The Murdoch Mysteries (2004) s16e01 Episode Script

1
You know what, George?
I think it's time we get married.
Married?
But he can't!
Now, come give your father a hug.
What kind of hold does
that man have on you?
So, you expect me to keep your secret?
- I keep yours.
- You're threatening me?
We've all got secrets, Watts.
No one likes having them exposed.
Should anyone know
of any reason that this couple
should not be joined in holy matrimony,
speak now or forever hold your peace.
You?!
George
What do you want to do?
How long are we expected to stay here?
Effie's gone home.
I suppose it's safe now
for you to leave, as well.
You don't have anything you
want to say about any of this?
- I'm sorry.
- Hollow words.
She loved you, you know,
and she is my dearest friend.
"I'm sorry" is hardly enough.
Right then, Crabtree.
Let's get out of here.
I had no choice.
I had no choice.
You left that poor woman
standing at the altar.
I thought you were a better
man than that, Crabtree.
Is there something you would
like to tell us, George?
Anything at all?
George?
We didn't mean it to be so dramatic.
Oleander and I tried
to get here earlier.
Why are you apologizing?
We just saved that young woman's life.
And destroyed mine.
If you had married her,
she would have died.
It was foretold.
I know.
Don't be disturbing that, girl.
Good lord. Help!
Anyone. Help!
Just a minute more.
We'll get you out!
No, sir. Please! No!
Have the bodies taken
to the morgue, Henry.
Of course, sir. Although Mrs. Hart
is away until tomorrow morning.
Are you suggesting we wait?
Of course not.
Uh, what do you think
happened here, sir?
I have no idea.
Someone may be playing a hoax on us.
- A hoax?
- Well, yes.
They've staged a scene
so to make it appear
that a dead man committed this crime.
Let's proceed as though no one has risen
from the dead for now, Henry.
Very good, sir.
Thankfully, both men
were without family.
I spoke to one of the other
groundskeepers, sir.
Uh, one of the dead men, Lowell
Vaz, worked here for six years.
The other, Ronan Trent,
took his dog for his daily walk
here every day.
Oh. Any sign of the dog?
No, sir. Ah, three-legged
Homely creature, I'm told.
Very good, Henry.
Sir. If I may?
Of course.
What do you think about what George did?
Uh
I think George left the woman
he loves at the altar.
Yes. And?
All of the years that
I have been doing this, Henry,
I still don't know the
inner workings of man's mind,
much less George Crabtree's.
I think he got cold feet.
Staged the whole thing
so he wouldn't have to marry.
Where might we find this groundskeeper?
This way, sir.
I can't apologize
for speaking the truth
to spare a life.
Are you sure this was her fate?
If Miss Newsome were to marry you, yes!
Why?
I do not know the answer to that.
I only know what is to be.
Your aunt has never been wrong, George.
You know that.
But why not tell me earlier,
when we came for a visit?
The vision had yet to come to me!
Be thankful it came to me when it did.
If it had not come, your bride
would be a dead woman!
And your heart would be broken.
My heart is broken.
Then go away from here and let it heal.
Oh, you always were
a sensitive cabbage, George.
But I know you have a spine of steel.
You will persevere.
It's not even consecrated land.
Shouldn't have been anyone
buried over there.
Well, it seems there was.
Still, no record of it.
Do you have a list of the
recent arrivals to this place?
- That I do.
- And you can provide it?
Of course.
But where those two men
were found, it wasn't no plot.
I see.
Well, it seems to have served
the same purpose.
You know what I think?
It was a hole the devil got out of.
I don't think Mr. Frank Lloyd Wright
would approve of what we've done
with his home.
It's our home.
I don't know if he'd see it that way.
What's caught your attention?
It's a list of recent arrivals
to Pauper's field.
And why is that?
Well, if I'm to believe
the evidence before me,
one of them has risen from
the dead and killed two men.
I take it you don't believe that.
I'm not George Crabtree, Julia.
Have you spoken with him?
A little.
And why did he walk out on his wedding?
Apparently, one of his aunts warned him
that if he were to marry, his
bride would be doomed to die.
I hope you talked sense to him?
It's George, Julia. Sometimes,
common sense doesn't work.
And what are we doing with that?
Oh. Doctor Grace's gift.
It's hideous.
It is that.
