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“Murdoch Mysteries” season 13 episode 3 “Forever Young” finds Det. William Murdoch (Yannick Bisson) investigating the strange death of an unidentified woman found in a river, head and shoulders in the water. Since the victim is unidentified, Murdoch suggests that Constable George Crabtree (Jonny Harris) use the searchizer. “Oh, sir, it never gives us a match,” George balks. The searchizer is an automated machine to calculate ratios between facial features and compare them against images on file. Essentially, it’s a crude example of facial recognition. And that’s not the only invention Murdoch exhibits. At the onset of “Forever Young,” the Detective chats with his wife, Dr. Julia Ogden (Hélène Joy), on a headset for his phone.

Despite its historical inaccuracy, Crabtree and Special Constable Robert Parker (Marc Senior) fire up the machine. In a strange twist, the searchizer finds a match: a missing girl. But oddly she appears the same age as when she went missing 12 years ago. Retired Det. Hamish Slorach (Patrick McKenna), previously seen in episodes including “Manual for Murder” and “On the Waterfront,” returns since he probed the case over a decade ago.

Meanwhile, Murdoch meets his new neighbors, Raymond and Goldie Huckabee. While they’re a friendly lot, Murdoch isn’t keen on entertaining the Huckabees. Unfortunately, George receives his first rejection letter. Special Constable Parker offers words of encouragement, suggesting that Crabtree instead write two manuscripts: the book Effie Newsome recommended, as well as his science fiction tale involving aliens.

Observations:

“Murdoch Mysteries” S13E03 provides a hearty dose of running gags. Murdoch’s inventions play a small but pivotal role in the show, primarily the searchizer which matches the victim. Probably my favorite element it, once again, Crabtree’s inventiveness. “Have you any ideas, Crabtree?” Inspector Thomas Brackenreid (Thomas Craig) puzzles over the bizarre case of a seemingly-never aging woman. “Yes, I have ideas but it hardly seems worth my breath to utter them,” George sighs. “Sir, if you haven’t noticed, every idea I have seems to get crushed under foot before it even leaves my mouth.” Murdoch politely inquires, “What ideas have you, George?” Crabtree’s first suggestion: vampires. Surprisingly, George builds a solid case for creatures of the night. “It’s well accepted that vampires do not age. She was last seen at night. Her body was drained of blood.” Exasperatedly, Brackenreid challenges “Have any other ideas?” George matter-of-factly responds, “Yes she may have been abducted by aliens, probably Venutians.

“Forever Young” pairs Crabtree and Parker. This benefits the new Special Constable in further establishing his character. Unlike Constable Henry Higgins (Lachlan Murdoch), Constable Parker is more muted, and competent. With his quite, poised composition, Robert makes an excellent addition to the cast. Still, I do miss Det. Watts. Previous seasons set up Watts as a crucial part of Station House No. 4, and now he’s conspicuously absent.

Murdoch’s less-than-friendly attitude towards coroner Miss Violet Hart (Shanice Banton) continues. However, Miss Hart found a spine, and not just in one of her corpses. Violet begins standing up to Murdoch, informing the detective that she’s not commanded by him. When she reveals a particularly baffling bit of information, Murdoch questions if Miss Hart has an explanation. Miss Hart admits that she doesn’t, adding “Perhaps Dr. Ogden might venture an opinion.” Murdoch likely won’t put up with this backtalk for long.

Journalist Miss Cherry (Bea Santos) returns as well. It’s fun having Cherry back, though once again, Miss Cherry plays a smarmy reporter devoid of any ethics. Similarly, retired Constable Hamish is a bumbling delight in every episode. “Forever Young” proves no exception. There’s some decent story arc mixed in the stand-alone plot. Murdoch’s feud with Miss Hart comes to a head. Robert Parker’s character flourishes on the show. Crabtree’s quest to publish his book, though unsuccessful, forges ahead. Fun, full of familiar faces, and packed with “Murdoch Mysteries” running gags, “Forever Young” is a thrilling whodunit.