Dead in the Water, S8E2

Just as the title suggests, this episode felt lifeless. The characters fell flat, and I did not care one bit why the victim was killed or by whom. Filmed in Beaconsfield and Henley-on-Thames, Oxfordshire and set at the Midsomer Rowing Club Regatta, Dead in the Water was directed by Renny Rye (who also directed the slow-going but far better episode, Ghosts of Christmas Past) and written by Douglas Watkinson. A few lovely exteriors of the water and the boats, but few interiors worth noting. Scroll to stroll and read the bonus commentary. Enjoy!

Commentary:

The Barnaby attend another Midsomer festival, this time a rowing regatta right on the water. Tom is his usual witty self as he sighs, "The world and his wife's here." Ha!

These 3 know how to spend quality family time together. Surely it will be a pleasant afternoon spent without any murder to whisk Tom away. Surely? Right. 

Still, it is an opportunity for DCI Barnaby to bask in the sun, relaxing on the water as Scott drives the boat.

On the way to interview witnesses never felt so easy...

I own the exact same evil eye amulet shown here on the lovely apple green window frame. You'll be safe from the jealous and malicious murderers, Tom!

The lovely Barnaby ladies attempt again to enjoy family time with the inspector...

Oops, Tom's spotted his chance to investigate...

What'd you really expect, ladies? Ha!

A funny bit here as Tom "must" investigate the scandalous dealings of a suspect. He tells Joyce, "Think you're a bit young to be watching this." Ha!

Joyce joins in on the viewing (warning: moaning sounds from the screen) as she too is interested in solving this murder by getting inside the suspect's mind (yeah, sure). 

Luckily this bit is very brief as Tom and Joyce quickly turn off the show, and take in "an early night." Ha! Glad to see the spark (and humor) is still lit in this marriage.

In other matters, Joyce and Cully try to convince Tom to buy a boat. How rich do they think they are?

Tom has his doubts, but he agrees to take a look...

Joyce is very optimistic at first sight...

She begins her charming fantasy of weekends on the river, antiquing and leisurely shopping at the farmer's markets... 

But wait, what's this then?

Cully hasn't seen it yet...Mum, what?

 OH. Rat spotted.

And Cully's out too. I guess this means the gals won't keep pressuring Tom to buy a boat! Ha!

Tom thanks this ugly rat for saving him from anymore boat buying grief...Ha!

That's it for E2 of season 8. Let's hope the next episode is better than the first couple.