The first three seasons of 'Midsomer Murders' were more consistent, with all the episodes ranging from decent to classic. Season 4 became less consistent, with "The Electric Vendetta" being the show's first bad episode and "Who Killed Cock Robin?" only being a marginal improvement.
Season 4 did also have very good episodes, though none among the best of 'Midsomer Murders'. The best of the season being "Destroying Angel", "Dark Autumn" and this, "Tainted Fruit". This said "Tainted Fruit" is probably for most people one such episode that needs more than one viewing for it to be completely understood. The final solution is clever, if not ingenious, with the reveal of the murderer being a real surprise, but there is a lot going on in the last half an hour and a lot being explained so it is easy to miss something on first viewing and the re-wind button may be in order.
Kind of agree also that the third murder was not particularly necessary and the motive being a pretty lazy and overused plot device.
However, the production values as ever are superb. Consisting of gorgeous photography, that particularly stands out in a delightfully ominous opening, and very picturesque and rustic scenery, the idyllic look as always contrasting beautifully with the story's occasional grim elements. 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, with a welcome and breath-of-fresh-air return to the quirky humour that "Dark Autumn" just missed. Very little felt inconsequential, almost everything had a point and it was intriguing and maintained attention throughout. The story is as with the best of them absorbing and rich in atmosphere, with plenty of twists and turns and clever and complex plot twists. The characters have an eccentricity absent since "The Electric Vendetta" and very much missed.
Acting is very good, superb in the case of John Nettles, and his chemistry with Daniel Casey (a great contrast as ever as Troy, and the two work brilliantly together), Jane Wymark (love their loving chemistry) and Barry Jackson always convincing and more. Lucy Punch and Eleanor David register strongly in support.
Concluding this review, a very good episode and one of the better ones of the season. 8/10 Bethany Cox