Not to mention impractical.
Also that.
Can we burn it?
All right, if anybody has
anything to say, say it now.
Where's Watts?
He left.
Left for where?
He didn't say and no one saw him go.
What are you doing?
I'm assisting the detective
with a murder investigation.
The killer came from beyond the grave.
- It's right up your alley.
- I'm sure you'll do fine.
- George!
- Oh, for Pete's sake.
- What are you doing here?
- I was rather blunt earlier.
I came to apologize. Not for
my prediction, but for my manner.
Are you here on police business?
I'm here to see my nephew.
Well, see him on your own time.
- We're working here.
- Sir!
I'm asking her to leave.
Do you have an issue
with that, Crabtree?
Don't worry, George.
I'm leaving.
You need to get your house in order.
Sir, she's just trying to protect me.
I don't understand you, Crabtree.
You've been working
for the last 15 years
with the most logical,
intelligent man I've ever known,
yet you still believe
all this mumbo jumbo claptrap
That you get fed!
Sir, my aunt has never been wrong!
It's all right, George.
I understand.
- You do?
- Yes!
You're a lucky man.
Lucky? How so?
You never actually wanted
to marry Miss Newsome,
but you were too afraid
to ever say that,
so when your aunt walked in,
you had the perfect excuse.
Almost as if you planned it.
Higgins, watch what you're saying!
George, it's all right.
- There's no shame
- I'm serious. Shut your mouth!
Pack it in, the pair o' ya.
Crabtree, get out of here.
Sir! He's trying to insinuate
I don't give a toss what
Higgins is trying to say.
Go home!
Not a word!
Inspector Thomas Brackenreid?
Who are you? What do you want?
Raymond Felding, private investigator.
- A moment of your time?
- I'm busy.
Uh, it's a matter
that concerns the both of us.
It's about a man named Llewellyn Watts.
Follow me.
This is about Watts?
Yeah, I'm looking for him.
- You and me both.
- I see.
What's your business with him?
Ah, it's a personal matter.
Whether Watts is here or not,
he's still in the employ
of the Toronto Constabulary.
So, I'll ask you again:
what's your business with him?
I am hoping he can help me
locate a Mr. Jack Walker.
How can watts help you with this?
I believe they are of a
close acquaintance.
I don't know anything about that.
I see.
And what do you want with Mr. Walker?
Well, he's abducted a child.
I'm trying to return this child
to his maternal grandparents.
I don't know anything
about that, either.
This child is being raised
in an obscene environment
by an immoral man.
It's your duty.
Mr. Felding, you don't
tell me what my duty is.
You know, I've been given
a substantial sum
to locate this child.
I'm not shy about offering
a share if someone can help me.
If you're finished attempting
to bribe a police officer,
I suggest you take your leave,
Mr. Felding.
Otherwise, I'll have you escorted out.
Good day.
What have you, Henry?
I've contacted the records office.
They're assembling files
on all recent hospital deaths.
Very good. Thank you.
Julia!
Is everything all right?
Yes! Everything's perfectly fine.
Perhaps too much so.
Ah, look who's here.
Is she reading and writing yet?
Actually, William has her
working on her maths right now.
That's a joke, right?
I wish it were.
It's important!
William, I'm thinking
of returning to the clinic.
- Uh, Julia.
- Not every day.
But Ellie is taking such
excellent care of Susannah and
Yes, well, for what we're paying her.
Did I hear the clinic mentioned?
Could Margaret join you?
I know she valued her time there.
Well, yes. Of course.
If you think it's best.
- And where are you off to?
- Ah. Hospital records office.
I'm looking into the circumstances
behind all of their latest deaths.
Your husband is looking for
a member of the walking dead.
Ah! Perhaps he should start
at the mason's lodge.
Do you mind if I join you?
It would be nice to have a moment alone.
Of course.
Ah, sir, any news on Watts'
whereabouts yet?
Not as of yet.
Do you have any idea
if he plans to return?
I don't know.
He appears to have vanished
into thin air.
Carry on.
Oh! Excellent!
These are much better
than the ones in Canada.
Hey, of course they are!
This is New York City.
- Everything's better here.
- Mm. Would you like some?
Hello. How you doing, buddy?
- Ah. All finished for the day?
- Yes, indeed.
I'm all yours. Good lord!
