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"​Body Double​" is the seventh episode of the first season of the Murdoch Mysteries and the seventh episode of the series. It first aired on March 2, 2008.

Summary[]

Inspector Thomas Brackenreid is attending a performance of Macbeth when a desiccated body falls onto the stage from high in the rigging. William Murdoch and Julia Ogden arrive at the theater to investigate. Using dental records, the body is identified as that of Virgil Smart, the former owner of the theater who had died a year ago. Problem is, Smart is supposed to be buried and when they re-open his grave, they find the body of an unknown man. Murdoch suggests that Dr. Ogden attempt a facial reconstruction to identify the body. When Murdoch and Crabtree find a hidden room off Smart's office, a love nest, they believe they've found the site of his murder. The double's identity, professional and romantic rivalries in the theatre company, real estate intrigues and infidelity all contribute to several plausible motives. After finding the hidden room, Murdoch sets a thespian trap.

Character Revelations[]

  • Murdoch was educated by Jesuits.
  • Brackenreid once performed, as an amateur, in a play by William Shakespeare.

Continuity[]

  • William and Julia share their knowledge of Shakespeare. They will quote poetry to one another throughout the next three seasons as their relationship deepens.

Historical References[]

  • This episode takes place in Toronto 1895 – Victoria (Alexandrina Victoria 1819 - 1901) is Queen of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland, Defender of the Faith, and Empress of India.
  • The kinetoscope reel showed in the opening is called "Fred Ott's Sneeze" and was the first motion picture patented in the US.
  • The story bears similarity to the 1919 disappearance of Ambrose Small, owner of Toronto's Grand Opera House. During the investigation, it was revealed that Small had a secret room in the Opera House, in which he entertained several mistresses.
  • In the 19th century, poetry was used to express emotions or affections which were not permitted to be on display especially in public.
  • MacBeth by William Shakespeare.

Trivia[]

Errors[]

  • When Mrs. Smart put her copy of "Macbeth" on the stack of books, we can see a copy "The War in the Air" by H.G. Wells. However, this series is set in and around 1895, whereas "The War in the Air" wasn't published until 1908.
  • William Murdoch reminds Stella Smart that her first husband, Virgil Smart, died on May 11, 1892; however, when we see Virgil's tombstone it is dated May 21, 1892.

Cast[]

Main Cast[]

Yannick Bisson as William Murdoch
Hélène Joy as Julia Ogden
Thomas Craig as Thomas Brackenreid
Jonny Harris as George Crabtree

Recurring Cast[]

Lachlan Murdoch as Constable Henry Higgins

Guest Cast[]

Kate Trotter as Stella Smart
Amy Rutherford as Ellen Granger
Paul Miller as Arthur Wellesley
David Christo as David Martin
Martin Moreau as Constable Morrison
Anthony Dunn as Dentist Murphey
Robin Archer as Patient

References[]

Gallery[]


Murdoch Mysteries Season 1
"Power" • "The Glass Ceiling" • "The Knockdown" • "Elementary, My Dear Murdoch" • "'Til Death Do Us Part" • "Let Loose the Dogs" • "Body Double" • "Still Waters" • "Belly Speaker" • "Child's Play" • "Bad Medicine" • "The Prince and the Rebel" • "The Annoying Red Planet"
Season 2Season 3Season 4Season 5Season 6Season 7Season 8Season 9Season 10Season 11Season 12Season 13Season 14Season 15
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