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Warning: Post contains spoilers
“Murdoch Mysteries” season 14 episode 4 “Code M for Murdoch” (not to be confused with season 4 episode 8 “Dial M for Murdoch”), sees a trio of familiar faces in James Pendrick (Peter Stebbings), Terrence Meyers (Peter Keleghan), and Allen Clegg (Matthew Bennett). The Canadian government intercepts a wireless telegram message which appears to be a code. Agent Terrence Meyers wakes up the titular Detective William Murdoch (Yannick Bisson) and his wife Dr. Juila Ogden (Hélène Joy) at an ungodly hour. Meyers shares a message intended for William: “Murdoch find JP.” Murdoch suspects that the JP can only mean James Pendrick, the renowned inventor.
Murdoch quickly devises a means of triangulating the signal, enlisting the assistance of Station House No. 4’s Constable Henry Higgins (Lachlan Murdoch) and Inspector Thomas Brackenreid (Thomas Craig). Pendrick’s former assistant Svetlana Tsiolkovsky (Christine Horne) offers a bit of insight. Pendrick’s beloved dog had to be put down, and Pendrick was inconsolable. After that, Svetlana didn’t hear from Pendrick for many months.
A body surfaces in the water, and Detective Llewyn Watts (Daniel Maslany) investigates. Dr. Ogden recognizes the deceased as Dr. Quinlan, a former associate. During the autopsy, Toronto City Coroner Miss Violet Hart (Shanice Banton) reveals that Quinlan has been infected with rabies.
Murdoch successfully identifies the source of the signal and locates Pendrick’s lab. Dr. Ogden discovers that Pendrick was working on a cure for rabies. Agent Felder of the American Secret Service confronts Murdoch, offering knowledge that American Allen Agent Clegg is, contrary to popular opinion, not actually deceased, but alive and well. What’s more, Clegg is reportedly plotting to kill American President Teddy Roosevelt.
Over the course of its 14 season run, “Murdoch Mysteries” has established a solid slate of recurring characters. And perhaps no other combination is as hilariously convoluted as Pendrick, Meyers, and Clegg (which, I might add, sounds like a law firm). Meyers and Clegg continue to attempt thwarting one another.
Similarly, Pendrick was originally introduced and mistaken for a criminal mastermind. Fittingly, wherever James Pendrick goes, trouble is bound to follow. It’s a particular treat to see Pendrick, Clegg, and Meyers back in Toronto, and in one episode nonetheless. “Code M for Murdoch” utilizes several flashbacks as reminders of different events involving James Pendrick, Allen Clegg, and Terrence Meyers. It’s a fun romp down memory lane for long-time Murdochians.
Still, the episode isn’t entirely predicated on nostalgia. Instead, it’s a cleverly-crafted story full of spycraft. Although the explanation for how Clegg remains alive and well is absolutely outlandish, the running gag of Clegg miraculously defying death is a fun trope. And he serves as the perfect foil for Meyers. Delightfully charming and chock full of sentimentality, “Murdoch Mysteries” S14E04 “Code M for Murdoch” plays out like sitting down with old friends for dinner.
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