Ep 3. 8 Footsteps

Detective William Murdoch returns with another intriguing case to solve in "Murdoch Mysteries" season 11 episode 3 titled "8 Footsteps." In this episode, the beloved detective is tasked with investigating a case that revolves around six murders and a strange puzzle. The case becomes even more complicated when Detective Murdoch's assistance is requested by a former English master from his school, who has now been accused of murder.

The episode is set in Toronto, Canada, in the early 1900s. It opens to the discovery of the first victim, a man with a gunshot wound to the chest and a puzzle book on his person. He is wearing a strange cloak, and his face is twisted into a peculiar expression. Murdoch soon realizes that this murder is similar to five more that had been committed in the past few days.

The investigation leads Murdoch to a secret society of mathematicians, whose members are obsessed with puzzles as well as mathematics. The members of this society all have significant mathematical skills, but as Murdoch delves deeper into the investigation, he realizes that the society's affection for solving complex puzzles may have led to a deadly outcome.

Amidst the investigation, Murdoch receives a message from his former English master, Mr. Berry, who is in dire need of his assistance. Mr. Berry is suspected of killing his landlady and is on the run. Murdoch is torn between the puzzling case he is currently working on and his loyalty to his former English master.

As the investigation progresses, the detectives come across a significant break in the case – eight footsteps that were made by the killer. Murdoch believes that the eight footsteps may hold the key to solving the entire case. This realization leads the detective down a path that results in a stunning revelation.

Throughout the episode, we see a significant shift in the relationship between Murdoch and Julia. Julia is torn between her desire to have a child with Murdoch and her passion for her work. The couple must navigate their relationship amidst the ongoing investigation.

The key characters of the show are all present in "8 Footsteps." We see William Murdoch, played by Yannick Bisson, and his assistant, George Crabtree, played by Jonny Harris, tirelessly work towards solving the case. The character development that has occurred over the course of the eleven seasons is evident in this episode. Other key characters, including Julia's sister, Emily Grace, played by Georgina Reilly, Inspector Brackenreid, played by Thomas Craig, and Dr. Emily Grace, played by Emily Hampshire, all play pivotal roles in the episode.

"8 Footsteps" is a perfect example of "Murdoch Mysteries" at its best. The episode starts with a seemingly straightforward case which gets more and more complex as the investigation continues. The pace is brisk, and the episode is well-written, keeping the audience engaged throughout. The role of mathematics in the murders is an additional layer of intrigue that keeps the viewers guessing. The episode's climax is a true masterpiece of suspense and drama, culminating in a genuinely surprising revelation.

Overall, "8 Footsteps" is a well-crafted episode that showcases everything that is great about "Murdoch Mysteries." It features well-written characters, a fascinating case, and excellent performances by the cast. It is a must-watch for anyone who enjoys mystery shows and is a testament to the longevity and success of this Canadian institution.