The tenth season of "Midsomer Murders" is not one of my particular favorites, I have said it numerous times. "Dance with the Dead" I think is fine and so is "King's Crystal". "The Animal Within" is the only very good episode in the tenth season as I remember (I have re-watch the other ones). "The Axeman Cometh" is also a decent entry to the series, though it could have been, agreed, far better.
Let's start with the good aspects, shall we?
. The production values of the episode are great as usual. "The Axeman Cometh" is well- directed, the music, while heavy on rock tunes, fits to the scenery as well. The acting is very good overall. John Nettles and Jason Hughes are amazing as they are in every single episode. Phil Davis gives a solid performance and so does Rachel Davies. The real show-stealer though is James Cosmo, who is just brilliant in every scene he's in. Cosmo gives, in my opinion, one of the best guest star performance in "Midsomer Murders". His role is balanced and charismatic.
. The murder mystery is intriguing once it gets going. There are some good red herrings, humor and the ending (with the Axeman turning out to be the killer) is very satisfying. The murders are creative too ( especially the one regarding electrocution).
But....
. The episode does drag, especially in the beginning. It takes about 40 minutes before a murder happens. I understand there has to be a set up to the murder, but 40 minutes is a lot of time for just a set-up. The time spent on "setting things up" could have been used for something more interesting.
. The characters and some of the subplots could have been developed in a more effective way. The one regarding a missing rock-band member was interesting, but it was glossed over way too quickly. Another one with a woman, who likes to sleep around and finds joy seducing her "brother", was gross and did not go to anywhere at all. In terms of the characters, the most interesting is the Axeman. All of the other characters needed a bit more meat to their bones and felt a bit over-the top to me.
Overall, liked it, but didn't love it.
6,5/10 HK.
Let's start with the good aspects, shall we?
. The production values of the episode are great as usual. "The Axeman Cometh" is well- directed, the music, while heavy on rock tunes, fits to the scenery as well. The acting is very good overall. John Nettles and Jason Hughes are amazing as they are in every single episode. Phil Davis gives a solid performance and so does Rachel Davies. The real show-stealer though is James Cosmo, who is just brilliant in every scene he's in. Cosmo gives, in my opinion, one of the best guest star performance in "Midsomer Murders". His role is balanced and charismatic.
. The murder mystery is intriguing once it gets going. There are some good red herrings, humor and the ending (with the Axeman turning out to be the killer) is very satisfying. The murders are creative too ( especially the one regarding electrocution).
But....
. The episode does drag, especially in the beginning. It takes about 40 minutes before a murder happens. I understand there has to be a set up to the murder, but 40 minutes is a lot of time for just a set-up. The time spent on "setting things up" could have been used for something more interesting.
. The characters and some of the subplots could have been developed in a more effective way. The one regarding a missing rock-band member was interesting, but it was glossed over way too quickly. Another one with a woman, who likes to sleep around and finds joy seducing her "brother", was gross and did not go to anywhere at all. In terms of the characters, the most interesting is the Axeman. All of the other characters needed a bit more meat to their bones and felt a bit over-the top to me.
Overall, liked it, but didn't love it.
6,5/10 HK.