The twenty-second episode of the seventeenth season of Murdoch Mysteries, “Why is Everybody Singing?”, is the show’s first musical episode, airing on April 6 on Ovation.
In this unique instalment, Detective William Murdoch (Yannick Bisson) pursues a missing man now presumed dead. However, his investigation takes an unexpected turn when he receives a call that alters his perception of the world. Venturing into a lively alley, Murdoch is shot in the head and left for dead. Constables George Crabtree (Jonny Harris) and Henry Higgins (Lachlan Murdoch) find him clinging to life with a faint pulse. As the rest of the team rushes to the scene, Murdoch’s world transforms into a musical as he hears their inquiries in song.
The musical format adds a layer of intrigue as Murdoch, confused by the singing, struggles to understand why his colleagues are more focused on melodies than solving the mystery of who shot him. This creative choice is explained in Murdoch’s comatose state, with the songs serving as a representation of his injured brain’s way of processing information.
The episode pays homage to the cast’s musical talents, with all the actors performing their own singing and dancing. It also includes choreography by Tim French and is directed by Laurie Lynd.
“Why is Everybody Singing?” effectively combines the show’s signature crime-solving with musical numbers, offering a fresh and entertaining twist to the long-running series.
Season 17 of Murdoch Mysteries continues to engage viewers with a mix of intriguing mysteries and innovative storytelling. The season features 24 episodes, including Halloween and Christmas specials, and marks the show’s first musical episode. The season also explores the ongoing dynamics between Detective Murdoch and Dr. Julia Ogden (Hélène Joy) and the return of James Gillies, a recurring villain.
Murdoch Mysteries: Why is Everybody Singing? airs Saturday April 6, 2024 at 7.00pm on Ovation.
