I, unlike another reviewer, thought this was one of the great episodes of this series, featuring the excellent Georgina Reilly, who's departure is a great loss to the series in my opinion, Constable George Crabtree, who had been in love with Dr. Grace, features in a very touching finale as they say goodbye forever.
Like life, the series goes on, but never quite the same!
13 Reviews
Goodbye Dr. Grace
pensman5 May 2016
Warning: Spoilers
We say adieu to cast member Georgina Reilly as her character Dr. Emily Grace leaves the series. Dr. Grace and her "lover" Lillian Moss are about to depart for England when Lillian is killed in the street. Both Murdoch and Crabtree are there to help, but now Emily's secret is revealed to them: she is a lesbian or Sapphist as it was termed then. Both men are surprised and even more so that Inspector Thomas Brackenreid had known previously but had said nothing. As the case is investigated, Dr, Grace is disappointed to discover that Lillian Moss had a previous lover and that the name she had been using was assumed. At the episodes end, Dr. Grace is reconciled to the facts but rather than return to her position as coroner, she will go on to England alone and perhaps there to begin her life again. I will admit to a puzzlement as to why the writers decided to change Dr. Graces's character rather abruptly as originally she began as the girlfriend to George Crabtree. It was certainly an interesting plot departure.
A fitting adieu for Dr. Grace
jduyrhfngj18 July 2019
For fans of MM, who've been with the series from the beginning, have enjoyed many great episodes, great guests, the historical aspect of the show, and stayed with series even during a few bumps in the road, this episode ranks in the top 20, or so, of the 199 episodes to date. Everyone is entitled to their opinion, and free speech still exists in our society, albeit to a lesser degree. But sadly there remains a stench of much prejudice, driven by closed-minded individuals who feel that same-sex relationships are a sin. Comments about how Emily became a partner with Lillian too quickly, and that it wasn't realistic haven't been either watching the series and/or not paying attention. I will surmise that most of the negative comments about this relationship come from non-Canadians. Personally, I have never had any issue with topics covered by MM. I find the show to be brave and forward-looking.
Is it better to have loved and lost, than never to have loved at all?
miles-3310827 November 2016
Warning: Spoilers
This is a touching episode in which the focus is firmly on Dr Emily Grace. It starts with her and Lillian Moss making preparations for their last day in Canada before crossing the Atlantic aboard the RMS Carpathia to begin their new life in London supporting the suffragette cause. There is a typical mix of excitement and apprehension. Then Suddenly ...
All this is shattered when news reaches Police Station 4 of a shooting. The victim is Lillian Moss ...or is it? Time is of the essence as the investigation into the murder gets under way. Revelations about Miss Moss come thick and fast.
A man whom Inspector Brackenreid believed was her uncle turns out not to be related to Lillian at all, and has no knowledge of the rest of her family, indeed nobody does.
Lillian Moss is probably not the woman's real name, and she may or may not have murdered a man for the sake of his wife, who was a previous lover of Lillian.
In the middle of the investigation, Inspector Brackenreid has to ask Emily Grace some questions which reveal to an astonished Detective Murdoch and Constable Crabtree that Emily was the lover of Lillian. This hits Constable Crabtree especially hard, because he is still reeling from his loss of Edna Brooks. It seems that Dr Ogden is the only person in that circle of friends to have worked out for herself just what Lillian meant to Emily and why.
Overall, this is a touching episode because just as each of the characters has to deal with the secrets about Emily, so Emily herself has to deal with the things her lover had been keeping from her. The episode ends with Emily beginning her transatlantic journey. She couldn't really have stayed as Toronto Coroner - too many people had become aware of her secret, and there was too much unhappiness for her there.
A few episodes ago, when certain reviewers were enraged about what they perceived as deviance in the plot line, I suggested that perhaps the best thing would be to see what price she would have to pay: well, it has cost her everything; perhaps her new start will enable her to rebuild.
All this is shattered when news reaches Police Station 4 of a shooting. The victim is Lillian Moss ...or is it? Time is of the essence as the investigation into the murder gets under way. Revelations about Miss Moss come thick and fast.
