Left for Dead

I typically love most MM episodes, however, there's always that fateful moment when things go wrong; and this episode was one of those moments I was dreading. The plot was silly and a bit ridiculous. I felt bad for the actors. Even the most skilled actor would struggle to be taken seriously with this script and plot. It pained me to have to watch John Nettle act in some of these scenes. Overall, it was an epic bust. I was left with more questions than answers by the end of the episode.

We've been watching "Midsomer Murders" in reruns on various PBS stations, so it's a random selection, mainly from the earlier seasons. We've come to really enjoy the humanity and good humor of the lead characters, and usually the stories are both intriguing and fun.

"Left for Dead" was well done as usual, but easily the creepiest and most unsettling of those we've seen. As others have pointed out, it ends up going in a kind of cheap "horror film" direction at the end, but at the same time was both harrowing and rather sad. Suspenseful, yes, but not much fun. Guess I prefer the ones where people just act like idiots and get caught!

This one is the first and the only bad episode of all 11 seasons. It is not the story, not the actors of course, it's filming. Horrible filming. What could be an amazing episode was filmed as if it is a story written and filmed by a middle school cinema class. Unbelievably amateur and bad directing compared to any of the episodes of the past 11 seasons. 4 stars are for the story and the poor actors who had to do what this clown of a director said. What a waste of a great cast and a good story.

Being an American, I didn't see any of the Midsomer Murders when they originally were shown, but I discovered them on Netflix and have watched them all, in order, and I love them. Excellently written and acted, and the quirky villagers you encounter all the way have totally charmed me. Having said all that, this episode has to be the one I have enjoyed the least. It began much as the others have, setting up the scene in a small village, but it quickly began to bore me, and by the time it reached the final 30 minutes I was just anxious for it to be over with. Those final minutes went quickly from amiable small town murder to very nearly a horror film, and frankly, I am not a fan of horror films. On top of that, there were questions left unanswered, and characters who weren't satisfactorily wrapped up for me. I have to say I was disappointed.

Left for Dead is a very dark entry into the Midsomer series, at times it has the feel of a B horror movie, as opposed to a crime drama series. It is filled with betrayal, bitterness and malice, so much hate makes the crimes seem relevant and purposeful, not just there to make it a murder mystery.

The horror vibe is extended to the music, which provides a very sinister, atmospheric vibe throughout. I really like the ending, in spite of the negative reviews, I think it works rather well, it's certainly different.

Very well acted, it's a particularly good episode for Jones, although with his closeness to the victims, it's a wonder he was allowed to continue on the case. Maggie Steed is good, although her character is nowhere near as bold as the one she was given in Judgment Day.

I don't think the show would ever get as dark as this ever again. Overall I think it's a great episode. 9/10