Murdoch Mysteries

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Murdoch Mysteries
Murdoch Mysteries.jpg
Created by based on characters from novels by Maureen Jennings
Developed by Cal Coons
Alexandra Zarowny
Starring Yannick Bisson
Hélène Joy
Thomas Craig
Jonny Harris
Theme music composer Robert Carli
Country of origin Canada
Language(s) English
No. of seasons 4
No. of episodes 52 (List of episodes)
Production
Executive producer(s) Scott Garvie
Noel Hedges
Cal Coons
Christina Jennings
Producer(s) Jan Peter Meyboom
Location(s) Toronto, Hamilton, Cambridge, Drumheller, Pitt Meadows, and Dawson City, Canada,
Bristol, England
Running time 46 minutes
Production company(s) Shaftesbury Films
Rogers Media (seasons 1-5)
UKTV
ITV Studios Global Entertainment
CBC (season 6)
Distributor ITV Studios Global Entertainment
Broadcast
Original channel Citytv
Picture format 1080i (HDTV)
Original run January 20, 2008 (2008-01-20) – present
Chronology
Preceded by Detective Murdoch mysteries trilogy (2004):
Except the Dying
Poor Tom Is Cold
Under the Dragon's Tail
External links
Website
Production website

Murdoch Mysteries is a Canadian drama television series that airs on Citytv, featuring Yannick Bisson as William Murdoch, a police detective working in Toronto, Ontario in the 1890s. The television series is based on the Detective Murdoch series of novels by Maureen Jennings. The fifth season was announced in May 2011.[1] On September 27, 2011, Rogers Media announced that they would not be continuing the series beyond their current commitment of the fifth season.[2] On November 15, 2011, it was reported that CBC picked up the show, ordering a sixth season.[3][4]

Contents

[edit] Cast

Main article: Characters of Murdoch Mysteries

[edit] Synopsis

The series follows eccentric Detective Murdoch (Yannick Bisson) who solves many of his cases using methods of detection that were unusual at that time. These methods including fingerprinting, human-blood testing, surveillance, and trace evidence.[5]

Detective Murdoch is assisted by the three other main characters: Inspector Brackenreid (Thomas Craig), Doctor Julia Ogden (Hélène Joy), and his inexperienced but eager partner Constable George Crabtree (Jonny Harris). Brackenreid, his supervisor, is usually sceptical until Murdoch starts getting results. Brackenreid prefers conventional detection methods over Murdoch's eccentric methods, but is usually pleased and proud when Murdoch is successful despite all odds. Crabtree is often unable to grasp the much more advanced methods, but his enthusiasm and loyalty makes him a good partner and assistant. Like Crabtree, Ogden is a great supporter of Murdoch's methods. Her skill in pathology usually helps by revealing a great deal of useful evidence to aid Murdoch in solving cases. Throughout the series Murdoch's growing infatuation with her, and his inability to express his feelings, provides a light subplot.

The series makes frequent references to contemporaneous real-life events and persons. Plots, though fictitious, sometimes involve real persons, such as Buffalo Bill Cody, Annie Oakley, H. G. Wells, Nikola Tesla, Wilfrid Laurier, Jack London, and Queen Victoria and often foreshadow future events. For example, in one episode it is implied that secret British-American government co-operation was producing a highly advanced aircraft similar to the airship, paralleling the 1896-1897 mystery-airship flap. After the characters were forced to give up pursuit of the scheme, Crabtree and Murdoch allude to the building of a secret government facility in Nevada and New Mexico "at Concession 51", an allusion to Area 51, the nickname for a real, highly secretive military base of the U.S. Air Force.

They also refer to future inventions such as microwaves, the games Clue and Hangman and a silencer for small arms.

[edit] Guest stars

[edit] Production

Murdoch Mysteries is produced and developed by Shaftesbury Films in association with Citytv, ITV Studios Global Entertainment, UKTV and with the assistance of the Canadian Film or Video Production Tax Credit; the Ontario Film and Television Tax Credit; and the Canadian Television Fund.

Seasons one and two were filmed at the Toronto Film Studios facility on Eastern Avenue in Toronto. However, that facility was closed at the end of 2008,[8] forcing the third season to be filmed elsewhere in Toronto, in the area near Kipling Subway to the west of the city.

For seasons one, two and three, filming locations included the Galt district of Cambridge, Ontario. Sidewalks and driveways were covered in earth and in season one the Dobbie Mansion was used for about a week of indoor filming. Parts of the opening episode of Season three was filmed in Bristol in England.

Shaftesbury Films announced in April 2010 that a fourth season had been ordered by Citytv and Alibi, with production scheduled to begin later that year.[9] In August 2010 Shaftesbury Films announced that production on the fourth season had begun and was scheduled to continue through November 2010 with filming in Toronto and Hamilton.[10] Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper filmed a cameo appearance as a constable in the fourth season on October 15, 2010 when he visited the set with his daughter.[11] Season four premiered February 15, 2011 on Alibi in the UK, and in Canada on June 7, 2011 on Citytv.

