Murdoch Mysteries season 14 episode 4 Recap and FAQ
Episode Summary
In "Murdoch Mysteries" Season 14, Episode 4, "Shock Value," Detective Murdoch investigates the electrocution death of Byron Shelby, found on a university campus. The victim, a psychology student, was involved in a controversial experiment by Dr. Arthur Kingston and his wife. They were studying aversive vs. positive reinforcement, but the real culprit is revealed to be Roberta Haycroft, the Kingstons' assistant. She tampered with the experimental equipment, seeking revenge against Shelby for a broken romantic relationship. Meanwhile, Constable Crabtree deals with a false baby abduction report, adding another layer of intrigue to the episode.
Full Episode S14E04 Recap
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the cause of the young man's death?
Electrocution, leading to a massive heart seizure.
Where was Byron Shelby's body found?
On a university campus.
Did Byron Shelby have any known family or close friends?
He was an orphan with few friends, but he had a landlady and a recent girlfriend.
What was Shelby studying?
Part-time courses in psychology.
Who are Dr. Arthur Kingston and his wife?
University researchers conducting experiments on aversive vs. positive reinforcement.
What was the nature of the Kingstons' experiment?
Studying the effects of aversive (punishment) versus positive reinforcement on behavior.
How was the electrical shock machine related to Shelby's death?
It was used to electrocute him, leading to his death.
Who tampered with the electrical shock machine?
Roberta Haycroft, the Kingstons' research assistant.
Why did Roberta Haycroft tamper with the machine?
Out of revenge against Shelby for ending their romantic relationship.
What did the Kingstons claim about their experiment?
They stated that the machine was safe and designed for mild shocks, not lethal ones.
What were the Kingstons actually studying?
The effect of authority on individuals and compliance.
What charges did the Kingstons face?
Impeding an investigation and desecration of a corpse.
What was Constable Crabtree's side investigation about?
A reported baby abduction, which turned out to be a misunderstanding.
Did John Plato, the technician, play a role in Shelby's death?
No, he was initially suspected but later cleared of involvement.
What was the outcome for Roberta Haycroft?
She confessed to deliberately causing Shelby's death and faced legal consequences.