The Murdoch Mysteries

The pace is too slow and the atmosphere is too dark and grimy. I've seen countless period pieces of this era and this is by far the darkest. Watching the destituteness was too depressing.

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

Murdoch and Ogden are good characters. The mysteries in and of themselves are intriguing and enjoyable, and there is a wee bit of humor. However, many, perhaps most of the characters and their dialog is ugly. Perhaps this is realistic, but I prefer movies that build me up, not gross me out. Much of the casting and acting was mediocre.

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.

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.