Filming of season five began in July 2011 which included a visit to Dawson City in the Yukon.[12] On September 27, 2011 Rogers Media announced that they were not continuing with Murdoch Mysteries beyond the fifth season.[7] In response to the cancellation of the series Christina Jennings, executive producer and CEO of Shaftesbury Films said:

We've watched the show grow with the passionate support of audiences in Canada and around the world, and look forward to bringing the storyline to a fulfilling conclusion for fans during our final season.[7]

Murdoch Mysteries was described as a "odd fit" for Citytv's schedule which consists of more contemporary, urban hip, imported programming. Shaftesbury's UK partners in the production of the series, British broadcaster UKTV and the international distributor ITV Studios Global Entertainment, were both interested in additional seasons. Christina Jennings approached Kristine Stewart, executive vice-president of CBC's English services, about continuing the series and she felt that "a home at CBC made absolute sense". Reports of the change of broadcasters and commitment for a sixth season appeared in the evening of November 15 with the press releases being issued on November 16.[13] Production of the sixth season is due to begin in April 2012 so that it will be ready for CBC in September 2012.

[edit] International airings

The series airs in the United Kingdom on Alibi (formerly known as UKTV Drama).

In June 2009 American Public Television, a broadcast-syndication distributor, acquired the first season of Murdoch Mysteries from ITV Global Entertainment for broadcast syndication to public-television stations throughout the U.S.[14]

In France, the first season premiered on June 14, 2009, on France 3 as Les Enquêtes de Murdoch, starting with the second episode. It aired in a Sunday night timeslot, traditionally the timeslot for U.K. police television-drama series such as Midsomer Murders or Lewis, whose audience ratings were excellent. Due to comparatively much lower ratings, the series was placed on hiatus. The series returned in 2010 but was again removed after three weeks. The series returned once more in September 2011, with two episodes of the second season every Sunday night. That French version also plays in Quebec on the Quebecor channel Addik TV

In Turkey, Murdoch Mysteries airs on MovieMax Family Channel in Digiturk.

In Denmark, the first season of Murdoch Mysteries was aired on TV 2 Charlie, in fall 2009.

In Australia, Murdoch Mysteries airs on 13th Street, Friday and Saturday, at 7:30pm

In Sweden the first season of Murdoch Mysteries aired on Kanal 9 in summer 2009, season two started on June 20, 2010. It continues to air on Kanal 9, both reruns and new episodes.

In the Czech Republic, the first three seasons was aired on ČT1 from spring to autumn 2010.

In Singapore, Murdoch Mysteries is on Channel 512 on Universal Channel Asia.

In Poland, Murdoch Mysteries was aired on Ale Kino! in January 20, 2008, season four ended on June 12, 2011.

In Hungary, Murdoch Mysteries is on Story4 TV from 2010 on Mondays at 8 pm.

In Italy, Murdoch Mysteries is on Rai 3 and Fox Crime Italy.

In Portugal, Murdoch Mysteries airs on Fox Crime Portugal.

In Russia, Murdoch Mysteries was aired on TVC

In Thailand, Murdoch Mysteries was aired on True Series

[edit] Home video releases

Acorn Media has released the first two seasons of Murdoch Mysteries on DVD in Region 1 with the third season released on May 3, 2011 on DVD and Blu-ray.[15] ITV Studios Home Entertainment individually released the first two seasons on DVD in Region 2 and then released a box set of the first three seasons.[16] The fourth season was released in Region 2 on May 16, 2011.[17]

[edit] DVD

Title Region 1 Region 2 Region 4 Extras Discs
Murdoch Mysteries — Season One June 16, 2009[18] February 9, 2009[19] June 26, 2009[20]
  • Interviews with the author and cast
  • Photograph gallery
  • Cast filmographies
  • Character biographies
  • Episode commentary (region 1 only)
 4
Murdoch Mysteries — Season Two May 4, 2010[21] February 15, 2010[22] February 10, 2010[23]
  • Behind the Scenes Featurette
  • Character Bios
  • Cast filmographies
  • Photo Gallery
 4
Murdoch Mysteries — Season Three May 3, 2011[15] TBA February 9, 2011[24]
  • A Bonus Alternate Ending on "The Tesla Effect"
  • A 9-minute Behind-the-Scenes Featurette[15]
 4[15]
Murdoch Mysteries — Complete Series 1-3 N/A August 14, 2010[16] N/A 12
Murdoch Mysteries — Season Four May 16, 2011[17]

[edit] Blu Ray

Title Region A Region B Extras Discs
Murdoch Mysteries — Season One N/A N/A
Murdoch Mysteries — Season Two N/A N/A
Murdoch Mysteries — Season Three May 3, 2011[15] N/A
  • A Bonus Alternate Ending on "The Tesla Effect"
  • A 9-minute Behind-the-Scenes Featurette[15]
 3[15]
Murdoch Mysteries — Season Four

