Review: Murdoch Mysteries “Murdoch Without Borders”

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Warning: Post contains minor spoilers

“Murdoch Mysteries” season 12 episode 4 ushers in what may be the show’s most hard-hitting episode to date. As “Murdoch Without Borders” opens, the Immigration Act of 1906 has been passed requiring a forced deportation of certain immigrants. The episode begins with an ominous showing Station House No. 4’s cells brimming over with Greek men.
Constable George Crabtree (Jonny Harris) wonders, “What are they doing sir? And why are they all Greek?” Det. William Murdoch (Yannick Bisson) explains, “Any immigrant charged with a crime is eligible for deportation. I gather these men all have criminal records.” Crabtree replies, “So what, they’ll all get sent back to Greece?” Murdoch agrees, “I suppose so, although it is strange that they all seem to be of the same nationality.”

When Greek carpenter Athos appears at Station House No. 4, Inspector Brackenreid (Thomas Craig) lets Athos loose. While Athos was rounded up, he had not been charged with a crime. The carpenter, it’s revealed, built the Brackenreid’s cabinets. Unfortunately, this decision plagues the Inspector when Athos becomes the primary suspect in a murder investigation.

Immigration officer James McBride turns up dead with Athos seen in a fight with McBride shortly before his murder. Journalist Louise Cherry (Bea Santos) further complicates matters with her inflammatory reporting which, as per usual, consists primarily of conjecture rather than fact.

But it’s not just the constabulary dealing with anti-immigration sentiments. At the hospital, Dr. Julia Ogden (Helene Joy)  is forbidden to operate on a Polish patient. Dr. Forbes (James McGowan) allows that the patient is scheduled to be deported with his wound qualifying as a burden on the country. “Dr. Forbes has specifically instructed me not to treat him,” Julia laments. “But there’s nothing you can do beyond that,” Murdoch suggests. When Ogden presses, William concedes “As a police officer I would never [advise that you disobey your superior] but a man may die.”

Det. Watts and Constable Crabtree investigate in the Greek part of town. Watts, ever the understanding, compassionate detective asks George “Are you hungry?” before they leave. Though Crabtree fails to come up with much evidence, Watts is successful, revealing his understanding of Greek culture and the importance of food and community.

Observations: 

While set in the early 20th century, “Murdoch Mysteries” remains relevant with a clever political commentary. It’s a show that has, and continues, to critique fake news or fabricated news as Brackenreid refers to it. “Murdoch Without Borders” probes immigration in a poignant manner. Over the course of the episode, there’s a theme of humanizing immigrants. “You don’t think a human life is more important than the law?” Dr. Ogden challenges Dr. Dixon (Sebastian Pigott).

During the murder investigation, Murdoch uncovers a conspiracy among building contractors which shifts suspicion away from Athos and onto Canadian citizens. I quite appreciate the nuance in “Murdoch Mysteries” season 12 episode 4. Although it’s clearly a criticism of current immigration law, particularly in the United States, it doesn’s sugarcoat early 20th century sentiments. Notably, Inspector Brackenreid appears, at least initially, supportive of the anti-immigration law. It’s not until the episode’s finale that he view Athos as an individual rather than a faceless foreigner.

It’s delightful seeing Detective Watts back even if it’s a decidedly quick appearance. Frustratingly, Brackenreid is largely pro deportation. However, the Inspector remains a character willing to admit fault, and the end slightly redeems him. After “My Big Fat Mimico Wedding,” I was hoping to see Constable Higgins (Lachlan Murdoch) back in the field but he was conspicuously absent throughout “Murdoch Mysteries” S12E04.

Despite a mostly self-contained episode, there’s some overarching story arc. Predominantly, this manifests in Dr. Ogden’s role at the hospital. Continually, Julia challenges authority but it seems she’s developing rapport, and maybe more, with Dr. Dixon. Nurse Sullivan (Stephanie Belding) benefits from an expanded role and exhibits increasing compassion as opposed to her introduction in “Operation: Murder.”

Overall, the emphasis on fake news coupled with immigration makes “Murdoch Mysteries” episode “Murdoch Without Borders” one of the most important, relevant, and poignant series entries to date.