"Market for Murder" may not quite be classic 'Midsomer Murders', some of the show's best episodes being in the first three seasons alone. This said, it is still an excellent episode and sees Season 5 getting off to a strong start.
While the murderer's identity was surprising, their motive(s) were somewhat far-fetched and a little too hastily explained. To a lesser extent, count me in as another person who noticed the continuity error in the second murder and found it on the sloppy side.
However, as always, the production values are top notch, with to die for scenery, the idyllic look of it contrasting very well with the story's grimness, and quaint and atmospheric photography. The music fits perfectly, and the theme tune one of the most memorable and instantly recognisable of the genre.
Meanwhile, the script is smart, thought-provoking and suitably grim, the humour also being a breath of fresh air. Nothing felt inconsequential, everything had a point, everything intrigued and any loose ends were tied together nicely.
The story, over the top and elaborate but appropriately and wonderfully so and with a suitable grimness, is hugely compelling, and never simplistic and never losing any of the maturity of the previous episodes. There is a lot going on mostly without being cluttered or rushed (remarkable for an episode that as ever is heavy in exposition), and that nothing is what it seems, or very few people are who they seem adds to the complexity, while there are no out of kilter scenes. The twists, red herrings and turns keep coming, and rarely in an obvious or press-the-rewind button. The characters are colourful and eccentric, again one of the charms of the show and something that was missing for a lot of the previous season.
Acting is very good, superb in the case of John Nettles, and his chemistry with Daniel Casey (a great contrast as ever as Troy), Jane Wymark (love their loving chemistry) and Barry Jackson always convincing and more. The supporting cast are all fine, no weak links.
To conclude, excellent episode and an every bit as excellent start to the fifth season, a fond reminder of when 'Midsomer Murders' was good. 9/10 Bethany Cox