How many of those are you
going to eat in a day?
I don't count. I simply consume.
Oh! I see him at least three times.
Oh, we'll have to put a stop to that.
No, no, no, no!
Please don't. Please don't.
So, have you given any thought
as to what you're going to do
now that you're here?
Have you ever heard
the term "franchise"?
- I have.
- Well, I've been talking
to Abraham. Perhaps I'll get
into the bagel business.
- Yes?
- Yes.
Not serious.
Right now I'm simply happy being here.
All right.
So there's no living person
who wished either of the victims ill?
None that I can find.
Are you sure?
You said there was no record of
anyone being interred there.
Perhaps the disturbed
grave was a hoax?
So, it's your theory that a live person
staged this murder and then
assigned the blame to a Haitian zombie?
Who would believe that?
I can think of one constable
at your station that might.
Still, I don't think it's likely.
You need to talk to him, William.
While he still has a chance with Effie.
If George wants to discuss it
with me, he will.
Well, you need to press him on it.
Julia, I am just not comfortable
with those sorts of conversations.
Well, you need to get comfortable.
You have a daughter now!
Things that are not pleasant
or easy to talk about
are going to need to be
discussed at some point.
I know.
That's why I have you.
Well, all of the deaths
from St. Michael's
are accounted for.
I do hope Susannah has the sense
to not follow us in our footsteps.
What would you have her do instead?
Something exciting.
A politician, perhaps?
An aviator?
I just want her to live her
life not surrounded by death.
And you should talk to George!
Well, I read in women's monthly
that when you've suffered heartbreak,
you should wear bright colours.
That's exciting.
So we should go shopping.
Effie, I have to talk to you.
Well, she doesn't want to talk to you.
Well, I'm not talking to you.
I have nothing to say to you, George.
Well, I have something to say to you:
I had to do what I did.
Well, you did it, so good for you.
I did it to save your life.
George. Grow up.
My aunt Oleander told me that
if I marry you, you would die.
I heard the same thing
you did and it's poppycock.
- It's ridiculous.
- It's not.
If you didn't want to marry her,
you could have just said so.
Millie, this is none of your business.
It is! She's my friend.
- I love her!
- You love me?
You love me? Really?
Is that why you humiliated me
in front of my friends and my family?
I'm sorry.
That's not good enough, George.
Just leave me alone, would you?
Just go back to your spooks
and your spirits.
I am too good to be with a Simpleton.
- Effie.
- Just leave me, would you?
If you had any decency,
you would just leave me alone.
Effie.
Miss Cherry?
Detective Murdoch.
Is there something I can help you with?
How is George faring?
But that's hardly a matter
for public consumption.
I wasn't going to write about it.
- I'm simply concerned.
- Oh. My apologies.
But There is another matter
I'm concerned about.
Of course there is.
What can you tell me about
the zombie killer?
Nothing.
There have been reports
that a hideous creature
has arisen from the grave
and is attacking Toronto.
Can I say, "that's ridiculous!"
I've been robbed.
Excuse me a moment, Miss Cherry.
- What's happened?
- A man broke into my shop.
- I was there.
- Did he hurt you?
Just scared the daylights out of me.
He stole two guns, some ammunition.
- And when did this happen?
- Only an hour ago.
- Well, can you describe him?
- He was a big fellow.
Anything else?
He was covered in dirt and soil.
- I beg your pardon?
- You didn't hear me?
He was covered in earth.
Dirt. And he had a dog.
A crazy-looking thing with three legs.
The constable will take the
remainder of your statement.
The three-legged dog is a nice twist.
Good morning merry sunshine ♪
How did you wake so soon ♪
You've scared the little birds awake ♪
And shined away the moon ♪
George!
May I join you?
George, what I said was inappropriate.
- It was incorrect.
- All right.
It was incorrect, as well.
My aunt Oleander's never wrong
about these things, Henry.
I can't explain. She
She has some sort of gift.
Even as a child, I remember
once she begged my uncle
not to go out to sea.
This is back in Newfoundland.
And he didn't listen to her
and he never returned.
He drowned in
the Atlantic Ocean, George.
It's hardly unusual.
Yes, but that's one of many things
that she foretold and it came true.
I can't expect you
to understand, Higgins,
But I can't risk Effie's life.
