Review: Murdoch Mysteries ‘Shadows Are Falling’

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Warning: Post contains minor spoilers

“Murdoch Mysteries” season 11 “Shadows are Falling” arrives as easily the darkest episode on the series to date. As “Murdoch Mysteries” season 11 episode 17 opens, Dr. Julia Ogden (Helene Joy) loses her baby. She and her husband, Det. William Murdoch (Yannick Bisson), are distraught. Shortly thereafter, Nate Desmond (Jordan Johnson-Hinds) appears at the Murdoch household devestated. Desmond is the lead suspect in a murder investigation. The loyal Murdoch embarks on a mission to prove Desmond’s innocence. However, the further he probes the case, the more it seems Nate may be the culprit.
Meanwhile, Murdoch and Dr. Ogden struggle both together, and individually, to cope with Julia’s miscarriage. At the conclusion of “Murdoch Mysteries” episode “Shadows are Falling,” abortion plays a central role in proving Desmond’s innocence, as well as furthering the relationship between William and Julia. At the time, abortion was a crime in Canada. During “Murdoch Mysteries” season two, episode six “Shades of Grey” Murdoch discovers that Julia once had an abortion, an action he cannot accept. This led to a brief separation.

Observations:

While “Murdoch Mysteries,” particularly season 11 which began with Constable Jackson’s (Kristian Bruun) death in “Up From Ashes,” has always been dark, this is easily the most gut-wrenching episode to date. The decision to feature a miscarriage is one of the most painful moments in “Murdoch Mysteries” history, but also a reminder of what makes the series so fresh. Rather than merely plod along with viewer expectations, it’s a show bold enough to make tough, unconventional choices.

But it’s not merely the miscarriage which makes this a brutal “Murdoch Mysteries” series entry. Instead, it’s Murdoch’s reaction to losing the baby. William, staunch as ever in his religious convictions, believes the miscarriage is a punishment from God. “If that’s what you believe, then you can get out,” screams Julia. Obligingly, Murdoch walks out into the chilly evening, buttoning his overcoat. This, coupled with the miscarriage, is easily the lowest point in “Murdoch Mysteries” lore.

Writer Mary Pedersen wrote “Murdoch Mysteries” episode “Shadows are Falling,” and earlier penned series entry “The Accident.” For her penchant to create rather depressing materials, Pedersen earned the nickname “the writer of doom.”

In a statement about “Shadows are Falling,” Helene Joy wrote:

“[This episode] made for an very emotional process for me and I am sure it was hard for all of you watching at home. However I think it is important to look at the things that we don’t always want to see. Murdoch Mysteries never shied away from difficult issues in the past and I think this is a powerful moment in the journey of our show for that reason. Most importantly we ought to remember that there is always hope for the future. Miscarriage in early pregnancy is common. Various Canadian Medical Studies show that about 8 to 20 percent of women who know they are pregnant have a miscarriage some time before 20 weeks of pregnancy; 80 percent of these occur in the first 12 weeks. One in four pregnancies end in a miscarriage, which means everyone will know of someone who’s had a pregnancy that ends this way. However it is something that is often not spoken about and continues to be a taboo subject. In other words it is common and nothing to be ashamed of. In spite of this, as well of their grief, many parents feel guilt, shame and hopelessness. Coping with a miscarriage is a heartbreaking experience, no matter how early in pregnancy. The Mayo Clinic says “miscarriage is usually a one-time occurrence. Most women who miscarry go on to have healthy pregnancies after.” In other words there is always hope for the future for all people endeavouring to have a child including Julia.”

Aside from the main stories of proving Desmond’s innocence and Murdoch and Ogden grappling with a miscarriage, George Crabtree’s (Jonny Harris) courtship of Nina Bloom (Erin Agostino) advances. While Crabtree wants a family, it’s something Nina doesn’t wish for. However, upon hearing that Crabtree always wanted a spinning top as a child, Inspector Thomas Brackenreid (Thomas Craig) promises “to get one for your own kid when the time comes.” Foreshadowing, perhaps?

Although it’s the darkest “Murdoch Mysteries” entry yet, “Shadows are Falling” is brilliantly written, and shockingly fresh.