Blu-ray Review: Murdoch Mysteries Season 13

Synopsis:

Armed with gadgets and gizmos a plenty, Detective William Murdoch (Yannick Bisson) and his associates solve 18 cases across the many stratums and evolving manners of Victorian society. Set in the late 19th century in Toronto, the methodical and dashing Detective Murdoch enlists radical new forensic techniques like fingerprinting, ultraviolet light, and trace evidence to solve some of the city’s most gruesome murders. Season 13 follows Murdoch as he continues his deft detective work with new innovations, including a “searchizer” device that measures facial features and matches them with existing police files. Unfortunately, he is still rattled by suspicions about Violet Hart’s (Shanice Banton) appointment to coroner. The station also sees a new addition with Special Constable Robert Parker (Marc Senior), an African American former Pinkerton who went from suspect in a union murder to helping solve the case. Meanwhile Dr. Julie Ogden (Hélène Joy) is happily settled into her role as a full-time surgeon at Toronto Mercy Hospital but is surprised by the attentions of her colleague Dr. Andrew Dixon (Sebastian Pigott).

What We Thought:

Despite being a mystery drama Murdoch Mysteries is a delightful show I look forward to watching when it comes my way. It’s light with humor, fun characters and timely gadgets. It’s that mix of period costuming and gizmos and characters that have made the show work for years now.

Season 13 contains the show’s 200th episode along with 17 other episodes. The mysteries vary from an explosion at a suffrage rally, a woman who disappeared but doesn’t look like she’s aged, a character discovering his dad, a beastly animal attacking them during a trip to the woods, the death of a stamp collector, a dead passenger in a cab, the death of a stage actor, Nikola Tesla and Marie Curie disappear from a conference, Murdoch himself is a suspect in the death of his neighbor, the death of a hair salon owner, and an unexpected death close to home.

As previously mentioned I enjoy the show and have since I started getting it to review. Because of the time period it’s set in, it has almost a steampunk type vibe. It even reminds of Doctor Who with its gadgets and accessories used to solve crime. Mix the time period and props with the costuming and set design and it’s just something different to watch instead of the typical cop drama set today.

Plus the acting is top notch. Yannick Bisson is the perfect lead capturing that time period with his look. The man can rock a suit and hat. Add in the lovely Helene Joy, Thomas Craig, Jonny Harris and more and the cast is just great for the series. I’ve always enjoyed their chemistry together.

If you enjoy Murdoch Mysteries then pick up Season 13 this week. If you are behind a bit you can still follow along pretty easily. If you want something slightly different than every other cop drama (especially American ones) definitely give the Canadian show a try.