Constables, I wonder if you can help?
Uh, currently off the clock, ma'am.
- Sorry.
- Higgins!
What is it, miss bright?
Someone broke into
my establishment last night,
stole three bottles of whisky.
- Did you report it?
- Certainly did.
I told the officer on patrol.
He did nothing.
Well, unfortunately,
with that kind of thing,
unless we catch somebody in the act,
there's little we can do.
Hardly a surprise.
Sorry we can't be more help.
Yes, well
If all I heard is true,
after the last couple of days,
you deserve to have a free drink.
On the house. Not for you, though.
Good lord! Does the whole world know?
George, I just want you
to think about this.
You and Effie visited
your aunts, did you not?
We did.
And they said nothing about this
while you were visiting them?
No. But they didn't know
we were to be married.
My aunt Chrysanthemum
found out only days before.
So, armed with this information,
they rushed into Toronto
to break up the wedding?
That doesn't seem suspicious to you?
I think they were trying
to save Effie's life.
Perhaps.
But what if there was another motive?
It's not as though your aunts
have followed the straight
and narrow path.
George wants to speak to me.
- He has questions?
- I suppose.
Hm. Then we must give him
no reason to doubt
the accuracy of your predictions.
Thanks for coming to see me.
Again, I apologize
for the news I had to deliver.
Can I ask why you came
all the way here to do so?
I wanted to tell you in person.
I did not think a telegram
would suffice.
How did you even know
I was to be married?
Chrysanthemum told me.
And, once I heard,
I knew I had to stop it.
Oh.
So, my upcoming marriage didn't, uh,
come to you in a vision?
No, it did not come
to me in a vision, George!
And you know better than to mock me!
Well, maybe I wouldn't if you
hadn't stolen my happiness.
Something that is not my intention.
See that man there?
In the grey hat.
Yes, why?
Something ill is about to befall him.
Good lord!
But Well, he's not dead.
I didn't say he was going
to die, George.
I merely said, "something ill is
about to befall him" and it did.
It is a heavy burden that I bear
and it pains me to break your heart,
but, my little cabbage,
I owe you the truth
and a chance for happiness
and not misery.
The streets are a menace, George.
Ruthie nearly gets struck
by a vehicle every second week.
Higgins, I'm telling you:
my aunt said something
would befall this chap and he
was struck a moment later.
Like I said, George, it's a coincidence.
You're wrong, Henry.
I'm living under a cloud of doom.
George. How are you faring?
- I've been better, sir.
- Well, I just happen
to be working on a case
that might interest you.
Uh, with your permission,
I'm sure you and Henry can handle it.
George.
You've made one mistake.
There could still be time to
If you don't mind, sir,
I have a patrol to get to.
All right.
I'm certainly glad you're here.
Thank you.
Saves on having to pay someone
to look in on him.
Ah! Very funny.
I shall see you when I return.
Well, Samuel, what do we do today?
And nothing else was stolen?
Just three bottles of good whisky.
We should get some
new locks for the door.
You do work with the police.
Perhaps they could come
around more often.
That may do more harm than good.
I think we can tend
to ourselves, Miss Bright.
The books all appear to be
in order, except for this.
Yes.
That is our tribute
to alderman Prescott.
We're paying him now?
Keeps the doors open.
I did tell you, didn't I?
Did tell me what?
That given the chance, I'd
make something of this place.
It's a good thing your father
didn't get a hold of it.
It's a good thing my father died.
That is not what I intended
to say, Violet.
That's all right, Miss Bright.
I share a similar sentiment.
Good night.
Jack!
Uh, Jack's out.
Can I help you?
Did you see anyone near my flat?
- No.
- Are you sure?
You didn't hear anything
out of the ordinary?
I did not. Why?
Look.
One moment.
- I've been robbed.
- I can see that.
What am I supposed to do?
Everything that I own is in this room.
Let me take a look.
I have some experience in these matters.
Let's go see what we can do.
They took my father's coins.
- Were they hidden?
- Yes.
So, the thief knew of them?
I suppose.
So, it would follow, you know the thief,
- or the thief knows you.
- I don't know who it is.
I understand that, but it does
give us a list of suspects.
Who of the people you know
would know that this coin
collection was valuable?
I suppose everyone.
I did crow about it a bit.
Hm. Trevor.