A man whom Inspector Brackenreid believed was her uncle turns out not to be related to Lillian at all, and has no knowledge of the rest of her family, indeed nobody does.
Lillian Moss is probably not the woman's real name, and she may or may not have murdered a man for the sake of his wife, who was a previous lover of Lillian.
In the middle of the investigation, Inspector Brackenreid has to ask Emily Grace some questions which reveal to an astonished Detective Murdoch and Constable Crabtree that Emily was the lover of Lillian. This hits Constable Crabtree especially hard, because he is still reeling from his loss of Edna Brooks. It seems that Dr Ogden is the only person in that circle of friends to have worked out for herself just what Lillian meant to Emily and why.
Overall, this is a touching episode because just as each of the characters has to deal with the secrets about Emily, so Emily herself has to deal with the things her lover had been keeping from her. The episode ends with Emily beginning her transatlantic journey. She couldn't really have stayed as Toronto Coroner - too many people had become aware of her secret, and there was too much unhappiness for her there.
A few episodes ago, when certain reviewers were enraged about what they perceived as deviance in the plot line, I suggested that perhaps the best thing would be to see what price she would have to pay: well, it has cost her everything; perhaps her new start will enable her to rebuild.
Always a mirror to the present
samjstreet7 September 2021
MM has always raised a mirror to present day life. The storyline is true to how sexuality was viewed at the turn of the 20th century where women's homosexuality was viewed as a frippery and men's was criminalised.
Good episode with a hard humanist core. We.
Good episode with a hard humanist core. We.
Emily's best episode
reb-warrior3 January 2023
Warning: Spoilers
I feel like this is Emily's best episode mainly because of Georgina Reilly's excellent performance in this one. And the well-weaved story that was touching and sad as we watched a main character leave the show.
I wasn't crazy about the character of Lillian Moss. I did find her obnoxious at times, with her digs at Dr. Ogden, and her over-zealous behavior in throwing the brick through the window which she couldn't see as being wrong. I also found there was a lack of chemistry between her and Emily. However, the love Emily felt for her seemed true. Emily became a more developed character because of Lillian and was able to be true to herself which is always a good thing.
I loved the way they told the story in this one by using flashbacks mainly remembered by Emily. Lillian Moss wasn't who she said she was and had an entire hidden past that Emily didn't know about. Reilly did a great job, especially when she sees Lillian's dead body and death stare which was devastating to her. I seem to remember when I watched this the first time years ago, that I had no idea that this was coming and they really surprised me with the nice little scene between Emily and Lillian right at the beginning, and then went a little later to the next scene of a dead body. I love that the gang were protective and caring towards Emily: Murdoch, George, Brackenreid, and Julia.
The mystery had many twists and turns. At one point, they thought Lillian may have been a murderer. Emily is confused, shocked, and hurt as she finds out all these secrets about Lillian, and yet calm and deeply grieved. Again, well played by Reilly.
George and Emily did have a lot of chemistry. They became very close again, but as friends when George's story with Edna was coming to an end. They really are touching as friends. I loved when Emily said Murdoch made her better at her job. Loved Brackenreid being so protective of her. Julia knew that Emily was a lesbian all along. There were indeed clues throughout her tenure on the show.
There was a little humor between George and Murdoch after they find out Emily is a sapphist. George is trying to figure things out, and well, their convo was funny.
I really hate that Emily had to leave the show. I had thought of her as one of the gang. It was nice having another female main regular, as we have 3 males as main regs. I enjoyed her & Julia's friendship and their convos. I heard the actress wanted to leave, so they really gave her character a dramatic send-off. 10/10.
I wasn't crazy about the character of Lillian Moss. I did find her obnoxious at times, with her digs at Dr. Ogden, and her over-zealous behavior in throwing the brick through the window which she couldn't see as being wrong. I also found there was a lack of chemistry between her and Emily. However, the love Emily felt for her seemed true. Emily became a more developed character because of Lillian and was able to be true to herself which is always a good thing.
