Review: Murdoch Mysteries “Murdoch Mystery Mansion”

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Warning: Post contains minor spoilers

“Murdoch Mysteries” season 12 episode one “Murdoch Mystery Mansion” finds Detective William Murdoch (Yannick Bisson) and wife Dr. Julia Ogden (Helene Joy) moving into a house built by Chicago architect Frank Lloyd Wright (Aaron Poole). The couple continue their lives after Julia’s miscarriage in “Free Falling.” Murdoch initially appears ecstatic, inviting Inspector Brackenreid (Thomas Craig) and Constable George Crabtree (Jonny Harris) to the Murdoch’s housewarming. “You’ll both be coming tonight?” William queries. “For the third time, yes,” Brackenreid reassures him. Although William initially isn’t overly fond of Wright’s design, touches such as recessed lighting and beds which neatly stow inside the walls eventually win over the innovative detective.
Unfortunately, the housewarming isn’t a cozy gathering. Rather, the Murdochs arrive home to find their new abode filled with unfamiliar guests. As Wright’s assistant Ann Ryand (Sophie McShera) explains, the contract Julia signed allows Wright to use the Murdoch household as a show unit for the first 90 days. Further complicating the matter, Murdoch’s cooking room, essentially a microwave which George dubs the potato room, becomes a murder weapon when a guest explodes inside of it.

Meanwhile, Constable Henry Higgins (Lachlan Murdoch) spends more time planning his wedding to Ruth Newsome (Siobhan Murphy) than police work. This proves a source of contention with Inspector Brackenreid, culminating with Higgins resigning. Louise Cherry (Bea Santos) returns, playing a prominent role in “Murdoch Mysteries” “Murdoch Mystery Mansion.” Cherry runs an article with the headline “Murdoch Murder Mansion,” and when the Murdochs protest that it’s not a mansion, Louise explains, “I liked the alliteration.”

Miss Violet Hard (Shanice Banton) continues her plan to take over the City Morgue, while Dr. Ogden becomes increasingly keen on surgery. “It’s so much more interesting cutting into living tissue than dead,” Julia reveals. “You should have seen the size of the cyst  I helped remove today.” Thankfully, quirky Detective Watts (Daniel Maslany) returns, eager to assist with the Frank Lloyd Wright investigation, and to help Miss Hart in learning more about investigative procedures.

Observations:

“Murdoch Mysteries” episode “Murdoch Mystery Mansion” enters as an enjoyable, lighthearted romp. It’s a drastic departure from the brooding “Up From Ashes” which saw Constable Jackson (Kristian Bruun) killed, as well as “Free Falling” featuring Dr. Ogden’s miscarriage. However, this felt necessary. With most of the previous season’s subplots resolved, “Murdoch Mystery Mansion” seeks to set the tone for the “Murdoch Mysteries” season 12.

With Nina Bloom (Erin Agostino) rejecting Crabtree’s proposal, George is once again looking for love. It’s clear that Higgins has found a partner in Ruth Newsome, but how that impacts his career as a constable is unknown. Did Higgins really resign, or will he rejoin the Station house No. 4 constabulary?  Ultimately, the sexual tension between Crabtree and Cherry continues, notably with a predictable yet delightful scene where Ruth reveals that she’s found George’s ideal lady. Not surprisingly, Louise Cherry waltzes in for the blind date.

Among the elements which makes “Murdoch Mysteries” so unique is the numerous historical characters which weave their way into cases. Aaron Poole (“The Void“) marvelously breathes life into Frank Lloyd Wright, and ideally the renowned architect reappears on “Murdoch Mysteries” again. Similarly, Murdoch is notorious for inventions, and his so-called potato room furthers this running gag. But, unlike most episodes, George doesn’t provide a clever nickname.

I’m curious to see where Miss Hart’s ambition takes her, and if Julia’s newfound passion for surgery fosters a mutually beneficial way to give Hart more authority in the coroner’s office. Ultimately, “Murdoch Mystery Mansion” might not be a groundbreaking episode, but it’s a pleasant “Murdoch Mysteries” season 12 episode 1. With its excellent character interactions, an amusing plot, and all of the ingredients which make “Murdoch Mysteries” a lively series, “Murdoch Mysteries Mansion” is a solid, if straightforward, season premiere.