Review: Murdoch Mysteries “Drowning in Money”

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Warning: Minor Spoilers Below

“Murdoch Mysteries” season 12 episode 8 “Drowning in Money” opens with Constable George Crabtree (Jonny Harris) investigating an apparent break-in alongside John Brackenreid (Charles Vandervaart). It’s revealed that the wealthy couple, the Westerbrooks. Upon probing further, George and John indeed discover evidence of a burglary. However, there’s also what seems to be a suicide: floating near the bottom of the pool are the bodies of the Westerbrooks.
Det. William Murdoch (Yannick Bisson) arrives on scene and despite the suicide note, the detective is not convinced. Instead, Murdoch suspects murder. As such, Miss Violet Hard (Shanice Banton), assistant at the morgue, aids in the investigation. Reporter Harvey Leech (Chris Gibbs), with Toronto’s society journal the Toronto Tattle, accosts Inspector Inspector Brackenreid (Thomas Craig)with questions about the murder. He’s not quite as bothersome as Louise Cherry (Bea Santos), though Leech certainly isn’t a welcome presence.

Constable Henry Higgins provides insight with his newfound marriage to the esteemed Miss Ruth Newsome (Siobhan Murphy) lending a status boost which placed him in the same club as the Westerbrooks. Meanwhile, George deals with Effie Newsome who he previously met at Henry and Ruth’s wedding during “My Big Fat Mimico Wedding.” Effie reveals that Martin Erskine, her cousin, has hired Effie as a lawyer. Martin claims that his brakes were ruined while being repaired at George’s auto shop, where Higgins now works as of “Murdoch Mysteries” episode “Brother’s Keeper.”

Obvervations: 

“Murdoch Mysteries” episode “Drowning Money” concentrates on the adage that money doesn’t buy happiness. “It did seem [the Westerbrooks] had everything to live for,” Dr. Julia Ogden (Helene Joy) wonders. “Wealth does not equal happiness,” Murdoch replies. Indeed, this plays a prominent role in the murder case.

Violet Hart benefits from a major role, usurping Julia’s usual coroner position. Possibly this hints at her eventual take over of the morgue as Julia transitions to surgery. Dr. Ogden even inquires as to Miss Hart’s progress at the morgue. “How are you finding Miss Hart in the morgue?” she questions. “Do you think she’s managing well by herself?” Murdoch allows, “Oh, quite well. Though she doesn’t quite have your investigative skills.

Henry Higgins gains additional screen time, and proves instrumental in proving Crabtree’s innocence. It’s pleasant seeing Higgins more and not merely for comic relief. Ultimately, “Murdoch Mysteries” S12E08 is a solid whodunit. Though it lacks the emotional or comical oomph found in “Sir. Sir? Sir!!!” and “Brother’s Keeper,” “Drowning in Money” persists in maintaining the Murdochian spirit. I wasn’t quite sure who the murderer was until the final moments, and nuanced motivations fostered sympathy for the guilty. There’s not much storyarc, though I do enjoy Miss Hart’s extended role in the morgue and investigating in the field, as well as Henry’s maturation and character evolution.