In the highly anticipated 300th episode, William Murdoch (Yannick Bisson) and Julia Ogden (Hélène Joy) are reunited once again. If this episode is any indication, Julia’s prolonged absence may have been a blessing in disguise, breathing fresh life into both the show and her character.

It was bound to happen at some point: after going from strength to strength this season, the latest episode of Murdoch Mysteries, titled When Rubber Meets the Road, can only be described as passable. Following a standout episode last week, this installment feels like a bit of a letdown. It lacks the typical Murdoch spark, resulting in a narrative that struggles to engage.

If William Murdoch (Yannick Bisson) were to write this review of Welcome to Paradise, he would probably comment on the stark juxtaposition of the gruesome subject matter against the lighthearted tone of this episode. In a season full of highlights, writer Christina Ray and director Elsbeth McCall’s light-footed yet warm approach to the serial killings of men from far-flung cultures makes this the best episode of the season so far.