I loved the way they told the story in this one by using flashbacks mainly remembered by Emily. Lillian Moss wasn't who she said she was and had an entire hidden past that Emily didn't know about. Reilly did a great job, especially when she sees Lillian's dead body and death stare which was devastating to her. I seem to remember when I watched this the first time years ago, that I had no idea that this was coming and they really surprised me with the nice little scene between Emily and Lillian right at the beginning, and then went a little later to the next scene of a dead body. I love that the gang were protective and caring towards Emily: Murdoch, George, Brackenreid, and Julia.
The mystery had many twists and turns. At one point, they thought Lillian may have been a murderer. Emily is confused, shocked, and hurt as she finds out all these secrets about Lillian, and yet calm and deeply grieved. Again, well played by Reilly.
George and Emily did have a lot of chemistry. They became very close again, but as friends when George's story with Edna was coming to an end. They really are touching as friends. I loved when Emily said Murdoch made her better at her job. Loved Brackenreid being so protective of her. Julia knew that Emily was a lesbian all along. There were indeed clues throughout her tenure on the show.
There was a little humor between George and Murdoch after they find out Emily is a sapphist. George is trying to figure things out, and well, their convo was funny.
I really hate that Emily had to leave the show. I had thought of her as one of the gang. It was nice having another female main regular, as we have 3 males as main regs. I enjoyed her & Julia's friendship and their convos. I heard the actress wanted to leave, so they really gave her character a dramatic send-off. 10/10.
The show is taking a darker turn
interestingstuff23 October 2022
In the first 8 seasons this was a drama show but it had a lot of comedic moments especially around constable Crabtree and inspector Brackenreid but 9th season has been pretty dark lately in terms of the tone.
Looks like writers are taking the show to a completely different direction in 9th season, making it a lot darker and turning it into a soap operate for all intends and purposes. Solving murders takes a second seat while relationships, drama and dark secrets between characters become the main storyline. Murdoch just happens to solve mysteries on the side while the main story (soap opera) continues on.
I am not sure I like the new direction of this show.
Looks like writers are taking the show to a completely different direction in 9th season, making it a lot darker and turning it into a soap operate for all intends and purposes. Solving murders takes a second seat while relationships, drama and dark secrets between characters become the main storyline. Murdoch just happens to solve mysteries on the side while the main story (soap opera) continues on.
I am not sure I like the new direction of this show.
Lol so bad it's awesome!
tert7214 December 2020
Warning: Spoilers
Best part of the episode, Dr Grace is gone! And this shoe horned story line is over!!! Really liked grace up until the part she cheated on George, then had the gall when she found out the guy she was going out with was kind of a psycho, to tell George... Tee her sorry was just an infatuation.... And according to the other reviewer, yes we do know people can be bi, but there was no one iota of evidence that grace was bi, which yes, there typically is something noticeable... But then the story gets really convoluted, 2 people supposed to be dead, wait only 1,wait, no one was dead, the one that was dead killed Lillian, oh wait did Lillian kill 2 people? Really really was a mess of things..... I know Canadian beer is strong and I think the writer may have had a few too many when writing this.
Also while most people are accepting if not at least tolerating of gay relationships now, not many were back then. Even the most progressive people then frowned on it. (it's called history, take a course) and most disliked it. Wouldn't have been all cozy and familiar like it was at the end..... Just a horrible horrible shoe horn of a story line and now thankfully grace is gone!
Hopefully they give George a good woman soon......
The very first Murdoch Mystery episode I watched
safenoe13 May 2021
Warning: Spoilers
This was the very first episode of Murdoch Mysteries that I watched, seriously. I thought you know, Murdoch Mysteries is very well ahead of its time for sure with the LGBTI storyline. Why oh why was the lesbian character killed off at the end? Reminds me of the trope when black characters are the first killed off in slasher flicks.
There was an exchange in this episode that I don't know if it was meant to be a joke about Canadian accents. One of the characters found "a boot", and I wonder if that was a sly reference to the way Canadians pronounce about.
