- Characters of Murdoch Mysteries
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Murdoch Mysteries is a Canadian drama television series produced by Shaftesbury Films that premièred in January 2008 and is broadcast on Citytv in Canada and on Alibi in the UK. The show follows the titular character William Murdoch, a police detective working in Toronto, Ontario in the 1890s, who makes use of, what was in the late Victoria era, the latest in forensic science to solve crimes. The show was developed for television by Cal Coons and Alexandra Zarowny based on the characters in the Detective Murdoch series of novels written by Maureen Jennings.
Prior to the television series Shaftesbury Films and CHUM Television produced three made for TV movies which were shown on the Canadian cable channel Bravo! in 2004 and 2005. The original three movies, filmed in Winnipeg and Toronto, were collectively titled The Murdoch Mysteries.[1]
Contents
Main Characters
Detective William Murdoch
William Murdoch Murdoch Mysteries character First appearance Except The Dying Created by Maureen Jennings Portrayed by Peter Outerbridge (TV movies)
Yannick Bisson (TV series)Information Gender Male Occupation Police Officer Title Detective Relatives Harry Murdoch (father) Religion Roman Catholic Detective Murdoch, who is portrayed by Peter Outerbridge in the TV movies and by Yannick Bisson in the series, is an intelligent, observant detective who uses unusual (for the time) techniques such as blood testing and fingerprinting. Throughout the series it is revealed he comes from Nova Scotia and is a devout Roman Catholic. Due to being educated by Jesuit Priests, Murdoch is fluent in French. In one episode it is revealed that he believes that his father beat his mother and may have indirectly caused her death, although this was proven incorrect. Following that incident, he was taken to live in an orphanage.
Even though very logical, sceptical, observant, scientific and clear-headed with a photographic memory, these become an issue when he needs to connect with people on an emotional level, something he finds difficult. Often his unusual techniques and unbiased opinions of people lead him to clash with Brackenreid (even though they work together well).
Murdoch often consults on cases with Ogden, with whom he is infatuated, although he did not attempt a relationship with her until the first half of the second season. As the season progressed an argument over beliefs and past decisions made by Ogden split up the couple for a time, during which time Murdoch pursued a relationship with Enid Jones. However, he and Ogden rekindled their relationship during the season two finale on the advice of his half-brother (see below), and it becomes "public" (despite everyone already knowing about it) in the first episode of season 3.
In the season two finale it is revealed his father had another son, Jasper Linney (of whom Murdoch knew nothing), before marrying Murdoch's mother. Jasper is a sergeant in the North-West Mounted Police and his mannerisms, interests and investigative techniques are similar to those of Murdoch's own and the two prove successful in working together to solve a gold mining scam case. In the fourth season episode Voices, it is revealed that Murdoch has a younger sister, Susanna, who is nun living in Toronto briefly before returning to her convent in Montreal. Their conversations reveal that they had an Aunt, who's home he left at seventeen, in order to go work at a logging camp. This episode also mentions that Murdoch's father was still alive two years prior and lives in Western Canada.
Inspector Thomas Brackenreid
Thomas Brackenreid Murdoch Mysteries character First appearance Except The Dying Created by Maureen Jennings Portrayed by Colm Meaney (TV movies)
Thomas Craig (TV series)Information Gender Male Occupation Police Officer Title Inspector Spouse(s) Margaret Brackenreid Inspector Brackenreid, who is portrayed by in the TV movies Colm Meaney and in the TV series by Thomas Craig, is a married man of about forty, fond of the theatre and a good drink. He is the head of the stationhouse and does most of the interrogating, often forming opinions on a suspect because of personal impressions or their social standing. Quick to anger and tenacious, with a sarcastic sense of humour, he is better at traditional "coppering" and is very proud of his job, and what he feels is his duty to protect the city.
While he often disagrees with Murdoch's methods, he uses them when he feels they have merit, though he has little time for Crabtree. He is shown to care for Murdoch and know his mannerisms well enough to know when he is pining, and advises him to do something about it.
Throughout the second season Brackenreid is forced to hide his drinking habits from his wife who joined the temperance movement.
Brackenreid is from Yorkshire, and he has two young sons with his wife. Before becoming a policeman he served in the British Army, and fought in Afghanistan.
