Tonight’s episode of Murdoch Mysteries, airing on CBC, will no doubt go down as a fan favorite as it seems to embody the very best of the series, mystery, humor, historical personages, and new technology, all wrapped up in an enjoyable gift that is sure to find a spot in every fan’s heart.

Working from a script by Peter Mitchell, director Gail Harvey has crafted a perfectly balanced episode with sly nods to the industry, as well as inside jokes, perfectly humorous beats, and an engaging mystery.

Pendrick (Peter Stebbings) is back, and he’s crafted a synchronization system to add sound to moving pictures. With Thomas Edison (David Storch) keeping a careful eye on the screening, the audience, which includes attendees Murdoch (Yannick Bisson), Crabtree (Jonny Harris) Dr. Grace (Georgina Reilly), Brackenreid (Thomas Craig) and Dr. Ogden (Helene Joy).

The audience is delighted and wowed by the combination of sights and sounds, but when the lights come up, one of Pendrick’s investors is dead, and our heroes are embroiled in another mystery.

While this is going on, however, Pendrick is eager to film another moving picture, a mystery adventure story, and Murdoch is his inspiration.

As the investigation continues, Murdoch and the others find themselves drawn into the film, and the line between reality and fantasy starts to blur, except for Murdoch who seems quite intent that he and his profession be portrayed properly.

Portraying Pendrick’s leading lady is Charlotte (Charlotte Sullivan, Stebbings real-life wife), and she and Crabtree have some wonderful moments together.

This episode was sheer delight, and even with the promise of zombies and lake monsters later this season, this one I think will be going down as my favorite.

It’s funny watching each of our characters and the way they react to the filming going on around them, Brackenreid embraces it, Murdoch seems tolerant of it, Crabtree seems right at home in front of the camera despite the fact that it may cause problems for him and Dr. Grace, and Dr. Ogden seems to have a bemused look as she watches Murdoch react to everything around him, and she also gets a brilliant moment of action!

From jests about the movie’s title, to the appearance of craft services, cries of “Let’s act!” this one hits all the notes, and shows that not only does the series have so many more stories to tell, it remains one of the most enjoyable family-friendly shows on the air.

I don’t want to spoil any of the moments, I just want you to watch this one and enjoy it as much as I did.

Smart, engaging, and filled with a sense of fun, this episode highlights the best of what this show can be.

Check it out tonight on CBC!