A Noted Television Theme

 

The ever-popular Murdoch Mysteries (2008-) is a Canadian television drama series set in Toronto beginning in 1895 and progressively follows Detective William Murdoch, who solves murder cases using methods of detection that were ahead of its time, alluding to future commonly used detection methods. These might include "finger marks" (fingerprinting), blood testing, surveillance, and trace evidence. The detective may use existing technology of his time to improvise a crude prototype that would help a 21st-century audience relate. For the same purpose, modern social issues are addressed. As with most modern historical interpretations, the show is a blend of fiction with aspects of fact. The Murdoch character may interact with actual historical figures as if the detective existed. The episodes can range from near slapstick to dark and gruesome murder investigations. 

Supporting excellent opening graphics, Robert Carli composed a contemporary synthesized electronic "steampunk" arrangement. Listen to it HERE

Dempsey and DeSoto Relevancy

 

Jack Dempsey (William Harrison Dempsey 1895-1983) was an American professional boxer and the world heavyweight champion from 1919 to 1926. A huge celebrity icon of the 1920s, many of his fights set financial and attendance records, including the first million-dollar gate. He pioneered the live broadcast of sporting events in general and boxing in particular. By his own recollection, he first competed as "Jack Dempsey" in the fall of 1914. In retirement, he opened his own restaurant in New York City and was a commercial pitchman for a variety of products including Chicken of The Sea, Royal Crown Cola, and Everlast. He outlived DeSoto by twenty-two years.

Nicknamed Kid Blackie, and The Manassa Mauler, according to a 2004 PBS documentary, "Dempsey's boxing style consisted of constantly bobbing and weaving. His attacks were furious and sustained. Behind it all was rage. His aggressive behavior prompted a rule that boxers had to retreat to a neutral corner and give opponents who had been knocked down a chance to get up."

DeSoto was launched ten years before this 1938 DeSoto advertisement