The Murdoch Mysteries – Season One (2008/Acorn Media DVD)

 

Picture: C+     Sound: C+     Extras: C     Episodes: C+

 

 

In a twist in the tired forensic detective TV cycle, Canada has come up with The Murdoch Mysteries, a series set in the world of innovative science, but in the 1890s.  There are two ways this could go.  Either it could be a smart, rich, informative, clever show that understands the past while being adult and realistic, or it could be a name-dropping affair that talks down to the audience, takes unnecessary liberties with history (i.e., the characters make history despite being fictional) and is a half-witted pseudo-history lesson ala The Indiana Jones Chronicles.  Sadly, it goes for the latter when one such show was enough.

 

Additionally, the acting does not always seem like the people are in their time period, though to the credit of the show, the money is in the production design, costumes and other props.  It is a novel idea that never is fully realized because the choice is so commercial when it did not have to be.  The cast is likable and make this more watchable, but the attempt at Lucas/Spielberg-style childlike aspirations renders the ability to suspend disbelief a big problem.  For the curious only.

 

The anamorphically enhanced 1.78 X 1 image has some good color and detail, but it is not consistent.  Still, it is fine at times, but only a Blu-ray is going to be able to show us how good this can really look.  The Dolby Digital 2.0 Stereo has some limited surrounds, but sounds like it could easily be a 5.1 mix with the right work.  Extras include stills, text cast filmographies, text character bios, on-camera interviews with he author & cast and an audio commentary on the pilot by select cast and crew.

 

 

-   Nicholas Sheffo