I didn't appreciate at the time just how good the early episodes were. Dead Man's eleven is a definite classic, an excellent story, great characters, a dream cast, and some fine touches of humour make for a drama that deserves the tag, classic.
I'm not sure if it was the writing, or the calibre of actors in it, but the characters are huge in this, every single person in this had a purpose, and several made for good suspects. Plenty of talent on show, but it's the much missed Robert Hardy that commands every shot he's in. Imelda Staunton and Duncan Preston in particular are great, adding a few humorous moments.
I loved the closing scenes, where the killers identity is revealed, the way it was done was gripping and thrilling, beautifully shot.
I liked how characters recurred, this is supposed to be village life, so we get both Charles Jennings and Olive Beauvoisan back, a shame this was never done on later episodes.
When Midsomer Murders was compulsive viewing. 9/10
I'm not sure if it was the writing, or the calibre of actors in it, but the characters are huge in this, every single person in this had a purpose, and several made for good suspects. Plenty of talent on show, but it's the much missed Robert Hardy that commands every shot he's in. Imelda Staunton and Duncan Preston in particular are great, adding a few humorous moments.
I loved the closing scenes, where the killers identity is revealed, the way it was done was gripping and thrilling, beautifully shot.
I liked how characters recurred, this is supposed to be village life, so we get both Charles Jennings and Olive Beauvoisan back, a shame this was never done on later episodes.
When Midsomer Murders was compulsive viewing. 9/10