I was surprised when I realized this was actually going to be a "horror" episode, but it was fun for a change, as a one-off. As for those reviewers who were hung up on the fact that it wasn't typical Murdoch, I say "Take a breath and chill out". Watching an unusual episode of Murdoch Mysteries still beats watching 90% of the other junk on TV today. We should be happy that when a new season is available it contains A LOT of episodes, as opposed to prime-time TV shows, which seem to be announcing their Finale before you've figured out the plot. Let's celebrate and appreciate the good shows and let the writers have their fun occasionally.
13 Reviews
A different direction with some quite scary scenes
MoicaB14 November 2023
Warning: Spoilers
I have to say that I expected the episode to be different because of all the posts preceding the episode that informed us to expect the unexpected. I'm referring mostly to posts made by Mr. Bisson.
Generally, I felt that every next story that came about in the episode added to the tension. I literally covered my eyes when the 4th story came about because I was genuinely scared for Murdoch. And the doll was really scary to me.
I did not expect the ending to generate a solution of some sort. Because the solution or resolution was presented after every one of the four stories concluded. So, I must add that I don't quite understand the heavy criticism this episode is getting. It is only natural, that after 16 seasons and well into the 17th the creators would try some new directions. I would be surprised if they didn't.
I especially liked how the 4th story with Murdoch was filmed. There's a very scary shot when Murdoch exits the bedroom. Camera shooting from the floor up at Murdoch and there's a cross clearly visible in the shot. That was really scary considering what came next.
Sure, we all probably fell in love with those classic murder episodes where Murdoch's brilliance leads to finding the culprit. But honestly, I like a little diversion. Seeing Murdoch in a "different skin". Perhaps being a fan of the show for so long is also influencing my writing but let me conclude with a thought:
We do not always know the consequence of our actions but there is no consequence without actions.
This is something I came across watching Murdoch Mysteries. Dr. Ogden says something very similar to Watts when he is troubled. So, I would intern say this to the creators and performers of Murdoch Mysteries. Keep on going.
Generally, I felt that every next story that came about in the episode added to the tension. I literally covered my eyes when the 4th story came about because I was genuinely scared for Murdoch. And the doll was really scary to me.
I did not expect the ending to generate a solution of some sort. Because the solution or resolution was presented after every one of the four stories concluded. So, I must add that I don't quite understand the heavy criticism this episode is getting. It is only natural, that after 16 seasons and well into the 17th the creators would try some new directions. I would be surprised if they didn't.
I especially liked how the 4th story with Murdoch was filmed. There's a very scary shot when Murdoch exits the bedroom. Camera shooting from the floor up at Murdoch and there's a cross clearly visible in the shot. That was really scary considering what came next.
Sure, we all probably fell in love with those classic murder episodes where Murdoch's brilliance leads to finding the culprit. But honestly, I like a little diversion. Seeing Murdoch in a "different skin". Perhaps being a fan of the show for so long is also influencing my writing but let me conclude with a thought:
We do not always know the consequence of our actions but there is no consequence without actions.
This is something I came across watching Murdoch Mysteries. Dr. Ogden says something very similar to Watts when he is troubled. So, I would intern say this to the creators and performers of Murdoch Mysteries. Keep on going.
Not the worst but not good
ukgreek2 November 2023
I get why this is getting a lot of bad reviews. It's not the usual logical Murdoch Mysteries, and once you realize how the vignettes are set up, it's a little disappointing that there isn't anything particularly interesting happening in any of them. But it IS the Halloween episode, so I'm cutting them some slack for that. In fact, there were some scary scenes, especially the first one. We're just used to real resolutions to the mysteries, and these were just kind of not-great little horror stories. Some of the scenes weren't produced all that well and required some kind of ridiculous stretching for the actors.
So, not the best Murdoch Mysteries episode, but okay for Halloween.
So, not the best Murdoch Mysteries episode, but okay for Halloween.
Nonsensical and just awful
riatorres-1313218 March 2024
This is nothing like the Murdoch I know and love. There are some dark episodes but this one is just awful. Such a disappointment. I will never watch that one again. So often I rewatch most episodes enjoying the inventions, Crabtree's imaginative and enthusiastic theories, the historical referencesthe humor, and relationships. All the blood and gruesome scenes were so off-putting. I was hoping it would be good with Yannick Bisson directing. I really hope the next episode is back on track and we will see more of George Crabtree. He adds so much to the show, seemingly with little effort. I know the show is so much better than this episode.
Haters gonna Halloween.
user-765-45393931 October 2023
Warning: Spoilers
What is wrong with people? I will admit this is more fan love than proper review. Why is anyone hating? On season 17??? Seriously. If you aren't a fan of the show then leave it alone. This episode was perfect 'Murdoch'. It was true to form. Writing, directing, and needles to say, acting was on point! This isn't the place for bad reviews. Either love it or Higgins off. Every decision every character made was believable. It was scary to thing this was a continuous episode. I loved the title. It was perfect for letting me know that this episode was for fun. Can you imagine what Thomas would actually do if his wife was serving meat pie? Crabtree Darn I love this show. 'Careful what you wish for upon a Murdoch star. Happy Halloween.
Trick or Treat, Smell my Feet! Ha Ha
pensman23 April 2024
I have been a fan of Murdock Mysteries since episode one, so I was stuck trying to figure out this episode until I saw the date it premiered: 30 October 2023. This was likely a homage to the Simpson's Treehouse or Horror with its current run of XXXIV episodes as of 2023. Unfortunately, the Murdoch attempt falls flat as none of the episode stories has the humor of a good Simpsons jab. And even the horror tales on the Simpsons have laid more than one bad egg. But the writers, of Murdoch Mysteries and the Simpsons, have over the years succeeded in poking fun at popular figures, real and fictional, and popular movies etc. At least pretend you get the joke and the episode might be more trick than treat. And if you can view this through the eyes of Nelson Muntz then you can end with a mocking Ha Ha.
