A Murdoch Mysteries superfan looks back on 300 episodes
As the series celebrates a milestone, the 'Murdochians' who love it have been there from the start
For nearly two decades, Murdoch Mysteries has captured the hearts and minds of viewers around the world. Now that the beloved Canadian series has reached the 300 episode milestone, fans have been reflecting on the secrets of the show's longevity. Among those fans is Anna Kwan, a Toronto elementary school teacher and passionate "Murdochian" who has been watching the series since the beginning, and before! More on that later.
Kwan's journey with the series gives us a window into the unique culture and enduring appeal of Murdoch Mysteries.
Steampunk beginnings
"At the very beginning, when people asked me to describe the TV series, I simply said, "It's Sherlock Holmes meets CSI, set in Toronto," says Kwan.
Her introduction to Murdoch Mysteries predates the series itself. "The three TV movies had a completely different cast, and Peter Outerbridge played Detective Murdoch. I stumbled upon them by accident…" she recalls. Years later, Kwan discovered the new series, "I saw the opening theme music and was intrigued by the "Steampunk vibe." She adds, "When I saw Yannick Bisson as Murdoch, that surprised me — that's not Peter Outerbridge!— but the other actor is handsome! I think I'll watch more! You can say I've been watching the series since the very beginning!"
Murdoch Mysteries Season 1 premiered on CityTV in January of 2008 to great fanfare from both critics and audiences. Later that year, the fledgling series was nominated for 14 Gemini awards and took home two. The show would receive many more accolades, a testament to the quality of the ongoing work of the cast and creative talent on the series.
A fan community like no other
The Murdoch Mysteries fan culture (Murdochians) is "an incredible mix of people who have intersecting interests from all walks of life," says Kwan, who is deeply involved in this fandom. She co-administers online groups like the Murdoch Mysteries Appreciation Society and organizes in-person events. "At fan conventions and events, I've met people who love the TV series because of the Canadian history embedded into the storylines. Others like the history of scientific innovation and discovery — Murdoch was working as a detective at a time when the Industrial Revolution was changing people's lives and police forensics was in its infancy. Then, there are fans who love the Victorian and Edwardian costumes and the historic twist on your police-procedural TV series."
And the communities have grown. "I meet other local Murdochians through grassroots fan events. From there, we've become a tight-knit group of about a dozen fans who would meet at a local pub and we'd have a viewing party to watch special "milestone" episodes. One time, actress Hélène Joy found out about our fan events and arranged to crash our viewing party to surprise us!
Some of her more ambitious endeavours include running a not-for-profit "Murdoch Mysteries ghost store" to ship merchandise to fans worldwide and hosting a trivia contest on a "ghost tour" bus during a fan event in Hamilton.
"But this was all in part with the help of some equally passionate fans who helped me share Murdochian joy to everyone who couldn't be in Toronto for the local fan events," she says.
These efforts exemplify the dedication and creativity that define the show's fanbase.
Representation matters
One of Kwan's favourite episodes, "The Great Wall" from Season 3, resonates on a personal level. "The episode featured a storyline that takes place in The Ward where the Chinese community used to live," she says. "I'm Chinese-Canadian and it made me very happy to see a storyline about my community and culture treated with sensitivity and compassion. As a result, I learned more about the history of the Chinese-Canadian community and their contributions in Toronto."
The series' commitment to diverse storytelling has evolved over the years, with storylines exploring feminism, racial identity and even the emergence of an Asian police inspector. "Sure, there are some who argue that it is a little anachronistic," Kwan notes, "but Murdoch Mysteries is not a documentary about the history of Toronto. It's historical fiction where we can explore modern and universal themes viewed through a historical lens."
Global reach
Murdoch Mysteries isn't just a Canadian treasure; it has a worldwide fanbase. Kwan points out that the show has been dubbed into multiple languages, allowing fans from France to Thailand to connect with its unique blend of history and mystery. "I think Thomas Craig mentioned that the voice actor who dubs his lines in one country is the same voice actor who dubs for Homer Simpson in that language!" she laughs.
Beyond entertainment, the series has sparked interest in Canadian history. "Other fans have reached out for suggestions on places to visit in Toronto and other parts of Ontario, like filming locations and history museums to visit, creating their own Murdoch-themed vacation." says Kwan.
What is next for Murdoch?
With the looming onset of World War I in the series' timeline, fans like Kwan are wondering what's next for Murdoch Mysteries. "If they're going to end on a milestone, it's possible to end the series right at the start of the Great War," she suggests. "The 1920s are just around the corner, and William & Julia's daughter, Susannah; and Henry & Ruth's daughter, Jordan would both be in their tweens by then. Or looking into the Station 4 bullpen, how would Crabtree fare as lead detective at his own police station? Will we ever get to [see] a female constable at Station 4? "
But, we are only in Season 18. There's plenty of time for new stories in the Murdoch Mysteries universe.
For Kwan, the show's legacy is already secure. "It's like Sesame Street where multiple generations of viewers have grown up watching the series." She adds, "I honestly have NO IDEA how far the series can go."
As fans eagerly anticipate the 300th episode, Kwan's story reminds us that Murdoch Mysteries is more than just a TV show. It's a cultural touchstone, a celebration of history, and a testament to the power of Canadian storytelling.
Murdoch Mysteries' 300th episode is available January 20 on CBC and CBC Gem.