5×5 With The Hook: Simon McNabb

Writers are a cowardly and superstitious lot.

Wait, that’s criminals…

What are writers again? Besides perpetually broke?

Now I remember. Writers are the special breed of dreamers who reach into the ether we mere mortals cannot access, and they pluck forth dreams we could never dream and they make them whole so that we may weep at their beauty and majesty.

And yes, I just made today’s guest, Murdoch Mysteries scribe Simon McNabb, sound like a Canadian Will Shakespeare, but I dare you tell me otherwise. The man’s damn talented as far as I’m concerned and that’s all I have to say about that.

You can get his full professional bio here, but among the MM episodes Simon has scribbled are:

• • Concocting A Killer (An instant Murdoch classic.)
  • Cometh the Archer with Jordan Christianson and Peter Mitchell (2016)
  • A Case of The Yips
  • The Local Option
  • Journey to the Centre of Toronto
  • The Death of Dr. Ogden with Jordan Christianson, Carol Hay, and Michelle Ricci for Season 7
  • Murdoch Takes Manhattan

Simon’s also done his part to further Murdoch’s fortunes as Executive Story Editor (12 episodes, 2015 – 2016) and Story Editor (2013 – 2014) as well as Co-Producer. I think he even provides baked goods for the crew once a week.

I hear his macadamia nut clusters are to die for.

As for other bits ‘n bites of info concerning Mr. McNabb, he was created and aged (much like a fine wine) in Vancouver, he holds a Master’s degree in Screenwriting from the University of Southern California (until his hands get tired and then he hangs it back on the wall). He returned to Canada in 2010 (and not at the insistence of the American government) to complete both the NSI’s Totally Television program and the CFC’s Prime Time TV Program. 

The truth of the matter at hand is this: even if Murdoch Mysteries wasn’t my favorite show I’d be envious of Simon McNabb. He. Gets. Paid. To. Write. For. A. Living. 

I would pay someone to pay me to write for a living.

Yes, my parents had me tested but I am not at liberty to discuss the results…

I think we’ve reached a natural transition point, don’t you? If I continue I risk Simon blocking me on Twitter and that list is long enough as it is.

So here we go!

ONE)  Are there any characters you’d love to revisit in the Murdochverse? Like Dr. Roberts the Popsicle MD, for instance? (My daughter is still ticked at his fate and longs for an update.)

Great question. You never want to bring a character back unless you can do something that ‘tops’ what they did last time. With someone like Dr. Roberts, I’m not sure we’ll ever find a better ending for him… though you never know.

I really can’t list all the past characters I’d like to revisit (there are too many), but here’s a small sampling: Roger Newsome (Eps 718, 805, 911), his brother Rodney Newsome (referenced in 718, not seen on screen), and their father Royal Newsome (who I just made up right now).

Seriously? They’re never bringing me back? Someone get me this McNabb chap’s home address…

TWO)  Which films/TV shows do you wish you had written?

Seasons 1-6 of Murdoch Mysteries.

(Right to the point. I like that.)

THREE)  Rock stars seem to want to be actors and vice versa; is it that way with TV writers? Do you ever wish you could be on the other side of the lens?

Since grade six I’ve been working tirelessly to ensure no one ever looks at me.

(You too?)

Simon and the usual Murdoch Mysteries suspects…

FOUR)  As Canadians we have a love/hate relationship with the seasons. Do you enjoy a long cold winter, or are you like me and wish global warming would hit Canada yesterday?

I’m from Vancouver, we don’t have winters. My only relationship with the cold is remaining indoors.

FIVE)  Now that William’s going to be a homeowner how about you give him and Julia a dog? I know a certain Shih Tzu who would be great as the first of it’s regal breed to be imported to Canada…  (The wife and daughter would’ve killed me if I hadn’t included this question.)

If the Shih Tzu can solve crimes, she’s in.

“Someone get me an agent, I’m moving to Toronto!”

That’s all for today, friends. You don’t have to go home but you can’t stay here. I want to thank Simon McNabb for elevating my little blog to greatness, and of course, thank you to all of you for being my cyber pals.

See you in the lobby and on the CBC, kids…