Well, I'm just going to dive into it (SPOILERS). Apparently, ITV, which showcases Midsomer Murders, cut out the final scene in which Tom tells everyone that he is going to retire. When I watched the last episode of S13 on Netflix years ago, he announced it to Jones, George, and Gail, as Joyce, Cully, and John looked on. They were all stunned and saddened. I wish I could have seen that bit again! In it, all the guests leave, and Joyce remarks, "Well, this feels weird." And then Cully asks, "So, Dad, what now?," and he says, "I'm going to have my cake and eat it." A nice farewell to the characters who we've grown to love in the past 13 seasons. This episode's mystery is a messy bore (another dispute about right of way!), but we get the backstory on Tom and the possible reason he decides to call it quits upon reaching his birthday. Long ago, Tom's father had invited him to go fishing. Tom was still annoyed after having an argument with his father, and instead, just went out with Joyce. Well, his father died right there with the fishing rod in his hand. Tom has felt guilty ever since and had always worried that he would die on the same birthday that his father died on. Joyce had noticed Tom acting strange and had taken him to de-stress at a weekend spa. Of course, bodies started piling up, with Joyce finding the first body (which actually might explain if she told Tom to call it quits, ha! But she was the ever steady rock). Jones tried his hand at being the lead officer in charge, and though he was willing, he wasn't quite ready (which might explain why he doesn't replace Tom as the DCI next season). Speaking of next season, I'm not sure when I'll start it, so this is my mini-retirement too. I'll come back occasionally, taking a peak at Jones' and George's episodes and such, but not on a regular basis. It's been so fun watching and writing and sharing, thank you to all who've joined me thus far. I'm actually really more dreadfully sad than I thought I'd be. I didn't realize I'd be emotional and crying, I can't even get through posting all the photos and making all the memes. These actors and writers really brought these characters to life. (And I am a bit nuts too).
Ta
xoxo