Review: Murdoch Mysteries “My Big Fat Mimico Wedding”

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Warning: Post contains minor spoilers

“Murdoch Mysteries” season 12 episode 3 “My Big Fat Mimico Wedding” finally finds Henry Higgins (Lachlan Murdoch) on the verge of marrying his fiance Miss Ruth Newsome (Siobhan Murphy). However, it becomes clear that someone wants the wedding stopped.
First, Higgins is shot, but thanks to best man George Crabtree’s (Jonny Harris) thoughtful gift of a pen, the bullet is stopped. Moments before being shot, Henry puts the pen complete with metal case in his jacket pocket. WIth a bullet hole in his jacket, Higgins worries that the wedding cannot proceed, and once again it’s George to the rescue graciously offering to swap jackets. Realizing mid-ceremony that the ring is still in his previous jacket, Crabtree begins rummaging in Henry’s pocket. In the scuffle, Higgins falls, narrowly missing a falling chandelier. Inspector Brackenreid (Thomas Craig) hops into action, shutting down the wedding and conducting an investigation into the murderous attempts on Henry’s life.

ALl the while, George must battle Ruth Newsome continuing to meddle in his love life. She introduces Crabtree to her cousins Geraldine “Gigi” Chumley and Effie Newsome of the Webster Newsomes. “Effie’s my maid of honor,” Ruth explains. “Matron of honor,” Effie corrects, adding “DIvorced.” This sparks a hilarious subplot pitting George against Effie as she finds Crabtree’s speech, in which he outs Higgins as the reason for Ruth’s late brother Richard’s death. Though Higgins wasn’t directly responsible, he fell asleep while Richard was in protective custody, and when Richard snuck out for a haircut he was killed.

Over the course of the episode, it’s revealed that the Newsomes have been robbed and are in fact not wealthy, but heavily in debt.

Observations:

“Murdoch Mysteries” episode “My Big Fat Mimico Wedding” proves hilarious as always. Many of my favorite episodes throughout “Murdoch Mysteries” feature the Newsome family with their quirky dynamic. Often, Newsome-centric episodes ooze a Whodehousian wit which marvelously lampoons the upper class. Wonderfully, “My Big Fat Mimico Wedding” does not disappoint.

The subplot with Higgins feeling increasingly entitled continues, with Crabtree referring to Det. William Murdoch (Yannick Bisson) and Inspector Brackenreid as William and Tom, rather than the respectful “sir” he once uttered as a humble police constable.

There’s much bickering and in-fighting among the Newsomes. Ruth’s brother Rupert feels as though Henry will ruin the family name, and Ruth’s cousin Pelham insists that he and Ruth are meant to marry. “Did you say that was her cousin?” Dr. Julia Ogden (Helene Joy) whispers worriedly to her husband Murdoch. “Newsomes,” Murdoch replies, shrugging.

Yet, amidst the plentiful comedic moments, there’s a surprising amount of depth. Though Higgins largely appeared to appreciate his newfound status which accompanied his courtship of Ruth Newsome, Henry admits that he cares not for her wealth but for her. Similarly, Ruth reciprocates, stating that the business of Richard’s death is completely forgivable. Both Henry and Ruth feel that lack of money means the other party won’t want to marry.

During “My Big Fat Mimico Wedding,” Henry repents for his past actions and is accepted back into the constabulary. This isn’t really much of a surprise, as Higgins provides a much-needed balance to the cast. I appreciate how “Murdoch Mysteries” season 12 episode 3 lends his character more depth. Like “Operation: Murder” it’s pretty self-contained and not once features a glimpse of Station House No. 4 or the coroner’s office. Oddly, not much story arc seems evident, but it’s certainly one of the top episodes overall with its brilliant mocking of the upper class.