When in its prime (a vast majority of Seasons 1-9), 'Midsomer Murders' was a great show and one that is watched and re-watched frequently. Seasons 10-13 became more uneven, with three of the show's worst episodes coming from Seasons 11 and 13, but there were a few solid episodes and "Blood Wedding" and especially "Master Class" were gems.
After John Nettles retired and Neil Dudgeon and the new character of John Barnaby took over, 'Midsomer Murders' just hasn't been the same on the most part. Season 14 was a disappointment outside of "The Oblong Murders" and "A Sacred Trust", with "Echoes of the Dead" and "The Night of the Stag" being show low-points. Season 15 was inconsistent, being a case of starting promisingly and then took a three-episodes-in-a-row strange turn with "Written in the Stars" before finishing on a good note. Season 16 was mostly good, especially "Wild Harvest", with the only disappointment being "Let Us Prey".
Season 17's last episode "A Vintage Murder" is the standout of that particular season, wasn't hugely impressed while still finding them more than watchable by "The Dagger Club" and "Murder By Magic" but liked "The Ballad of Midsomer County". Likewise with "A Vintage Murder".
This time around the domestic humour is rather forced, some of it to the point of being cringe-worthy, and could have done without the annoying character of the nanny. The murders were somewhat scant here too and were quite ordinary, especially in comparison to the elaborate if somewhat illogical murder method in "The Dagger Club", the uniquely gruesome opening murder of the previous episode and some of the imaginative ones seen in many of the pre-Season 10 episodes in particular.
However, what were issues in the previous Season 17 episodes weren't so much here. Kate has more personality this time round in strictly speaking her final episode, usually find her a very bland character, and has amusing chemistry with Nelson. While the diversity still remains, it wasn't anywhere near as pointless or distracting here. Barnaby doesn't feel too much of a supporting character to Nelson and isn't as wooden as in the first two episodes of the season, Neil Dudgeon looks more comfortable and less wooden and sleepwalking-like too.
Production values cannot be faulted as usual. It's beautifully and atmospherically shot with suitably picturesque scenery. The music fits perfectly, with some lush jauntiness and sometimes an ominous quality, and the haunting theme tune is one of the most memorable and instantly recognisable of the genre. It is also hardly surprising that the episode has a soundtrack of its own because the music here adds so much to the character and atmosphere of the episode.
Writing is thought-provoking and some of the quirky and gentle humour juxtaposes well with the dark murder theme and the twists and turns, the episode not feeling overly serious or heavy like some John Barnaby-era episodes as a result. The story is never simplistic, neither is it convoluted, with a surprising ending that manages to just about be plausible rather than convoluted or distastefully over-the-top. The ending is creepy and sad, and one of the most logical ones of the John Barnaby-era episodes.
Gwilym Lee is likable and charismatic, and the supporting cast are all strong, Mark Bonnar being the standout. Betty is adorable, and Sykes has a gift for scene stealing.
Overall, the best episode of the season, not one of the best 'Midsomer Murders' episodes overall but one of the better ones of the John Barnaby-era. 8/10 Bethany Cox
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