The Murdoch Mysteries

When I bought my first Murdoch Mysteries boxset years ago, these original adaptations of Maureen Jennings novels were included. Back then, I didn't know much about them, all I knew was the long running show starring Yannick Bisson as Murdoch. So when I first started watching these TV movies, I had trouble adapting to the dark and gritty style. On second viewing, however, I fell heads over heels in love. The cast is great, the characters are edgy and the cases suspenseful. So if you like the novels and a good murder mystery, do yourselves a favor and watch these films. You might even learn a thing or two about the late 1800s and Toronto the Good.

PS: As a treat to fans of today's Murdoch Mysteries, Hélène Joy played a crucial character in the last made-for-TV movie, a part that (as rumor has it) ultimately resulted in her playing Dr. Ogden in the following TV show.

I've only recently seen "The Murdoch Mysteries", and for the life of me I can't understand why the plug was pulled on them. I thought they were terrific.

Peter Outerbridge was perfectly cast as the eponymous hero, and ideally coupled (in the first two episodes) with the ever delectably delicious Keeley Hawes, and the plots weren't bad either.

So what went wrong? I wish someone could tell me. There were recent murmurings that the BBC were interested in taking up the reins, but I've yet to hear anything solid.

If some company does start making further episodes, either in the UK or in Canada, I sincerely hope, (mainly because I'm passionately in love with Keeley Hawes, only don't tell the wife) that they round up the same cast.

I have to say that having watched and truly enjoyed 10+ TV show seasons of the newer Murdoch Mysteries with Yannick Bisson, Thomas Craig, Helene Joy, and Jonny Harris, I had extremely hard time getting through these older three movies ... Perhaps these movies are more true to the Victorian reality so they are darker and totally humorless, but I didn't warm up to any of the characters, and especially the inspector (Colm Meaney) put me off with his shouting and boorishness.

Politically Correct high school stuff. Women doctors, black women coroners, women in taverns...pathetic beyond belief.

Though the main characters are the same, this version is a completely different show from the newer series. I give them both a solid 9 for completely different reasons. After having seen all 3 movies with Outerbridge I was initially disappointed with the new one. After watching a few episodes I realized they were intentionally lighter and reconsidered my opinion. The movies are rather somber and the seriousness of the subject matter takes a darker turn than the newer rendition. These are quite intense and very compelling. Well done.

Addendum: The way I rate shows... I don't review anything less than a 7 because 6 would be a failing grade and I won't waste my time watching it. I'm old; I don't know how much time I've got left. Since I probably turned it off before getting even halfway through, it wouldn't be fair to rate or review it. 7 is watchable but I may go a while between episodes since, though somewhat entertaining, there are other shows more interesting or compelling. 8 would be a regular in my lineup. 9 is a must see and probably bingeable. 10 is just the epitome of superbity and headed for my all-time favorites list. I'm adding this to my reviews because it seems there are a lot of binary reactions to pretty much everything these days. I am not a like/unlike kind of guy. I see a lot of grays so if I give something a 10 it doesn't mean the only alternative is a 1.