S16E2, Let Us Prey

S16E2, Let Us Pray

A rainy night with delicate music inside a church starts the episode. A mysterious underground tunnel and ancient fresco add to the mystery. Next thing you know, a dead body arrives. Nelson is shocked at Wilding's utterly unkempt abode. Meanwhile, Barnaby is shocked at how many baby items are needed to own a baby! Several unique camera shots and a dark grey hue creates the atmosphere. The lovely village exteriors and quirky characters are nicely familiar, but the unique charm of the Tom and Joyce seasons is noticeably missing--maybe it's the loss of all the original actors, the most recent being Jones. Michael Jayston as Reverend Gould adds the much needed depth to the episode, but it's not enough to make an impact. And an hour in, it is all just flat boring. The true motive comes out of nowhere, and it should have been part of the plot in some way as it is the only interesting bit in the story. 

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S16E1: A Christmas Haunting

S16E1, A Christmas Haunting: Merry Christmas! Your present this year is a brand new partner for John, Sergeant Charlie Nelson. Barnaby sure misses Ben (who's now a Detective Inspector in Brighton) as we all do! The weather is cold and snowy, the mood is festive yet creepy, and both Sarah and John are  expecting...a baby! We still need time to see how the new duo of detectives works together. We see John making the introductions and sharing the customs with the new guy this time around. So far Nelson is casual (not wearing a sharp suit) and keen (commands attention with a booming clap). Kate helps welcome him with a drink and a room. The guest cast bores me: drab, unhappy couples and dysfunctional families, but the jolly Christmas decor and jingle bells are special enough. Still, the pace is terribly slow, the plot lacks pizzazz, and the writing is devoid of humor. The reveal at the end is just as disappointing, but is saved by a heartfelt Christmas message from our old pal Jones. Watch it on my blog (link in bio) #midsomermurders #murder #mystery @officialmidsomer #british #acorntv #itv #neildudgeon #fionadolman @fiona_dolman #benjones #detective #detectivebarnaby @_jasonhughes #blog #writer #crime #justice #midsomermurders

S16E6, Schooled in Murder

S15E6, Schooled in Murder: Well this is a fun start! A lovely sunny countryside, a snooty set of snobs at a prep school, veiled threats, a mysterious young stranger, and murder by giant cheese wheel--whoa! Not to mention--It's the Barnaby's 15th Anniversary and sweet Sykes is suffering from a secret accident (John's fault?). We get to know all the potential suspects and motives at a steady pace. Then another cheese centered murder weapon slices into the plot amidst the breezy leaves of the trees and sprawling lawn of the rich, well who in the world is the killer? Oh, and DO NOT look at the 2nd victim: "maggots with a message" -- Oh the horror, it better be worth the inclusion. The next murder is ugly too, quick at least. Who knew that cheese making was such a brutal business? Is this the highest Midsomer body count, ever? And cups of tea too, by golly, a lot of those! An overall entertaining and nicely done final episode to season 15. And oh goodness me, this is the last episode of our dear Ben Jones (but for his next "final" episode in S19). Funny that his first case with John is centered at a school and here too. Unlike Troy, Tom, and George, he does not get an official good-bye scene, perhaps because Jason Hughes' departure wasn't certain. Good-bye, Ben! It will not be the same without you. Truly, the end of an original Midsomer era. Watch it on my blog (link in bio) #midsomermurders #murder #mystery @officialmidsomer #british #acorntv #itv #neildudgeon #fionadolman @fiona_dolman #benjones #detective #detectivebarnaby @_jasonhughes #blog #writer #crime #justice #midsomermurders

S15E5, The Sicilian Defence

S15E5, The Sicilian Defence: Captivating opening scene, the mystery starts immediately. Beautifully shot, includes lighthearted Barnaby fam bits, but could have gone without the ear piercing screaming from the girl at hospital, yikes. Lovely scenery and buildings, the cast of characters, none very endearing. A dead cat will disturb some. With half an hour left, the pace picks up after my waning interest. And boy, does it get all twisty and turny! And even through the enjoyable absurdity, it manages to be surprisingly touching thanks to DCI John Barnaby's psychology skills! I also noticed his variety of facial expressions conveying different thoughts which reminded me of dear old Tom! Watch the first 30, skip the next, then view the last, and you've got an entertaining hour here! In short, this is a MEMORABLE episode, which is apropos considering the theme of it. (The Sicilian Defence is a chess opening that begins with the following moves: 1. e4 c5). 

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