a stevedore, part of a union. “Who would want to kill a dock worker?” Crabtree ponders. Unfortunately, the investigation doesn’t start off swimmingly. “So Crabtree had a suspect in custody, you [Murdoch] had a witness, and the pair of you let them both go?” Inspector Thomas Brackenreid (Thomas Craig) bellows.

At the hospital, Dr. Julia Ogden (Hélène Joy) struggles with a patient, Mr. Fitzgerald, that prefers male Dr. Dixon operate on her husband rather than the equally, if not more capable, Dr. Ogden. “I’ve already briefed Dr. Dixon on the Mr. Fitzgerald’s condition,” Dr. Forbes (James McGowan) explains. “Then I’ll assist,” Julia offers. “No you will not,” Dr. Forbes forbids. “You will stay well away from this patient.” Unfortunately, gender politics plague the hospital, and accordingly Julia’s surgery career.

Observations:

“Murdoch Mysteries” S13E01 “Bad Pennies” explores the murder of a dock worker killed amidst anti-union sentiments. Throughout its run, “Murdoch Mysteries” often touches on current issues, and “Bad Pennies” delves slightly into race and gender. The African American Pinkerton Robert Parker challenges Murdoch, “How about I tell your what the real problem is. Problem is, I caught a killer and your copper let him get away…he saw a black man beating on a white man and decided who the bad guy was.” Det. Murdoch takes this to heart. Later, when a dock worker refers to Parker as a darkie, William corrects that he’s a “negro.” At the episode’s conclusion, Murdoch offers Parker a job with the Toronto Constabulary as Special Constable Robert Parker. I’m particularly excited for Marc Senior to join the cast.

During season opener “Troublemakers,” it was clear that Murdoch would give city coroner Miss Violet Hart (Shanice Banton) no slack. “Do you see the wound?” Miss Hart asks. “I have been here before,” Murdoch retorts curtly. “Miss Hart, I need full details on the wound. Measurements, photographs, and a determination of the caliber,” Murdoch instructs. “If you can make one,” Williams adds snarkily. However, it’s not merely Murdoch that doesn’t trust Miss Hart. After a patient, Mr. Fitzgerald, dies on the operating table while under the care of Dr. Dixon (Sebastian Pigott), Julia visits the morgue. Miss Hart insinuates that she’s willing to cover up the incident and deliberately spin the coroner’s report. Julia in turn confesses this to Murdoch, expressing her distrust for Miss Hart.

What Dr. Ogden fails to mention is that Dr. Dixon attempted to kiss her. Previously, in “Murdoch Mysteries” season 12, it appeared that a budding sexual tension arose between Dr. Ogden and Dr. Dixon. It’s still unclear how much of that is unrequited on the part of Julia. Yet in failing to mention the encounter to Murdoch, it seems Julia may harbor romantic feelings for Dr. Dixon.

While I’m thrilled to see more of Robert Parker, I’m curious where Det. Llewelyn Watts has been. Season 12 fleshed out his character, and Watts appeared primed for a continued story arc. Hopefully he’ll return during season 13. “Bad Pennies” is a solid, mostly standalone episode. There’s a bit of story arc mixed in though. In a twist, Crabtree’s relationship with Effie Newsome (Clare McConnell) proceeds smoothly whereas Ruth Newsome  (Clare McConnell) and her husband Henry Higgins are a bit troubled. According to Higgins, Ruth requires more creature comforts than his modest constable’s salary can afford. Disappointingly, there’s trouble for Murdoch and Ogden. At this point, the couple has endured so much tragedy, including a devastating miscarriage, that it’s really not even entertaining having the pair endure tension. Seriously, can’t these two just enjoy a happy marriage? “Bad Pennies” sets up what may be more hardship for the Murdochs, while adding a promising new character to the cast.