The Artful Detective

The Artful Detective, which aired on Ovation in 2017, is a distinctly engaging crime drama series that transports viewers to the complex, intriguing world of late 19th and early 20th-century Toronto. While it's ripe with the definitive qualities that make crime dramas irresistible to audiences – intrigue, suspense, a brilliant detective with a knack for solving cases others can't – The Artful Detective sets itself apart with its unique setting, richly developed characters, and impactful use of period-appropriate details, tying everything together in an impeccably crafted representation of an era.

At the heart of The Artful Detective is the titular character, William Murdoch (Yannick Bisson), a steadfast and innovative detective in the Toronto Constabulary. Murdoch is anything but a typical late-Victorian-era detective; his methods are ahead of the time and anchored deeply in scientific knowledge, forensics, and psychological profiling. Upon observing Murdoch at work, viewers may feel that they are watching the birth of modern investigative techniques, or even crime-solving strategies that are familiar today, which lends a unique layered perspective to the series.

Detective Murdoch is not left to solve cases on his own. Alongside him are the determined Inspector Thomas Brackenreid (Thomas Craig), his immediate superior who endears himself to the viewers with his gruff demeanor but concealed soft heart; Dr. Julia Ogden (Helene Joy), an intelligent and groundbreaking pathologist who often serves as Murdoch’s sounding board and trusted ally, and Constable George Crabtree (Jonny Harris), Murdoch’s earnest and good-natured right-hand man, whose own insights often contribute to case resolutions in unexpected ways.

Another captivating feature of The Artful Detective that deserves mention is the manner in which real-life historical figures come to life within its narrative, providing for gripping, fact-meets-fiction narratives. From famous authors and inventors to influential figures in the world of crime and law enforcement, these cameos spin an added dimension of authenticity to the proceedings and underscore the sense of place and time in the viewers’ mind.

The show also successfully uses the city of Toronto as more than just a backdrop. The city becomes a living, breathing character unto itself. The troubles and triumphs of the city at the turn of the century, initiatives of progress and innovation clashing with deep-seated societal norms and constraints, and the ebbs and flows of a society on the cusp of sweeping change, all steep the narrative in a deeper resonance, making it not just about individual crimes but a reflection of the era and place.

The production value of The Artful Detective is not to be overlooked. The meticulous attention to detail in set design, costume, and cinematography effectively captures the spirit of Victorian-era Toronto. The cinematography captures the gloomy, rain-soaked cobblestones, the bustling, horse-drawn carriages, and the soaring edifices of the city with a vividness that whisks the audience back to the turn of the 20th-century Ontario. Similarly, the period-appropriate costumes not only authentically dress the characters but also aid in illustrating the class structures and societal norms of the epoch.

The Artful Detective is an absorbing, intelligently crafted crime drama that stands out from the pack with its creative execution and explicit attention to historical and locational detail. The series seamlessly blends researched historical fact with fictional intrigue, all while populating its landscape with compelling, multifaceted characters, delivering a rich viewing experience that is both entertaining and subtly educative. The unique mix of old-world charm, scientific innovation, and complex criminal narratives keep you hooked from episode one and make The Artful Detective a must-watch series for any fans of the genre.