While examining Eugenics in its infancy, this episode, filled with support for Eugenics from characters we question, such as the returning James Pendrick (Peter Stebbings) and the promiscuous HG Wells, and disgust for it from those we respect, such as William Murdoch (Yannick Bisson), also gave us a dash of romance and a pinch of renewed suspicion.
Murdoch continues to feel a very strong sense of doubt about the motive of Pendrick, and though he was able to keep his personal feelings in check while he investigated, they could not remain completely uninvolved. Murdoch did not cease his investigation into Pendrick's involvement in a murder somehow related to the newly formed Eugenics society, pushing ahead despite Pendrick's prominent place in society. This may not be the first time that Murdoch has ignored rank and power in the search of the truth, but it is the first time he took so much pleasure in the discomfort of the man he investigated. And although he determined Pendrick's innocence in this matter, his concern for the threat the man causes society lead him to offer his help to Mrs. Pendrick should she ever require it.
The case was an interesting study in Eugenics. A gentleman refused to allow his daughter to marry a man because his family suffered a variety of faults, from criminal involvement to disease. Although he changed his mind because of his love for that daughter and her happiness, the man he refused killed him in a rage before he was able to express his changed opinion. In contrast to Murdoch's outright refusal to ever sanctify Eugenics, this man fully believed in it, saying "Hang me and put an end to my mongrel existence."
But, however interesting all that was, I am certain that some of the viewers are only concerned with the romances which were in full bloom. Murdoch and Julia Ogden (Helene Joy) have been often seen together, going out. It may seem to some that their relationship is progressing without a hitch, and were it a relationship of the 21st century, that may be so, but we are looking at the very beginning of the 20th century, and there William and Julia ought to be talking marriage by now.
Murdoch was told last week that he would have to make a great sacrifice for love. I would argue that he already has, but that is not the point. And this week, we learn that Julia is missing something in her life, something to do with her love life, and Murdoch is not filling that void. What new challenge will our lovers face? Frankly, as long as they don't touch the abortion subject again, I'm sure I will love wherever this story is going.
And if you want a romance which seems even less likely but somehow more likely to succeed, we have only to look at the dashing George Crabtree (Jonny Harris), who spent the episode saving dogs, and the affection he has earned from Ruby Ogden (Sarah Gadon). What a perfect match she has found after all her chasing of excitement and danger - a man who is strong and steady and always honest.
Will we see Ruby again this season? And what about Pendrick? What case will he get tied up in next?
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