Murdoch Mysteries - Season 2 - DVD

Content: Detective William Murdoch (Yannick Bisson) must once again use modern investigative techniques to investigate some gruesome and mysterious murders in late 19th century Toronto. Thus, he must solve the death of an employee during a pistol stunt of the legendary Buffalo Bill, must hunt with a colleague from Scotland Yard a serial killer who might be Jack the Ripper, must prove the innocence of the escape artist Harry Houdine in a robbery-murder or investigate whether there are werewolves in Toronto. In his investigation, he can rely not only on fascinating technical innovations such as UV light, but also on the help of pathologist Julia Ogden (Hèlène Joy) and young constable Georg Crabtree (Jonny Harris). But it gets really complicated even for a professional like William when feelings develop between him and Julia, against which even modern science is powerless...

The Canadian long-running "Murdoch Mysteries" is now entering its second round in this country. Whether in high society or in a brothel - in the episodes of the second season there are again partly very original murders - for example, a corpse is found in the mouth of a dinosaur skeleton - and their entertaining solution, Besides, it is especially the play with actual events and people that gives this otherwise very classically staged crime series its special charm. This is in some episodes quite exciting, always entertaining and sometimes interspersed with light-footed humor.

It is particularly amusing, for example, when in an episode next to Murdoch's father also a Mountie appears to investigate the death of a well-known geologist. The completely different approaches to the investigation provide fun moments, as does the revelation that the detective and the Mountie are closer than they would like. This episode left me with memories of the 90s series "A Mountie in Chicago" awaken, which I would like to hereby warmly recommend to all series fans once again.

But now back to "Murdoch Mysteries". In addition to the individual murder cases, William Murdoch's personal life is always at the center of the stories. In this season, William and Julia get closer, which is not without complications. A real emotional chaos ensues, which is resolved at the end of the season (for now). The two characters grow even more attached to you through the romantic entanglements than was the case with the first season, which is really good for the series overall.

Whoever appreciates classic crime entertainment with a coherent set, nice costumes, many historical allusions (including to the discovery of X-rays) and charming characters will love "Murdoch Mysteries". The episodes of the second season distributed on four DVDs are for such an audience clearly: absolutely worth watching!

Picture + Sound: The image of the DVD is at a good TV level, although you can already tell that these episodes have over 12 years on the hump. There are small blurs here and there, but they only marginally diminish the overall positive impression. On a positive note, the color scheme is, as with the first episodes, very coherent and that dirt and other disturbances are not discernible. The sound is available in a Dolby Digital 2.0 mix, in which the dialogues are clearly the focus. In addition, there is the well-matched music as well as smaller sound effects. For a TV series, this is all in all satisfactory: good!

Extras: Bonus material has the DVD except for the trailer unfortunately not to offer.

Conclusion: The entertaining crime series "Murdoch Mysteries" is in their home country of Canada not for nothing a real long runner. Set at the end of the 19th century, the series convinces with a mixture of suspense, the play with true events and historical personalities, a pinch of humor and a touch of romance. A charming cast and a coherent set also contribute to the very positive overall impression. The DVD box set of the second season is technically on a good TV level, unfortunately there is no bonus material this time. All in all, this DVD for crime thriller fans is quite clear: Recommendable!

An article by Frankfurt-Tipp