Chivalry: Bert and Lydia in Murdoch Mysteries

A great example of chivalry occurs in one of my favorite Murdoch Mysteries, "Dead End Street." An autistic woman has created a cityscape, specifically of her street, including clues to a murder. 

The autistic woman is cared for by her brother, Bert. And I love Bert's chivalry. What I like is not that Bert is "look at me as I swoon over my sacrifices." Other people on the street imply that Bert's wife left him because he cares for his sister. But Bert never makes that argument. Nor does he act put upon or burdened. He makes no excuses. He deals with issues as they arise. His sister's condition is a reality, no more, no less. 

He doesn't come across--as some Murdoch characters do--as enlightened. He comes across, rather, as entirely matter-of-fact. 

And the episode makes great points, including a point about "political correctness." When the inspector uses the term "imbecile," Crabtree replies, "I believe such people as Lydia are no longer referred to as imbecile. It's felt to be demeaning. The correct term nowadays is moron."

Bert amused by Lydia contradicting Murdoch.

Crabtree isn't being a jerk. He is generally a totally nice guy (and actually one of the most enlightened). The point is: terms change. And what we deem enlightened today may not appear so enlightened tomorrow. Or even accurate. 

I like history that does what the episode does here: presents a modern issue within the context of its time. People only know what they know. And they do the best they can. 

In the context of his time and now, Bert is a great guy.