Changes: Body Double

Revision as of 23:52, 1 February 2015

"Body Double" is the seventh episode of the first season of the Murdoch Mysteries and the seventh episode of the series.

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 theatric company, real estate intrigues and infidelity all contribute to several plausible motives. After finding the hidden room, Murduch sets a thespian trap.

Character Revelations

Murdoch was educated by Jesuits.
Brackenreid once performed, as an amateur, in a play by William Shakespeare.
"Me Ol' Mucker" Count: 0

Continuity

Historical References

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 Grand Opera House owner Ambrose Small. During the investigation, it was revealed that Small had a secret room in the Opera House, in which he entertained several mistresses.

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

Starring

Recurring Cast

Lachlan Murdoch as Constable Henry Higgins
David Christo as David Martin (recasted)

Guest Starring

Other Cast

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 2 • Season 3 • Season 4 • Season 5 • Season 6 • Season 7 • Season 8 • Season 9 • Season 10 • Season 11 • Season 12 • Season 13 • Season 14 • Season 15

@@ Line 25: / Line 25: @@
 ==Historical References==
 * The [[wikipedia:Kinetoscope|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 Grand Opera House owner Ambrose Small. During the investigation, it was revealed that Small had a secret room in the Opera House, in which he entertained several mistresses.
 ==Trivia==