Review: Murdoch Mysteries “Operation: Murder”

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Warning: Post contains minor spoilers

“Murdoch Mysteries” season 12 episode 2 “Operation: Murder” opens with Dr. Julia Ogden (Helene Joy) assisting with a seemingly routine surgery. While her surgical technique initially appears sound, earning praise from the head surgeon Dr. Forbes (James McGowan), the patient Mrs. Quigley shortly perishes. Though the surgeon dismisses Julia’s concerns, reassuring that it’s a risk of the practice, Dr. Ogden suspects foul play. Therefore, Julia uses her status as city coroner to launch her own investigation.

Ogden enlists the help of her husband, Detective William Murdoch (Yannick Bisson), in probing Mrs. Quigley’s demise. Over the course of the investigation, Julia’s assistant Miss Violet Hard (Shanice Banton) discovers that Ogden’s surgical work resulted in the death of the patient. But a string of suspicious hospital deaths suggest otherwise.
Murdoch and Julia aren’t the only ones entertained by hospital staff. Constable Henry Higgins (Lachlan Murdoch) develops an attraction to Nurse Florence Nightingale Graham (Kathryn Alexandre). Unfortunately, it’s not merely lack of evidence and Dr. Forbes which Julia must overcome. Nurse Sullivan (Stephanie Belding) remains staunch in her resistance to Julia’s investigation, and fellow surgeon in training Dr. Dixon (Sebastian Pigott) exhibits skepticism of murder.

Observations:

“Murdoch Mysteries” series entry “Operation: Murder” presents a curious format. The murder takes place while Murdoch enjoys a weekend off. Thus, the usual constabulary members from Station House No. 4 are notably absent. Inspector Brackenreid (Thomas Craig) and Detective Watts (Daniel Maslany) fail to make appearances. Further, it’s Julia who launches an investigation as Murdoch plays the aid. Typically, it’s the other way around with William going to Julia for additional information.

Because of its role reversal, with Dr. Ogden playing the role of investigator, “Operation: Murder” features a unique vibe. There’s ample development of a few key subplots. Most obviously, Julia’s surgery career appears to advance well. At the episode’s end, she’s cleared of any suspicion which comes as no shock. Moreover, Dr. Ogden establishes rapport with both Dr. Forbes and Nurse Sullivan.

As per usual, George falls head over heels in love, this time with Nurse Graham. Though at first it seems she might be Crabtree’s love interest over the course of the season, the finale features Florence moving to New York City to pursue a career in cosmetics. She’s the savvy businesswoman who founds Elizabeth Arden, Inc. It’s George who gives her the nom de plume Elizabeth, and Graham adds Arden. Opening up to Det. Murdoch, Crabtree reveals that he feels as though his romantic pursuits are doomed.

“Operation: Murder” culminates with Murdoch finishing a project he’s been working on throughout the episode. That turns out to be a robot vacuum similar to a Roomba. Again, as “Murdoch Mysteries” has accomplished so well over its 12-season run, Murdoch inventing devices proves delightful. Despite the self-contained nature of “Operation: Murder,” “Murdoch Mysteries” season 12, episode 2 appears to lay much of the groundwork for the remainder of the season. Expect Dr. Ogden to see more of the hospital and less of the morgue with hopefully an amicable situation where Miss Hart may assume control of the morgue. Plus, George may finally find love.