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Calgary Herald

Popular series Murdoch Mysteries shooting episode here set during first Stampede

Article content A 1912 trip to Calgary to witness the beginnings of a brand new spectacle called The Calgary Stampede is meant to be a relaxing vacation for intrepid Detective William Murdoch and his gruff boss, Inspector Thomas Brackenreid. It's a respite from the murder and mayhem the pair encounter as part of the Toronto Constabulary. Article content But it doesn't take long for the two to get roped into a mysterious death at the first Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth. That's the historical premise behind an upcoming episode of the popular drama Murdoch Mysteries. Article content Article content 'Because it's a murder-mystery, murder quickly ensues,' says Peter Mitchell, an executive producer and writer for Murdoch Mysteries. Article content Article content The long-running Canadian series set up production at the Bar N Ranch in Turner Valley for a three-day shoot. The location, a popular spot for film and television productions, has been transformed into the first Stampede circa 1912. Cameras began rolling on Wednesday, and production will wrap Friday night. Interior shots for the episode will be filmed in Toronto. Article content On Tuesday, actors Yannick Bisson and Thomas Craig — who play Murdoch and Brackenreid, respectively — took part in a fan meet-and-greet at the Calgary Stampede's Sam Centre. Article content The historical series, which takes place in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, has been running for 18 seasons. It was recently renewed for a 19th, and the Stampede-themed episode will air in the fall. Article content Article content 'We've always tried on this show, if possible, to get out to different areas of the country,' Mitchell says. 'We've shot in Newfoundland, Ottawa, Dawson City. We've always wanted to shoot in Alberta. It seemed like a natural storyline. Some of it is just for the fan events. Fans are still into the show. The meet-and-greets are not as important as the shooting, but it's part of the package.' Article content The series often uses real historical figures and events in its storylines. Past episodes have revolved around the Toronto Fire of 1904 and Canadian veterans of the Boer War. Everyone from Queen Victoria to Buffalo Bill Cody, Nikola Tesla, Thomas Edison and Arthur Conan Doyle have made appearances as characters. Article content While the murder at the centre of the Calgary-based episode is presumably fictional, the storyline will feature historical Stampede figures such as founder Guy Weadick and Tom Three Persons, a Kainai Nation rodeo athlete who won the saddle bronc competition at the 1912 inaugural Stampede.