Dr. Julia Ogden
Julia Ogden Murdoch Mysteries character First appearance Except The Dying Created by Maureen Jennings Portrayed by Keeley Hawes (TV movies)
Hélène Joy (TV series)Information Gender Female Occupation Pathologist Title Doctor Significant other(s) Det. William Murdoch
Dr. Darcy GarlandDoctor Ogden, who is portrayed by Keeley Hawes in the TV movies and by Hélène Joy in the TV series, is a skilled pathologist and mortician. The first of two sisters, she apparently was a tomboy in her youth. It has been revealed her mother is dead, she has a strained relationship with her father, and she has a criminal record for being caught skinny dipping with some university colleagues.
It is revealed she became accidentally pregnant, when in university and terminated it; this causes a horrified Murdoch to end his relationship with her. She enjoys tennis, reading, cycling and attending the theatre, though has few significant relationships.
While it is clear she reciprocates Murdoch's feelings for her, her fears of complicating their working relationship or of being rejected have prevented her acting on them until jealousy towards his dining with her sister drives her to accept a dinner invitation. An argument between them in the second season leads to a postponement of the relationship and causes a number of awkward moments until she agrees to discuss restarting the relationship in the season finale.
Dr. Ogden is often consulted on cases by Murdoch and is able to provide valuable insights on many cases.
In the end of Season 3, she leaves the Constabulary to go work in a children's hospital in Buffalo, New York. It is revealed that she cannot give birth to a child due to the previous abortion, and for this reason she decides to terminate her relationship with Murdoch. Murdoch tries to stop her leaving and intends to propose to her despite knowing about her condition, but arrives late at the train station.
Dr. Ogden does not return to work in Toronto at the start of season 4, but Murdoch writes to her to help solve a case. She does not appear in episode 2, but does appear in episode 3 (Buffalo Shuffle), where Yannick Bisson makes his directing debut. Murdoch brings an engagement ring with the intention of proposing, but Dr. Ogden reveals that she is engaged to a man working at the children's hospital in Buffalo. She returns to her old position in several episodes later.
Constable George Crabtree
George Crabtree Murdoch Mysteries character First appearance Except The Dying Created by Maureen Jennings Portrayed by Matthew MacFadzean (TV movies)
Jonny Harris (TV series)Information Gender Male Occupation Police Officer Title Constable Murdoch's assistant Constable Crabtree, portrayed by Matthew MacFadzean in the TV movies and by Jonny Harris in the TV series, however inexperienced, often provides useful insights into cases and does much of the forensic legwork collecting evidence. He is eager, but has yet to master Murdoch's more advanced scientific skills. He isn't much of a serious character, because he often says random things that he thinks will help Murdoch solve the case, but really do not. Such as "But sometimes, sir, you can wake up from one dream into another. Like one time I had a dream that I was pulling plums out of my navel, and I woke up, and there was a plum sticking out of my navel."
He is very loyal to Murdoch, willing to threaten one of Ogden's suitors when Murdoch asked him to investigate him; he also knows Murdoch's mannerisms rather well. While Brackenreid regards Crabtree as an idiot, Crabtree often provides unexpected insight into cases.
Crabtree revealed in one episode ("Big Murderer On Campus") that he did not know who his biological mother was and was left on the doorstep of a church and taken in by the family there. He was later re-united with his mother at the end of the episode after taking part in a plan to uncover the murderer of a professor. Crabtree also frequently refers to his Aunts, each of whom seems to be named after a variety of flower.
Major Recurring Characters
Dr. Llewllyn Francis
Dr. Francis, portrayed by Paul Rhys, is a bad tempered pathologist from Scotland Yard, who replaces Dr. Odgen who left for a job in Buffalo, New York.[2] His character always clashes with Murdoch.[3]
Constable Higgins
Portrayed by Lachlan Murdoch. In most episodes he does not say much or even say anything at all. He is sometimes known as George Crabtree's assistant.
Sally Pendrick
Sally and James (her husband) are the owner of the tallest building in Toronto at 11 stories tall it is quite a view. The Pendrick's own a painting that was painted in 1640's valued around $40 000, which was stolen in an episode in Season 3. The Pendrick family played a big part in the plot over the 2nd part season 3. [3]
James Pendrick
James and Sally (his wife) are the owner of the tallest building in Toronto at 11 stories tall it is quite a view. The Pendrick's own a painting that was painted in 1640's valued around $40 000, which was stolen in an episode in Season 3. The Pendrick family played a big part in the plot over the 2nd part season 3. [3]
Dr. Darcy Garland
The fiance of Dr. Julia Ogden. He does in fact get along just fine with Detective William Murdoch.