[edit] References

  1. ^ "CityTV event coverage". CityTV.com. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2zeO7ID1QcE. 
  2. ^ "Murdoch Mysteries heads for final season". CBC.ca. http://www.cbc.ca/news/arts/story/2011/09/27/murdoch-mysteries.html. 
  3. ^ "CBC picks up Murdoch Mysteries". thestar.com. http://www.thestar.com/article/1087437--cbc-picks-up-murdoch-mysteries. Retrieved November 16, 2011. 
  4. ^ "Murdoch Mysteries to move to CBC". CBC.ca. http://www.cbc.ca/news/arts/story/2011/11/15/murdoch-mysteries-cbc.html. Retrieved November 16, 2011. 
  5. ^ "Murdoch Mysteries". CityTV.com. http://www.citytv.com/micro/murdochmysteries/index.asp. Retrieved 2008-08-25. 
  6. ^ a b "Murdoch Mysteries heads for final season". cbc.ca. http://www.cbc.ca/news/arts/story/2011/09/27/murdoch-mysteries.html. Retrieved December 9, 2011. 
  7. ^ a b c "Citytv killing ‘Murdoch Mysteries’ after upcoming season". theglobeandmail.com. http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/arts/television/citytv-killing-murdoch-mysteries-after-upcoming-season/article2182210/. Retrieved November 16, 2011. 
  8. ^ Roberts, Rob. "Filmport Arrives with a Flourish, But Without Work". National Post. http://network.nationalpost.com/np/blogs/toronto/archive/2008/08/19/filmport-arrives-with-a-flourish-but-without-work.aspx. Retrieved 2008-08-25. 
  9. ^ "Following A Successful International Launch More Cases In Store For Murdoch Mysteries Fans" (Press release). Shaftesbury.ca. http://www.shaftesbury.ca/home/announcements/shaftesbury-films-murdoch-season-iv-annoucement/Murdoch%20Mysteries%20Season%20Four%20Announcement_FINAL.pdf. Retrieved June 7, 2010. 
  10. ^ "More Murdoch Mysteries in store with production underway on season four of Shaftesbury's hit drama series for Citytv and Alibi" (Press release). www.newswire.ca. http://www.newswire.ca/en/releases/archive/August2010/16/c2926.html. Retrieved January 29, 2011. 
  11. ^ "Prime Minister Harper Shoots Cameo On Murdoch Mysteries". City News Toronto (Rogers Media). October 15, 2010. http://www.citytv.com/toronto/citynews/entertainment/news/article/96876--prime-minister-harper-shoots-cameo-on-murdoch-mysteries. Retrieved March 11, 2011. 
  12. ^ Brioux, Bill. "An up close and dirty view of Murdoch Mysteries". Toronto.com. http://www.toronto.com/article/695718. Retrieved November 16, 2011. 
  13. ^ "MURDOCH MYSTERIES MOVES TO A NEW HOME ON CBC TV" (Press release). http://shaftesbury.ca/home/announcements/murdoch-cbc-release/Murdoch_CBC_Release.pdf. Retrieved November 16, 2011. 
  14. ^ Murdoch Mysteries at American Public Television
  15. ^ a b c d e f g "Acorn Announces ' Season 3 ' on DVD...AND Also on Blu-ray Disc!". TVShowsOnDVD.com. http://www.TVShowsOnDVD.com/newsitem.cfm?NewsID=15041. Retrieved February 18, 2011. 
  16. ^ a b "Murdoch Mysteries — Series 1 -3 Box Set (DVD)". amazon.co.uk. http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B003WOLEDI/. Retrieved February 21, 2011. 
  17. ^ a b "Murdoch Mysteries - Series 4 (DVD) (2011)". amazon.co.uk. http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B004LRO02W/. Retrieved February 21, 2011. 
  18. ^ Lambert, David. "Murdoch Mysteries - 4-Disc Set with the Complete Season 1 Coming this Summer". TVShowsOnDVD.com. http://www.tvshowsondvd.com/news/Murdoch-Mysteries-Season-1/11575. Retrieved March 27, 2009. 
  19. ^ "Murdoch Mysteries — Series 1 - Complete (DVD) (2008)". amazon.co.uk. http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B001MK9ZLW/. Retrieved February 21, 2011. 
  20. ^ "Murdoch Mysteries — Season 1 (4 Disc Set)". ezydvd.com.au. http://www.ezydvd.com.au/item.zml/806056. Retrieved February 21, 2011. 
  21. ^ Lambert, David. "Murdoch Mysteries - Corrected Street Date, Plus Details and Extras for Acorn's Season 2 DVDs". TVShowsOnDVD.com. http://www.tvshowsondvd.com/news/Murdoch-Mysteries-Season-2/13243. Retrieved January 22, 2010. 
  22. ^ "Murdoch Mysteries - Series 2 - Complete (DVD) (2009)". amazon.co.uk. http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0030VAT84/. Retrieved February 21, 2011. 
  23. ^ "Murdoch Mysteries - Season 2 (4 Disc Set)". ezydvd.com.au. http://www.ezydvd.com.au/item.zml/810377. Retrieved February 21, 2011. 
  24. ^ "Murdoch Mysteries - Season 3 (4 Disc Set)". ezydvd.com.au. http://www.ezydvd.com.au/item.zml/817528. Retrieved February 21, 2011. 

[edit] External links

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