Murdoch Mysteries - The Curse of Beaton Manor, S03E10

On the one hand, this was an amusing episode, guest starring Jonathan Goad, with curses and voodoo to add some flair, and on the other hand, the episode created some major question marks for me in regards to the treatment of interracial relationships.

Considering that in some places still today, interracial couples face difficulties, it's hard to imagine that over 100 years ago, the bastard, black half-brother of 3 wealthy men would be considered a suitable match for a society white girl. That part of the development of the story rested on said girl rejecting the suit of the bastard to marry the wealthy eldest might have worked had that bastard been white, but the colour thing just made it hard to believe. If he had been in love with her, but not courted her, that would have worked. But when there are fathers today who don't want their daughters marrying respectable men of a different race, I can't believe any father then would have approved of such a man courting his child.

But if those technicalities are ignored, then the episode again is quite enjoyable. Watching Crabtree (Jonny Harris) and Higgins (Lachlan Murdoch) talk about voodoo and zombies while they walk through a haunted house, certain a ghost is about to attack them, made my week. I laughed myself silly and was quite happy to do so.

Having Jonathan Goad, playing the eldest Beaton brother, was also a bonus. He was delightfully awful throughout, yet, in the end, I had to pity him for having been deceived by his wife and bastard-brother, and possibly murdered by voodoo.

And, for the fans of William and Julia (Helene Joy), the relationship was not entirely neglected, although more and more signs of issues and strains are becoming apparent.

Only 3 more episodes of the season, but it has been renewed for a 4th season, so there is nothing to fear!