My boyfriends Crabtree & Brackenreid

So one of the TV shows I can't resist sticking to is Murdoch Mysteries. They were originally a couple of TV movies based on books by Maureen Jennings, about a Toronto detective using early forensics. When it morphed into a regular TV series, with different actors, it took on a lighter tone than the books, but it's super entertaining.

They have full episodes at CityTV, and there are some uploaded on youtube. The one below (Me, Myself and Murdoch) is the one I just watched (seaons 3) and it's one of the best--as many commentors agree, the acting is great in this one.



The best part, as with most shows, is the chemistry between the core team of characters.

William Murdoch is our hero--a very tightlaced, moral Catholic. He's basically a science geek, and therefore incomprehensible to his Chief Inspector.




Brackenreid: In the beginning he was the usual old fashioned Irish policeman with no patience for Murdoch's poofty-science investigating. What I like about the series is that they grew the character, so that he appreciates Murdoch even if he doesn't get him. He's so unrepentantly Mr Tough Guy that (a) he's quite funny and (b) he's the one you want when it's time to rough up a suspect!

Crabtree: He's our #1 constable sidekick. He's a young goof, but he also looks up to Murdoch so as the series progresses you see him turning into a really good detective, picking up on Murdoch's skills. He's so cute I just loves him. He's only had a one-episode love interest, centering around his love of dogs and an animal activist. I hope he gets another.

Dr. Ogden: Julia is our chick coroner. She's very progressive--so much so that the path to romance isn't always easy between her and Murdoch. Murdoch is broadminded, but Julia's a little more freewheeling, and in no rush to marry and have children. They do a good job using her to address feminist issues of the time.