I hope future episodes of Murdoch Mysteries feature special appearances from Degrassi, which pretty much introduced me to Canadian culture. Pat Mastroianni could be cast as a mafia leader, Siluck Saysanasy could be cast as a triad overlord, and Stefan Brogren could play an Irish gang warlord.
There was an exchange in this episode that I don't know if it was meant to be a joke about Canadian accents. One of the characters found "a boot", and I wonder if that was a sly reference to the way Canadians pronounce about.
I hope future episodes of Murdoch Mysteries feature special appearances from Degrassi, which pretty much introduced me to Canadian culture. Pat Mastroianni could be cast as a mafia leader, Siluck Saysanasy could be cast as a triad overlord, and Stefan Brogren could play an Irish gang warlord.
What did this storyline actually have to do with the show?
buddrud-271943 April 2018
Warning: Spoilers
Okay, Murdoch Mysteries has dealt with homosexuality before. They did it well, dealing with it as respectfully as possible, considering the era. Last season, suddenly, Dr. Grace is a lesbian. Out of the blue. It doesn't work on any level. It's as if the writers of the series felt they had to shove that in there. Why? Like many I had some hope that George and Emily would rekindle the romance they once shared. They were cute and sweet together. But no. This whole lesbian storyline had to be shoved in to please someone somewhere. I don't mind if there is a gay character, but to suddenly thrust it onto a regular in the show was ridiculous. And in this episode it feels the writers needed a way to finally be rid of it, so they killed off her lover and somewhat turned her into a villain. I already got the impression Lillian Moss morally corrupt (no, I don't mean the homosexuality, I mean throwing a brick through a window and potentially accidentally killing someone and not thinking twice about it). Then it turns out only the summer before she had an affair and ended up killing her lovers husband and covering it all up with a wrecked sailboat. If that part of my review sounds confusing, well, it should. They could have given Emily Grace a much better ending than this. It was just stupid, and I hope they don't do anything like this again.
Bury your gays
T9878 January 2020
Warning: Spoilers
Very disappointed by the other reviews on this episode and the whole Lillian/Dr Grace storyline.
Not one person has considered the idea that Dr Grace could be bisexual which is clearly what is portrayed in the show. And in my opinion the show does a great job of showing this relationship progress naturally. However, I am VERY disappointed in the show for using the 'bury your gays' trope. There was no conceivable reason I could think of for this plot line. You'll notice that all other major character deaths and tragedies have served to move the overarching plot forward in some way. For example, the death of Edna brooks husband (who is a far less established character than Lilian) serves to keep Crabtree from being promoted therefore he stays in the show and it effects his character and storyline in other ways going forward. This is not the case with Lilian. At first I thought it was going to be used to keep Dr Grace in the show and stop her going to London, I would have understood this. But instead she goes off to London anyway! rendering this entire episode completely unnecessary and if it were never made the show would be no different.
So it comes to this: the writers could have chosen to have a positive hopeful ending to their story where they go off to London together where we, the viewers, can imagine that they live happily ever after if we want, but instead they kill Lilian off for no good reason leaving a depressing disappointing ending. It comes off as penance for being gay. The idea that: a same sex relationship can exist in media as long as it is seen to end in tragedy proving over and over again that it doesn't pay to be gay. This is reaffirmed be the strangely romantic subtext between Dr Grace and Crabtree at the end of the episode (who have been working together as friends and nothing more for a long time by now). I'm very disappointed with the episode and feel this is a case of one step forward, two steps backward for queer representation in the show.
Not one person has considered the idea that Dr Grace could be bisexual which is clearly what is portrayed in the show. And in my opinion the show does a great job of showing this relationship progress naturally. However, I am VERY disappointed in the show for using the 'bury your gays' trope. There was no conceivable reason I could think of for this plot line. You'll notice that all other major character deaths and tragedies have served to move the overarching plot forward in some way. For example, the death of Edna brooks husband (who is a far less established character than Lilian) serves to keep Crabtree from being promoted therefore he stays in the show and it effects his character and storyline in other ways going forward. This is not the case with Lilian. At first I thought it was going to be used to keep Dr Grace in the show and stop her going to London, I would have understood this. But instead she goes off to London anyway! rendering this entire episode completely unnecessary and if it were never made the show would be no different.
