S19E4: Red in Tooth and Claw

S19E4: Red in Tooth and Claw. Jamie has some clever lines in this one, and Bernie the Badger was a cute little guy, loved the photos at the end. Dr. Kam has a well-acted substitute and his presence doesn't bode well for the future of Jamie's crush, poor guy. The guest actors (mostly) did a fine job as well. This episode was not the best in show, but an honorable mention at least.

S19E3: Last Man Out

S19E3: Last Man Out: I usually do not enjoy the sport-themed episodes, and the only reason I liked this one was you guessed it-- JONES JONES JONES! But other than that, it was a loser. Hammy actors, obnoxious cheerleader atmosphere, boring plot, shallow writing, and just not charming enough. Zero likable characters. I wish Jones had returned to a much better episode, points for him alone. Ok, a few credits to John Bird (St. John) and Susan Jameson (Germaine). The scenery and beautiful camera angles were wonderful and in fact, there is indeed a funny bit at the end with Jones and Winter sharing complaints about John, so it all won me over--so if you've made it this far into my post, HaHa, Hell--I highly recommend this one--save the best for "last", as always! Hoorah!

S19E2: Crime and Punishment

S19E2: Crime and Punishment begins with a lovely opening scene of the detectives driving through the scenery: vast swaths of greenery, church yard, leaves swaying in the breeze, winding country road. A special-- but too short -- appearance by Clive Swift of "Keeping Up Appearances." We discover that Jamie and Kam have a flirtatious past together, but if the romance will rekindle  remains to be seen. The plot uses the familiar neighborhood feuds and family secrets to move the rather dull characters along as it reaches the absurd motive and insane killer.  Next episode will feature the return of our dear Ben Jones, so let's go. 

S19E1: The Village That Rose From the Dead

S19E1: The Village that Rose from the Dead 

Excellent acting all around in this first episode of season 19. A competition over land development creates a killing in classic form. Our wee baby Betty is growing into an energetic toddler now, but sadly our loyal companion Sykes has passed on to frolic in doggy heaven-- be free ol' boy! And as we say aloha to Sykes, we say hello to the new DCI -- Charlie Nelson's replacement -- fashionable Sergeant Jamie Winter. He's got a lot of subtle charm no doubt. He's a familiar face to Dr. Kam-- do they have a history? And unlike the tense negative dynamic between Nelson and Karimore, the vibe between Jamie and Kam is refreshingly cheerful. And although Charlie can be easily replaced, it's not so easy to find a replacement for Sykes. But there's a new dog in town, and he's a cute little pup, indeed!  One negative in the episode has to do with all those creepy snakes-- and I don't mean the shady characters! Still, it's a solid, steady mystery set against the lovely backdrop of English scenery-- a fantastic start to season 19!  

S18E6, Harvest of Souls.

S18E6, Harvest of Souls. There's an eardrum- piercing screeching in the opening scene, and it doesn't come from any murder victim. Buy it's the kind of screaming that's made me want to die in fact, nothing worse than it. I mean-- "fun fair," more like "un-fair," am I right?! Well, I digress--just brace yourselves for the impact! Now then, let's settle into the calming oasis that is the Barnaby household--ooh la la, there is a French adventure ahead-- unless of course, duty calls. Oh, dear, God, here comes another horrendous sound! Motorbikes just zooming and booming -- where are my ear plugs? And though these excruciating noises are brief, the time it's taking to give a rat's arse about any of these characters is indeed crawling at snail's pace.

Fair-fair warning: the screaming runs throughout the episode, not even murder on the premises shuts it down. The kids yelling, the characters yelling--had to watch it mostly on mute, thanks be to closed captioning. Was a chore to get through, but the last 15 minutes eased my burdened by boredom soul. Sadly, for those of us who know what's coming next season, it was bittersweet to see sweet Sykes drive off into the sunset. And oh yes, aur revoir to our boy Charlie-- on to greener pastures perhaps.  

S18E5, Saints and Sinners

 S18E5, Saints and Sinners

In S18E5, Saints and Sinners, the first murder is particularly gruesome (even by Midsomer standards!) in its cruelty --I would have done well not having to realize the manner of that crime. Then there's the usual feuding groups, obnoxiously overachieving Dr. Karimore, and a run of red herrings building up the mystery. I think we're meant to wish Charlie would make a romantic move on Kam now that her boyfriend, Harry, is due to visit, but that's as confusing to us as it is to Detective John. And though we find Kam annoying -- are we really ready to see her meet her Maker? Will she or won't she? Watch to find out!

S18E4, A Dying Art

S18E4, A Dying Art: Murder happens early on: In the opening scene for us and before dawn for Detective Barnaby. It's the grand opening of a sculpture garden, and where there is a grand opening in Midsomer county--there is someone homicidal! And, of course, the main red herring has to be the trouble-making tree hugger buggers! But around every corner is a liar with a lie--so everyone has a motive. Lovely interiors and exteriors in this one, except maybe for a cheesy metal skull and except definitely for the a grossly gross character in his boxers, eww.. A couple more garish art pieces later, I'd figured it out! In other news, Detective Barnaby's feeling very nervous having to give a speech to a room full of children, and as those of us who've been around kids know: that's more frightening than bloody murder! 

****

Best lines from this episode, encapsulating why we keep watching MM: 

"Cliche is what I say."

"I rekon thats the point."

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