Ep 2. Operation: Murder

Set in the late 19th century, Murdoch Mysteries follows Detective William Murdoch as he solves mysteries in Toronto. In season 12 episode 2, titled Operation: Murder, Murdoch investigates the murder of a woman named Charlotte Walker, whose body was found in a hotel room.

The episode begins with Murdoch and his colleague, Dr. Julia Ogden, arriving at the crime scene. They quickly realize that Charlotte was a prostitute, and that her death may be connected to a group of women who have been working together to bring down a notorious brothel owner named Ned Trotter. The women, who call themselves the "Sisters of Mercy," have been gathering evidence against Trotter in an effort to have him arrested.

Murdoch interviews several of the Sisters, including their leader, Constance Gardiner. He learns that Charlotte was their newest member, and that she had been tasked with going undercover to gather information about Trotter's operations. Charlotte's murder is a major setback for the Sisters, who fear that their investigation may be compromised.

As Murdoch delves deeper into the case, he discovers that Trotter may have been tipped off about the Sisters' plans by an informant within their midst. He also learns that Charlotte had a mysterious connection to a man named Charles Houtman, who has ties to both Trotter and the Sisters.

Meanwhile, Detective Llewellyn Watts is working on a separate case involving the theft of several valuable jewels. His investigation leads him to a group of wealthy socialites who are suspected of being involved in the theft.

As the episode progresses, Murdoch and Ogden work to unravel the complex web of connections between Trotter, the Sisters, Houtman, and the thieves. They must overcome numerous obstacles, including corrupt police officers and the reluctance of some of the Sisters to cooperate with their investigation.

Operation: Murder is a tense and fast-paced episode that keeps viewers guessing until the very end. Murdoch and his team must navigate a complex network of criminals and conspirators in order to solve the murder of Charlotte Walker and bring justice to those who have been wronged. Along the way, they must also confront their own biases and preconceptions about the people and situations they encounter. As always, the episode is filled with intricate costumes and sets that transport viewers back to a bygone era, and the characters are as engaging and complex as ever.