So it comes to this: the writers could have chosen to have a positive hopeful ending to their story where they go off to London together where we, the viewers, can imagine that they live happily ever after if we want, but instead they kill Lilian off for no good reason leaving a depressing disappointing ending. It comes off as penance for being gay. The idea that: a same sex relationship can exist in media as long as it is seen to end in tragedy proving over and over again that it doesn't pay to be gay. This is reaffirmed be the strangely romantic subtext between Dr Grace and Crabtree at the end of the episode (who have been working together as friends and nothing more for a long time by now). I'm very disappointed with the episode and feel this is a case of one step forward, two steps backward for queer representation in the show.
Circa season 9, is this show becoming a comedy?
sfoyoitt14 January 2019
Warning: Spoilers
Mind numbingly bad writing. Seriously, they have to be trying to be this bad.
I figured by the halfway point that they would somehow have to twist the plot to redeem Lillian's character, but the way they did it was laughably inane. I won't spoil it for you.
I'm beginning to think the writing room for this show consists entirely of 14 year old girls eating pizza and drinking jello shots. If you notice, the women in the show are portrayed as having frivolous emotional reactions to everything, acting on it rashly, and then somehow justifying the resulting train wreck because well, "muh feelings".
Someone please, PLEASE tell Helene Joy to stop that little giggle she emits whenever replying or countering something said. She is constantly giggling and laughing at shockingly inappropriate times. In the VERY FIRST SCENE she is in during this episode, when Dr. Grace is in shock from Lillian's death, she has this semi-grin on her face. I half expected her to break into a wide smile, clap her hands, and exclaim "Oh William, this is SO very exciting, isn't it?"
And why is Dr. Ogden included in nearly every police interview all of a sudden? She is no longer a coroner, and is a independent psychiatrist. Yet she hangs out at the police station, babbling and giggling about everything.
In this episode, Sad Doctor Grace (TM) is denoted by giving her no makeup and painting bags under her eyes. As soon as the crime is resolved, magic! She once again wears makeup. Cheap visual device.
Also, I am in no way prejudiced against gay people, and am a live and let live kind of gal, but enough with the political preaching! The writers are literally doing a disservice to the gay community by such stilted portrayals.
I could go on forever... just awful, awful stuff.
I figured by the halfway point that they would somehow have to twist the plot to redeem Lillian's character, but the way they did it was laughably inane. I won't spoil it for you.
I'm beginning to think the writing room for this show consists entirely of 14 year old girls eating pizza and drinking jello shots. If you notice, the women in the show are portrayed as having frivolous emotional reactions to everything, acting on it rashly, and then somehow justifying the resulting train wreck because well, "muh feelings".
Someone please, PLEASE tell Helene Joy to stop that little giggle she emits whenever replying or countering something said. She is constantly giggling and laughing at shockingly inappropriate times. In the VERY FIRST SCENE she is in during this episode, when Dr. Grace is in shock from Lillian's death, she has this semi-grin on her face. I half expected her to break into a wide smile, clap her hands, and exclaim "Oh William, this is SO very exciting, isn't it?"
And why is Dr. Ogden included in nearly every police interview all of a sudden? She is no longer a coroner, and is a independent psychiatrist. Yet she hangs out at the police station, babbling and giggling about everything.
In this episode, Sad Doctor Grace (TM) is denoted by giving her no makeup and painting bags under her eyes. As soon as the crime is resolved, magic! She once again wears makeup. Cheap visual device.
Also, I am in no way prejudiced against gay people, and am a live and let live kind of gal, but enough with the political preaching! The writers are literally doing a disservice to the gay community by such stilted portrayals.
I could go on forever... just awful, awful stuff.
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