Last Updated on August 30, 2021
Set in the Victorian and Edwardian eras, the Canadian period mystery series “Murdoch Mysteries” has been thrilling fans for 14 seasons.
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There have been over 200 episodes of the beloved period drama, but you don’t need to watch them to enjoy Season 14, which has just been released to DVD/Blu-ray/Digital. A few 2-parters aside, each crime investigation is resolved by the end of the episode. With just a little knowledge under your belt, you can jump right in and start watching the 11 episodes that make up Season 14.
Let’s do a quick catch up, and then look at the latest season of “Murdoch Mysteries.” Thanks to the folks at Acorn Online for filling us in!
Based on the characters from Maureen Jennings’ Detective Murdoch novel series, “Murdoch Mysteries” is set in late 19th and early 20th centuries in Toronto.
It’s the age of innovation, and the methodical and dashing Detective William Murdoch (Yannick Bisson) enlists radical new forensic techniques like fingerprinting, ultraviolet light, and trace evidence to solve some of the city’s most (TV-14 style) gruesome murders.
CBC, Canada’s national public broadcaster, calls the series “a combination of steampunk and sci-fi at the crossroads of Sherlock with a healthy dose of comedy and romance.”
Despite the sci-fi flair and invented plot-lines, most of the episodes are based on actual crimes, and include portrayals of well-known figures from Queen Victoria to Arthur Conan Doyle. Season 14, set in 1908, continues to spotlight historic characters, including young Charlie Chaplin, Stan Laurel and Buster Keaton, all in the first episode.
Detective Murdoch solves the crimes with the help of some key associates. Pathologist, surgeon and psychiatrist Doctor Julia Ogden (Hélène Joy) who works works with the Toronto police is also Murdoch’s love interest. Murdoch’s gruff boss is Inspector Brackenreid (Thomas Craig). The pair couldn’t be more different, because Brackenreid is by-the-book and narrow minded, and Murdoch is innovative and expansive in his thinking and approach. Also open-minded is newbie Constable George Crabtree (Jonny Harris), who wants to write murder mysteries.
In the new season, this top-rated series continues to explore the personal and professional developments in their lives. Season 14 also follows returning characters Henry Higgins-Newsome (Lachlan Murdoch), Margaret Brackenreid (Arwen Humphreys), Ruth Newsome (Siobhan Murphy), and Detective Llewelyn Watts (Daniel Maslany) as Murdoch and his team tackle Toronto’s toughest mysteries, from the serious and historic to the comical and unusual.
As Season 14 begins, Detective Murdoch continues his inventive detective work with Ogden’s unflinching support even after an investigation leads him to a family member that he never knew about.
Inspector Brackenreid and Margaret’s marriage, now on the mend, is tested once more, and Crabtree’s relationship with Effie Newsome is threatened by a potentially volatile interloper. Family relations also loom large for Higgins now that Ruth is pregnant.
Unfortunately, Watts’ secret love affair faces dangerous scrutiny, while Violet Hart’s now public liaison with a wealthy playboy causes social outrage.
Viewers from the US watch the long-running period series on Acorn TV, and on August 31, 2021, Acorn debuted the DVD/Blu-ray/Digital of Season 14.
“Murdoch Mysteries” has garnered an amazing 45 Gemini® and Canadian Screen Award nominations from the Academy of Canadian Cinema & Television during its run, and Yannick Bisson won Canadian Screen Award’s ‘Fan’s Choice Award.’
Own the DVD or Blu-ray of Season 14 of “Murdoch Mysteries” HERE
Acorn Online brings you the very best British entertainment – mysteries, dramas, comedies, documentaries, and more – plus quality gifts from around the globe. You’ll find exclusive early releases from blockbuster Brit series (think Midsomer Murders and Foyle’s War), plus a comprehensive assortment of titles for your home viewing library.
If you enjoyed this post, be sure to see this list of Period Dramas Streaming on Acorn TV in 2021 and 5 Reasons to Watch Miss Fisher and the Crypt of Tears.
