S16E5: The Killings of Copenhagen.

S16E5: The Killings of Copenhagen.

To mark its 100th episode, Midsomer goes to... Denmark? Because...I don't know. Maybe to prank the fans like Ha! We've really changed the show now, even the language! (actually the show is very popular there). But no, thankfully--here we are...back to biscuits in Badger's Drift! Home sweet home. Beautiful buildings and scenery here. But you know how you feel when see the tin of cookies just to find out that inside is just your Mum's sewing kit? Yep, that's the feeling here in the beginning. Now Sarah's baby is finally due -- I wonder if John will miss the delivery-- don't you? Oh yes, we do. So, the intrigue does thicken up a bit with the characters who own the antique store-- they harken back to the early days of the show with their well acted quirkiness and familiar faces. Then suddenly we're in Denmark and its all Danish this and that just because a dude from the U.K. was found murdered here. Do they not see how pregnant Sarah is? Solve that murder via email, folks! So as usual we get the run around until we get to the actual identity and motives for the murders, but the lady detectives are not as charming as Nelson thinks, though, in fact, yes, Denmark is lovely. We have to wait until the last ten minutes to get to the familiar recipe of amusing absurdity and kooky closure that truly satisfies, but that's the way the cookie crumbles. Now on to S17--let's see of the Barnaby's are still living the sweet life with their beautiful baby Betty! 

S16E4, The Flying Club

S16E4, The Flying Club: It's a bird, it's a plane--no, it's a dead man falling from the sky? That's a first for Midsomer (right?). If you enjoy stunt pilots and their airplanes, this one's for you; if not, then it's a snooze. You'll wish you were on vacation with Sarah. 

Now, viewers traveling Midsomer usually do take the highway to the danger zone, but this flight sat on the runway way too long, had way too many lay overs, little on board entertainment, and not a blip of needed turbulence--only to reveal a dull destination, a near crash landing, I almost ditched before the end.

Perhaps I'm being unruly here. There's the bit about Kate's parents, which is a decent enough detour, establishing a bit of historical background for the pathologist. Still,

June Whitfield was the only bright spot on an otherwise dreary trip to the landing. Oh, but, yes, watching Sykes get the first class treatment is one for the scrapbook. In the end, however, the plot's itinerary may have been exciting on paper, but the route taken was like a bad trip. But as this one departs, I'll keep my hopes high for the next.

S16E3, Wild Harvest

S16E3, Wild Harvest: Elegant opening scene unfurls into a chaotic dog eat dog environment. A creepy midnight woods murder and you've got yourself a bloody mystery full of mushrooms and scenic green fields. Akin to Sherlock's Baskerville's Hound, the intriguing theme sizzles out quickly. Sarah is on maternity leave while Sykes is off his usual nosh--I'll take this side on the plate, yes, Chef! Hmm...the plot rests as a bore until well, the boar! Nelson and Dr. Wilding are here, but there's actually nothing wild about that. Oh, I miss Jones. Still, the plot thickens up and gets quite saucy. So, the beginning is not appetizing, but I'd take another serving of this episode as all the ingredients combine. 3 out of 5 stars! And it seems I've developed an excellent palate for murder since I guessed the secret recipe with 20 minutes left to spare--which did indeed leave a good taste in my mouth. Oh, and the final reveal was the icing on the cake! Ah, but I'm sure you'll be a satisfied customer now that my fun puns have eaten up a lot of your time!

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 @mrgwilymlee #tamzinmalleson #katewilding #charlienelson

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