What happened?
Are you all right?
Does it look like it?
Have the police been informed?
- No.
- Well, we should
No.
We don't bother the police
and they don't bother us.
That is the way it works here.
He's right, Llewellyn.
I see. So, we solve it ourselves?
What's this then?
It's a list of the deceased in
Toronto over the past two weeks.
- You're missing one.
- I am?
Maurice Majors.
Violet Hart's father.
Watts thinks I killed him.
That's part of the reason why he left.
Did you?
Don't be a prat, Higgins.
You should come back to Wexford.
Roderick still does carry a torch.
And I hope he lights himself
on fire with it.
My life is here, Millie.
There!
It's that witch that
destroyed your life!
- Millie.
- You!
No!
You should be ashamed of yourself!
Showing your face in public!
You're the maid!
The maid of honour
at a wedding you destroyed.
Oh.
I know your heart is filled with grief.
It's more like anger.
I was only trying
to save the two of you.
Well, I think you are crazy.
And wrong. And George?
- You've filled his head with
- With the truth!
- Oh! This is ridiculous!
- Millie!
This is George Crabtree's fault.
It is no one's fault! No one
except the stars and destiny.
Toronto Constabulary! Move, please!
- Let me pass.
- Why don't you curse me?
- Millie, that's enough!
- What's going on here?
Oh, it's all right, George.
We were We were just having
a conversation.
We were just on our way as well.
Mm.
Detective!
I was just about to leave.
How can I help you?
I understand your father
passed away recently.
- My condolences.
- Thank you.
If I may, what killed him?
He had a brain embolism.
Very unexpected.
Where was he buried?
Why do you want to know that?
Just paying proper attention
to a case I'm on.
His body was shipped to New York.
I knew him well enough to know
that's where he wanted
his resting place to be.
Mm.
Could you provide me with the location
of his final destination?
Of course.
Very good.
Thank you.
If that is all?
It is.
For now.
Well, I'm going to head
to the Star Bright club.
There's been a robbery there last night
and the police have done
very little about it.
The burden of running
a Black business, I imagine.
New York City?
That's what she said.
I've spoken with the railway
and they confirm they delivered
a coffin to that address.
Well, I feel a trip is in order,
if only to eliminate him as a suspect.
Well, sir, a telephone call
would do the same.
I believe Watts is there.
I need to talk to him.
I threatened to reveal his secret.
Sir?
It was rash.
I was angry and I need to make it right.
And there's more:
a private detective
is looking for Jack Walker.
He wants to take
his child away from him.
I feel I need to warn them.
Thank you, Julia.
- Oh, for what?
- Uh! A most fulfilling day.
You're most welcome.
- Margaret?
- Hm?
Now that your children have grown
Ah, well, one in jail,
The other one an itinerant actor.
Are you sure you'd like me
to look after your child?
Oh. That's not what I was suggesting.
Oh. I see.
I was thinking of starting
a nurse-in-training program
and you'd be an excellent candidate.
Me?
Why not you?
Margaret Nightingale.
If you wish.
Margaret!
Are you all right?
I just need to lay down.
Margaret, get a bed ready.
Who did this to you?
Please, I just need to lie down.
Anybody there?
"A cat is not the only thing
with nine lives."
Oh! There's your mother now.
Oh.
How was your first day
back at the clinic?
Oh, trying. But it's good to be back.
You seem troubled.
A woman came into the clinic
just as we were closing.
Badly bruised.
She said she'd fallen down
a flight of stairs.
Ah.
And I take it that wasn't the case.
I've seen enough bruising in my life
to know that she was lying.
She was assaulted.
Would you like me to speak with her?
Oh.
I'll speak with her, see if
I can get her to come through.
Aw, anyway, don't you have
a zombie to catch?
Oh, yes.
Oh, my love.
I promise that mama and papa
are going to take care of you
no matter what.
Protect you always.
- George!
- Good grief!
Why are you two here?
To make you feel better.
That's a laugh. If you don't mind.
- No. Let us speak.
- Why should I?
Nothing good seems to come
of it when you open your mouth.
George Crabtree, your manners!
We wish to throw you
a party!
A party? Are you mad?
Well, it is your birthday in three days.
- We should celebrate.
- With family.
It's the least we can do.
Well, I'm sorry. I'm not interested.
