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Warning: Major spoilers ahead

“Murdoch Mysteries” season 12 continues its streak of excellence with “Darkness Before the Dawn Part 1.” In what’s easily among the show’s best opening segments, Detective William Murdoch (Yannick Bisson) goes up for a promotion at the behest of Inspector Brackenreid (Thomas Craig). While previously on “Murdoch Mysteries,” Murdoch’s Catholicism presented a barrier, Alan Templeton, a fellow Catholic and progressive with a father in law as head of control, seeks to appoint Murdoch as inspector over at Station House No. 4. Brackenreid wishes to assume the open position of Station House No. 5. However, the meeting is interrupted when constable John Brackenreid (Charles Vandervaart) is rushed to the hospital, shot and bleeding profusely.

Rewind to two days earlier, and Det. Llewelyn Watts (Daniel Maslany) expresses the desire to further investigate a murder that’s under the jurisdiction of Station House No. 1. Watts reveals that it’s Horace McWorthy’s (Sean Bell) case. Lucille Palmer was found deceased in an opium den. However, rather than an overdose, it was a bullet that killed Lucille. Palmer’s best friend, Isabel Carmichael, identified the remains. While Watts initially pokes around, asking Miss Violet Hart (Shanice Banton), McWorthy warns Inspector Brackenreid that if Watts continues interfering, Murdoch’s promotion may be in jeopardy.

Unfortunately, Watts doesn’t heed Inspector Brackenreid’s advice to drop the case. Instead, Det. Watts enlists John Brackenreid’s assistance in investigating Palmer’s murder. While raiding the last known whereabouts of a suspect, John is shot and rushed to the hospital. There, Dr. Julia Ogden (Helene Joy) performs emergency surgery. But upon waking up, John Brackenreid appears to have lost the use of his legs.

Observations:

“Murdoch Mysteries” season 12 episode 17 proves a thrilling ride full of twists. Horace McWorthy, who during “Free Falling” offered to help Miss Hart gain control of the morgue, returns. Dr. Ogden tenders her resignation as coroner with the intent of pursuing surgery full-time. Though Violet Hart assumes she’ll be the next coroner, Dr. Ogden dashes her dreams. Margaret Brackenreid (Arwen Humpherys) returns after a two-month hiatus, and asks Ins. Brackenreid for a divorce. After discovering that John Brackenreid may be permanently paralyzed, Dr. Ogden blames herself. Meanwhile, Watts feels responsible as well. Possibly, Ogden’s guilt will prevent her from commiting to surgery.

However, it seems John may be involved. His initial story leaves out much information. Constable Brackenreid brought a gun when pursuing a suspect despite Watts not checking out any weapons. He admits to having known suspect Grant Sutton, a detail he failed to mention before pursuing Sutton. Ultimately, Sutton shot Brackenreid, and John in return shot and killed Sutton. Moreover, young Brackenreid courted Lucille Palmer, and admits to having slept with her. When a letter is found addressed to an unknown suitor and claiming pregnancy, John becomes a prime suspect. Coupled with finally finding the bullet that killed Lucille, a bullet that forensics prove was fired by John’s gun, he certainly seems like the murderer.

Still, one scene shows Miss Hart speaking with an unknown man who attempts to persuade her to plant evidence. Thus, it’s possible John was set up. At the conclusion of “Murdoch Mysteries” S12E17 “Darkness Before the Dawn Part 1,”certainly appears as though John Brackenreid may be paralyzed and convicted of murder.

With its taut performances, “Darkness Before the Dawn Part 1” is a thrilling episode chock full of unique twists. Though I suspect Brackenreid will eventually be acquitted of the murder charges, at the finale of “Murdoch Mysteries” season 12 episode 17, I’m unsure who to trust. Inspector Brackenreid exhibits a range of emotions, and both Watts and Dr. Ogden marvelously convey their guilt through body language. Overall, there’s superb depth throughout this emotionally-wrought “Murdoch Mysteries” entry.