The first three seasons of 'Midsomer Murders' were more consistent, with all the episodes ranging from decent to classic.
Season 4 became less consistent, with "The Electric Vendetta" being the show's first bad episode and "Who Killed Cock Robin?" only being a marginal improvement, while the rest were very good. Season 5 got off to a promising start with "Market for Murder", and that high standard is continued with "A Worm in the Bud".
"A Worm in the Bud" lulls in pacing in the middle with the-kids-playing-detectives not adding to the story as much as it could have done. Agreed also that the murders are on the bland side this time, in a show where they can be brutal and sometimes elaborate, and also on that it was an annoyance about not being given an explanation for why Susan wasn't killed straight after being made unconscious (if indicated in the episode, it was very vague to me).
However, as always, the production values are top notch, with to die for scenery, the idyllic look of it contrasting very well with the story's grimness, and quaint and atmospheric photography. The music fits perfectly, and the theme tune one of the most memorable and instantly recognisable of the genre.
Meanwhile, the script is smart, thought-provoking and suitably grim, the humour also being a breath of fresh air. Nothing felt inconsequential, everything had a point and it was intriguing and maintained attention throughout. The story is absorbing and rich in atmosphere, with some neat twists and turns, a very memorably tense climax and the murderer's identity being one that one doesn't see coming. The characters are suitably colourful and eccentric, though also not what they seem.
Acting is very good, superb in the case of John Nettles, and his chemistry with Daniel Casey (a great contrast as ever as Troy, and the two work brilliantly together), Jane Wymark (love their loving chemistry) and Barry Jackson always convincing and more. Gillian Barge and Wendy Craig give great support.
Overall, another strong episode if not quite on classic level. 8/10 Bethany Cox
Season 4 became less consistent, with "The Electric Vendetta" being the show's first bad episode and "Who Killed Cock Robin?" only being a marginal improvement, while the rest were very good. Season 5 got off to a promising start with "Market for Murder", and that high standard is continued with "A Worm in the Bud".
"A Worm in the Bud" lulls in pacing in the middle with the-kids-playing-detectives not adding to the story as much as it could have done. Agreed also that the murders are on the bland side this time, in a show where they can be brutal and sometimes elaborate, and also on that it was an annoyance about not being given an explanation for why Susan wasn't killed straight after being made unconscious (if indicated in the episode, it was very vague to me).
However, as always, the production values are top notch, with to die for scenery, the idyllic look of it contrasting very well with the story's grimness, and quaint and atmospheric photography. The music fits perfectly, and the theme tune one of the most memorable and instantly recognisable of the genre.
Meanwhile, the script is smart, thought-provoking and suitably grim, the humour also being a breath of fresh air. Nothing felt inconsequential, everything had a point and it was intriguing and maintained attention throughout. The story is absorbing and rich in atmosphere, with some neat twists and turns, a very memorably tense climax and the murderer's identity being one that one doesn't see coming. The characters are suitably colourful and eccentric, though also not what they seem.
Acting is very good, superb in the case of John Nettles, and his chemistry with Daniel Casey (a great contrast as ever as Troy, and the two work brilliantly together), Jane Wymark (love their loving chemistry) and Barry Jackson always convincing and more. Gillian Barge and Wendy Craig give great support.
Overall, another strong episode if not quite on classic level. 8/10 Bethany Cox