Another weak standalone episode, like the Bodysnatchers one
stusby1 April 2024
Very similar in inadequate writing as the Sir, Sir, Sir episode which was inspired by the science fiction story of the bodysnatchers.
Four stories that are as poorly done as the "automaton" make up and the creepy doll stand-in, with some very dodgy acting as if the production was not bad enough.
Given this ensemble cast works so well together, and has done so for years this poor quality episode makes even less sense than the amateurish writing.
Even more baffling is that it's directed by "Murdoch" himself, not just the series lead by also one of the Executive Producers.
Alot of people made bad decisions to create this rubbish.
Four stories that are as poorly done as the "automaton" make up and the creepy doll stand-in, with some very dodgy acting as if the production was not bad enough.
Given this ensemble cast works so well together, and has done so for years this poor quality episode makes even less sense than the amateurish writing.
Even more baffling is that it's directed by "Murdoch" himself, not just the series lead by also one of the Executive Producers.
Alot of people made bad decisions to create this rubbish.
great fun!
ladybarbaramariamarie21 March 2024
The people bashing this episode have no sense of joy. Is it silly? You betcha, the silliest. Is it scary? Yeah, actually, it is a bit! The creative team found a way to bring back *you know who* and also there's a murder doll, it's bonkers and I definitely regretted watching it before bed, but these mid-season fanfic breaks are absolutely delightful and you can pry them from my cold dead hands. The actors are clearly having an absolute blast. Hélène Joy in particular should get every award in the book for this one. She *commits*
this show has been on for *17* seasons, let them have some fun you weirdos.
this show has been on for *17* seasons, let them have some fun you weirdos.
Genuinely horrifying
franceskoziar9 March 2024
I can't watch horror and had to stop watching this about 1/4 of the way through, despite making it through all their other Hallowe'en episodes. This isn't a scary murder mystery episode, it's just a series of 4 short stories where awful things happen to four of the main characters and they all end horrifically with no resolution. Ended up just reading summaries of the rest of the episode for some closure. It's done well, so long as you know you're getting 4 independent awful frightening stories that end horrifically and don't relate to one another really, and include classic horror elements like zombies and freaky dolls etc, but seeing as I genuinely couldn't watch it - 3 stars.
Sleep inducing horror
muximas7 November 2023
Warning: Spoilers
This was like the Simpsons tree house of horror but without the humor. So what was left? Cheap copies of existing horror or twilight zone stories that you already know. Don't watch it with children as they might not sleep well after the chucky doll part. As adults neither me nor my wife enjoyed it either. Drab, boring. All this while we love the show and the actors...
As I still need to write two hundred characters for the review to be accepted: Where was George Crabtree, the most fun, most human and most likeable character in the series just when we needed him most? At least he might have brought some life to this episode.
As I still need to write two hundred characters for the review to be accepted: Where was George Crabtree, the most fun, most human and most likeable character in the series just when we needed him most? At least he might have brought some life to this episode.
I wish Murdoch would stay Murdoch
misisix2 November 2023
I got to know Murdoch Mysteries by solving complex puzzles by William Murdoch. Something that was not there at all in this episode. It was neither a puzzle nor a puzzle solution. 4 stories that did not end with any conclusion and any logic. I wish that in the special episodes, in addition to the routine process of the story program, a suitable story would be chosen for that occasion, instead of turning the logical atmosphere of the series into an uneven adventure. In general, William Murdoch who does not solve complex affairs in the normal and logical atmosphere of society is not and will not be attractive. Hoping for the return of the previous William Murdock and the proper course of the early episodes of this season.
What a horror!
ReviewyMcReviewface1 November 2023
Love Murdoch, but I think Susannah wrote this episode. Just all a bit too silly. You can skip this episode and it won't have any bearing on anything. Not sure if they were trying to do a Simpsons Halloween episode but they should just stick to the murder mystery and clever humour that they are so good at. Maybe George would have made it a bit better, but without him it was devoid of any humour. And while usually they do some great adaptations, these just felt like cheap ripoffs unfortunately.
But after 17 seasons I will of course give them one dodgy episode and look forward to next week when I'm sure it will be back to it's best!
But after 17 seasons I will of course give them one dodgy episode and look forward to next week when I'm sure it will be back to it's best!
Just say "no."
billhanousek10 March 2024
What nonsensical drivel! Shame on the writers and producers for thinking they could change the premise of the series in the hopes of delivering four disjointed and disconnected mini horror stories. Perhaps they were aiming to manufacture some scary plots that were so stereotypically choreographed that folks would see them as humorous.
Whatever their intent, it was an utter failure. Indeed, it was a waste of the viewers time. Why is it necessary to produce something to honor the nonsense that Halloween has become. Bring back the real Detective Murdoch not a collection of zombies.
We look forward each week to enjoying an episode of mystery, humor, science and intelligence. Let's hope the writers and producers get the message that this sort of drivel is not appreciated!
Whatever their intent, it was an utter failure. Indeed, it was a waste of the viewers time. Why is it necessary to produce something to honor the nonsense that Halloween has become. Bring back the real Detective Murdoch not a collection of zombies.
We look forward each week to enjoying an episode of mystery, humor, science and intelligence. Let's hope the writers and producers get the message that this sort of drivel is not appreciated!
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