Review: Murdoch Mysteries ‘Prodigal Father’

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Warning: Post contains spoilers

“Murdoch Mysteries” season 13 episode 4 “Prodigal Father” benefits from not only lead star Yannick Bisson in front of the camera as the titular Detective William Murdoch but also Bisson’s considerable talent behind the camera as director. At a gathering, a business visionary unveils plans for a new project, The Toronto of Tomorrow. The City of Tomorrow promises a completely electrified city of Toronto, fully-automated streetcars, phones in all home and offices, integrated building for working, shopping, and working. Plus, a Ferris wheel. But just as a call for investments begins, a waiter drops dead. Enter the Toronto Constabulary. Det. Murdoch, city coroner Miss Violet Hart (Shanice Banton), and Constable George Crabtree (Jonny Harris) canvas the scene.
While interviewing the enigmatic developer about his Toronto of Tomorrow, Constable Crabtree discovers that the two share the same name. Moreover, George uncovers that the man is his father, George Crabtree Sr. (Colm Feore). Upon learning of his son, Crabtree Sr. seeks to spend as much time as possible with his son, Crabtree Jr. Learning about George’s aspiration to publish a novel, George Sr. purchases a publishing house.

Unfortunately, this move creates cause for concern, especially from George’s romantic partner, Effie Newsome. As it turns out, Crabtree Sr. appropriated funds from investors to purchase the publishing house. Considering his improper use of monetary assets, George Sr. becomes the prime suspect in the murder investigation when it’s revealed that the waiter was once a successful businessman who lost everything in an ill-fated George Crabtree Sr. scheme.

Observations: 

“Murdoch Mysteries” S13E04 “Prodigal Father” offers a refreshing twist. Part of George Crabtree’s character arc has been that he never knew his father. Crabtree was raised by his aunts, although he eventually meets his true birth mother, Gracie Brooks. Inspector Thomas Brackenreid sagely offers “Learning you have a child sort of puts you on the back foot somewhat.” Earlier, Brackenreid found out he fathered a child years ago.

There’s a poignant storyline that reveals George Sr. suffers from bipolar disorder. It’s not referred by name since at the time bipolar hadn’t quite been branded. But the general symptoms are understood.

Thankfully, Effie comes to the rescue, using her knowledge of the law to reverse Crabtree’s publishing house purchase. “George Crabtree [Sr.] is a man of diminished capacity,” Newsome argues. “In the eyes of the law, he was not of sound mind to enter into a legally binding contract.” At this moment, it’s ever more clear that Effie truly loves George Crabtree Jr. Ultimately, the “Murdoch Mysteries” episode “Prodigal Father” culminates with George Crabtree Sr. galavanting off to who knows where, but hopefully he returns. I’d be shocked if he didn’t resurface at some point. It’s fun learning of George’s father, and like Crabtree Jr., George Sr. is a quirky character. Effie and George continue their romance, and finally it seems Constable Crabtree has met his true love.

Det. Murdoch once again keeps Miss Hart on a tight leash. Seriously, every time the two appear on-screen, I feel like I need to put on a sweater, Murdoch’s attitude is so icy (and rightfully so). Brackenreid alludes to learning of another child. While previously the Inspector received a letter from his newfound daughter informing him she’d be visiting Toronto, we’ve yet to see her. Though likely that happens soon.