Now, if you don't mind,
I have to work tomorrow.
Party?
If you don't mind.
Excuse me.
Hello, Miss Newsome.
Thank you for coming, Henry.
I don't know how I can help you.
Henry, I'm desperate.
Well, I can see that.
You called me.
How well do you know George's family?
Only what he has told me about them.
Didn't you meet them all?
Yes, but it was only
a quick visit last year
and they all seemed pleasant enough.
Even the scary witch?
Well, she didn't present
herself as such at the time.
So, you know nothing about them?
I know a few of them are
ladies of easy virtue.
And George thinks very highly of them.
Yes. Well, that's plain
as day, isn't it?
He left me at the altar because of them.
Henry, can you talk
to the Newfoundland police
and find out everything
you can about them?
You don't trust them?
George and I met most of them
when we went last year.
There was no hint of this curse,
even though it was clear
that George and I were together.
I'll do what I can.
So, we're a team, then?
For better or worse.
Hm.
Good day.
Thank you, Henry.
You didn't open it?
I sure did not.
You want to stand back.
This is not for the faint-hearted.
What's that supposed to mean?
It means someone's pulled a fast one.
Detective Murdoch.
Miss Cherry.
Anything to report on
the murderous zombie?
Other than the fact that I am
not pursuing a murderous zombie?
No.
So, he can run free on the streets?
Miss Cherry.
Constable Higgins.
You are well?
What do you want?
Do you have any friends
at The Tribune in St. John's?
I may.
May I impose upon you a favour then?
As long as you remember
my golden rule: tit for tat.
We should cancel
our subscription to this rag.
Is that so?
Look at this drivel.
Miss Louise Cherry
has clearly lost her mind.
Who would believe such rubbish?
Miss Cherry is not stupid.
You think it could be true?
I don't know.
I don't know what to think.
Look at this.
- What on earth is this?
- I don't know.
- Who left it?
- No idea.
- You can't think
- Don't be foolish.
He's dead.
So you are going to pursue this?
I'm just going to ask a few questions.
Even though Trevor told you
to let the matter lie?
I won't involve him or the police.
Must be Timothy and the gang.
Please don't bring up the robbery.
I need to talk to you two.
Well, it's simple.
We'll just leave.
And he's following you?
He's in New York.
He didn't follow me here. I lost him.
But it's just a matter of time.
Probably.
What do you suggest?
Well, he seems like the kind
of man who could be bought.
So, no legal recourse?
For your kind, likely no.
That's why I told you to stay
out of this Trevor business.
But I do appreciate you taking
the time to warn us about this.
Of course.
I couldn't use your telephone, could I?
Yes, uh, station house four.
Toronto, Ontario and I'd like to speak
to detective William Murdoch, please.
Let the fun begin.
I do hope Samuel is tucked in
for the evening?
Sir, are you quite sure?
The coffin was empty?
It was and the recipient
had no knowledge
Of why it was delivered to him.
Did he have any knowledge
of a Maurice Majors?
- No.
- So, Mrs. Hart is definitely
- up to something.
- It's possible.
Well, any luck finding Jack Walker?
I've found them both. Watts and Walker.
Listen, Murdoch, I'll be back in a day,
so right now I'm about to have
a drink with some lads,
So I'll talk to you later. Bye-bye.
Good evening?
- Hello.
- You have a name?
- Thomas.
- Ah, well, Tom.
I'm Tim.
Let me grab you a drink.
You have a table?
And don't tell me there
are no dogs allowed.
I'm not an Irishman, either.
You're dead.
Is that so?
News to me.
Hey, this animal and I need sustenance.
We're mighty hungry.
You move when I say you move.
Or I snap your neck and this girl knows
where her next meal's coming from.
- What do you want?
- What do you think?
I want your money.
What is it they say?
Your money or your life?
I can't get you money.
Not without Violet's permission.
That's funny?
Damn, I taught that woman well!
Well, then
You best get her permission.
Or I'm going to choose
the second option.
Son.
Come on, girl, take a seat.
This fella's gonna
make us a decent meal.
You were to come down for tea.
I don't like doing this.
George is a good man.
I don't like to see him suffer.
It won't be much longer.
His birthday is fast approaching,
and then it'll be over
and he can marry her
and be as poor and happy as he wants.