Review: Murdoch Mysteries ‘Rough and Tumble’

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Warning: Post contains spoilers

“Murdoch Mysteries” season 14 episode 2 “Rough and Tumble” certainly lives up to its name in that it’s a gut-wrenching, emotional roller coaster. Trouble strikes the Brackenreid household when his son Bobby, or young young Brackenreid as Detective Llewyn Watts (Daniel Maslany) calls him, is accused of murder. Inspector Arthur Dreadnaught of the Hamilton Constabulary pays Inspector Thomas Brackenreid (Thomas Craig) a visit at Station House No. 4. As a courtesy, Inspector Dreadnaught tells Tom that Bobby has been accused of murder, and that there’s an eyewitness. Brackenreid refuses to believe it, and keeps the news private.

Suspicious of Inspector Dreadnaught’s visit and Brackenreid’s foul mood, Detective William Murdoch (Yannick Bisson) tasks Watts with poking around in Hamilton. Llewyn returns with a flyer plastered with the youngest Brackenreid’s face on it proclaiming that he’s wanted for murder.

Upon returning home Brackenreid discovers much to his surprise and the joy of Margaret Bracknreid (Arwen Humphreys), none other than young Bobby. Feigning ignorance about his son’s whereabouts, Inspector Brackenreid, Det. Murdoch, and Det. Watts visit Hamilton to interview some of Bobby’s boarding school cronies. But Brackenreid slips up revealing a key piece of information that only his son could have told him. William aptly deduces that it’s only possible that the good Inspector has been lying. This forces Murdoch and Watts to launch their own investigation.

Constable George Crabtree (Jonny Harris) ponders his relationship with Effie Newsome (Clare McConnell). George wonders why Effie has anything to do with him. “She’s a lawyer, I’m just a constable,” George laments to Murdoch. “And an author,” William reminds Crabtree encouragingly. “Sadly sir, not an occupation that pays terribly well.” (As a fellow writer, I can vouch for this statement). Brackenreid suggests, “…the world is full of mysteries, Crabtree. Perhaps she enjoys having someone to look down on.”

George meets Effie’s new secretary, Dorothy. And strangely, Dorothy appears strikingly familiar. While on his book tour, a rabid fan Amelia kidnapped Crabtree in a clever throwback to Stephen King’s novel Misery. Dorothy reveals that her sister was Amelia. Still, it’s unclear if she’s telling the truth or not. One hilarious running gag is that George’s bizarre theories turn out to be true. And once again, despite protestations from Effie, George discovers that, indeed, Miss Newsome’s secretary Dorothy does have a connection to George’s kidnapping.

Brackenreid’s daughter, Nomi Johnston (Shailene Garnett), continues to develop a relationship with her father. While Nomi regularly visits with Tom, she’s built more rapport with Margaret. Nomi and Bobby meet in a tense scene where it’s revealed that Brackenreid failed to tell his sons of their half-sister’s existence.

Goldie Huckabee (Jonelle Gunderson) returns as Dr. Juila Ogden (Hélène Joy) and William Murdoch’s constantly-intruding neighbor. After the death of her husband, Raymond, Golie suspected Murdoch. Initially, when Goldie drops off a meal for Murdoch and Ogden, the pair suspect the widow Huckabee of attempting to poison them. But it seems Goldie is simply lonely after the passing of her husband. Still, I’m not entirely sure if I trust her.

Toronto coroner Violet Hart (Shanice Banton) makes a brief appearance. After much nuanced character development, Miss Hart has evolved into a multifaceted, likable character. Hopefully Violet will feature more prominently into the rest of the season. Brackenreid continues to show Nomi kindness behind closed doors while struggling to acknowledge her existence to his family and friends. this is clearly destined to become a point of contention. Hilariously, Crabtree’s seemingly-far-fetched ideas prove to be correct. And Dorothy’s connection to Amelia proves no exception. I’m curious to discover if she’s being fully honest about her identity and motives.

Tragedy strikes the Brackenreid home, and it’s a brutal story. Inspector Brackenreid is torn between the badge and his instincts as a father, whether to arrest his own son or do anything in his power to protect him. Gripping, shocking, and a truly rough episode, “Murdoch Mysteries” S14E02 “Rough and Tumble” is moving while sprinkling in some much-needed humor, in classic “Murdoch” style.