Minor Recurring Characters
Harry Murdoch (Harry Smith)
Portrayed by Stephen McHattie, he is the father of Detective William Murdoch. When Murdoch first meets his father for the first time in a long time (episode: 1.06 - Let Loose The Dogs), he originally believes he a killer and is the biggest suspect for the main portion of his case. Harry leaves Toronto, telling his son, that he has plans to settle in the west. Murdoch later goes to British Columbia investigating a case with a fellow Mounted Policemen (episode: 2.13 - Anything I Can Do), when he meets up with his Dad. His Dad reveals to William that he has another son with a different wife. Harry only found out about this son in the past 5 years. Harry also explained why his other son believes his name is "Smith" [3]
Terrance Meyers
Portrayed by Peter Keleghan, he appears in 4 different episodes. He worked for Rouge Valley Lands LTD. in the finale episode of season 1. The company planned to dam the Rouge river and create an electrical station. He also worked for the government and was very high in power, this power forced Murdoch to pull off a case, making it the 3rd ever unsolved case that Murdoch was assigned to. Terrance appeared in episode 7 of the season 4, as well his boss Sir Wilfrid Laurier. [3]
Reginald Poundsett
Portrayed by Jeffery Douglas, he was Dr. Julia Ogden's boyfriend throughout episode 12 (Werewolves) and the finale episode 13 (Anything I Can Do). These dates occurred when Murdoch was dating Enid Jones. It was believed that Dr. Ogden was seeing Reginald Poundsett may have been done only to make Detective William Murdoch jealous. [3]
Nikola Tesla
A man that helps Murdoch solve the case in the very first episode. He really likes inventing things and improving things as he was working on transmitting wireless phone calls throughout the episode. Later in the episode he feels hat his work will not make him rich, so he explores new options.[3]
Arthur Conan Doyle
Portrayed by Geraint Wyn Davies. He follows Murdoch, trying to get a grasp on detective work for a future book and personal detective skills. He refers to Murdoch as "similar people", because of their fathers both being alcoholics.
Sarah Pensell
A medium (mind reader) who helps Murdoch with his case. Originally Murdoch did not trust her, but bad luck with his case he decides to change his mind and asks Ms. Pensell for help.
Enid Jones
Portrayed by Sarah Allen, a lover of Murdoch appearing 5 episodes over the 2nd part of season 2. She often does not get along with Dr. Julia Ogden. [3]
Alwyn Jones
Portrayed by Dakota Goyo, he is the son of Enid Jones. He appears in 3 episodes in the 2nd season. [3]
Ruby Ogden
The sister of Dr. Ogden, also admires Murdoch very much, making her sister Julia very jealous. She tells Dr. Ogden to not let Murdoch slip away from her... [3]
Margaret Brackenreid
Portrayed by Arwen Humphreys. She appears in 5 episodes throughout the series. The wife of the inspector Thomas Brackenbird. [3]
Dr. Isaac Tash
A doctor known for having an illegal abortionist business. Appears throughout the series twice. [3]
Minor Recurring Police Officers
Chief Stockton
The inspector of District 5 who often offers Murdoch promotions for his job, but Murdoch declines, because Murdoch is happy where he is currently working. [3]
Constable Worseley
An older constable, often appears when a group of constables are assigned to an assignment. Often around Constable Fisher.
Constable Fisher
Often appears when a group of constables are assigned to an assignment. Often around Constable Worseley.
Constable Hodge
A constable seen around district 4 department but was not given a name until season 4 episode 1 when an old Detective returns to the station.[3]
Sergeant Armstrong
Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper made a cameo appearance on one of the episodes (aired July 20, 2011) portraying Sgt. Armstrong, " "a seemingly imperceptive man" who doesn't recognize then-prime minister Wilfrid Laurier when he walks into the police station."[4]
References
- ^ "Murdoch Mysteries: Movie Collection". amazon.ca. http://www.amazon.ca/dp/B001FBPSW8. Retrieved February 21, 2011.
- ^ David, Greg. "‘Murdoch’ mysteries revealed". tvguide.ca. http://tvguide.ca/TVNews/articles/100728_murdoch_mysteries_spoilers_GD.htm. Retrieved 2010-07-28.
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n "Murdoch Mysteries". http://uktv.co.uk/alibi/homepage/sid/8089. Retrieved January 29, 2011.
- ^ "PM Stephen Harper appears as 19th-century cop in 'Murdoch Mysteries' cameo". http://ca.news.yahoo.com/pm-stephen-harper-appears-19th-century-cop-murdoch-154836701.html. Retrieved July 13, 2011.
Categories:- Lists of television characters
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