I thought the opening sequence of a shell shocked soldier wandering off of a WW I battlefield was the best opening scene ever in a Midsommer Murders- and many another television show. What happened to this soldier was dreadful but not surprising. So 90 years later, the Hammond and Hicks families are still feuding about this event and yes, in some respects their feud is both pointless and silly, but then many feuds are just that. The murders are gadget driven but interesting and not too gory, thank goodness. I thought the characters of the Mayor and his wife were very well done and added a welcome bit of humor to the story. Interesting to see the homage paid to those who died in WW I and the reenactment was also interesting. Reenactments are big around here but only of the Civil War or War of 1812. I thought it a treat to see Donald Sinden and George Cole in such important roles. Very good episode.
24 Reviews
Midsomer Pantomime Murders
Sleepin_Dragon23 September 2018
I've only just rewatched Shot at Dawn, having remembered it as being a poor episode. Time has clearly been kind on this one as I rather enjoyed it. It is definitely flawed the entire way through. It is virtually an extended episode of Never the Twain, with George Cole in for Windsor Davies. It's loaded with laughs, the baguette duel being perhaps the funniest of the lot. It boasts some excellent production values, the war re-enactment was excellent, and it boasts a superb opening scene, the beginning is fantastic, incredibly authentic. The best element for me though has to be the acting performance of Samantha Bond, incredibly versatile and talented, she shines through here very brightly. George Cole is also great, Donald Sinden is hilarious. I was less fond of Brian Capron if I'm being totally honest.
I get why people dislike it, but I admire the production team for trying something a little different. It isn't in my list of favourite episodes, but I enjoyed it nonetheless.
I get why people dislike it, but I admire the production team for trying something a little different. It isn't in my list of favourite episodes, but I enjoyed it nonetheless.
In total disagreement
musicmike7027 March 2008
Warning: Spoilers
I have to disagree completely. I just watched this episode here in the US and thought it was as good as any. I liked the story although I think I guessed who the killer was early on. There was humor in it too, more than many of the eps I've seen have had. I hope MM goes on forever. I also love the production values that this series uses. Makes it almost like watching a movie for each episode. And being from the US and a car lover, I love watching of the interesting automobiles that we don't see here in the US, although some of them are imported here. I just wish some network here in the US would start running these from day one. I felt betrayed when Biography channel dropped it, along with Poirot.
Long Live Midsomer Murders.
Long Live Midsomer Murders.
I support those who liked it
enkiddu-725-70363229 April 2010
Warning: Spoilers
I support those who consider this episode as good enough. How can one say that this episode is the worst of all MM episodes?! Has anyone watched "Sins of Commission"?! That is indeed the worst episode! Has anyone watched "Misomer Life"? That is a total disaster! Compared to them "Shot at Dawn" is a masterpiece! And you should learn to recognise the pen of Michael Aitkens - in his scripts the first murder always happens very late because he wants to create a special psychological atmosphere for it. I agree that all those electronic matters look very far-fetched and unconvincing, but in the whole I wouldn't sentence this episode to death. The intrigue is rather interesting, some moments, like the "execution" of Henry Hammond, are very original. Nah, definitely one of the best episodes!
Clicks on all levels
vitoscotti21 January 2020
Sure the remote controlled machine gun, combine, and wheel chair are silly. But, it stretches the imagination in a great way. Again a sense of humor is required to enjoy the episode to the fullest. Loaded with wit and cutting edge humor. For whatever reason Jones is almost non-existent. Look for Gemma Craven (Judy Hicks) shining as a sexpot wife wiggling around in a tight blue dress. The supporting characters are all superb, especially the older heads of families. The villian was very clever. I don't throw a lot of 10 ratings around, but this was a truly excellent episode. Vito S 1-21-20.
not very credible
blanche-227 July 2015
I have to agree with one of the posters here, this story is probably a retread from another series. What the reviewer said makes sense. I interviewed Peter Falk once and told him that one of his episodes had been done previously on Macmillan and Wife, and sent him the tape to prove it. It's not uncommon
The basis for this plot is a 90-year feud between the Hammonds and the Hicks families. Tommy Hicks was executed for cowardice by one Lt. Duggie Hammond, which began the near-century-long fight.
The Hicks family is new money and constantly lord it over the old money Hammonds. The Hammonds are a mess. Actually, so is the Hicks family. Colonel Henry Hammonds has a son, Johnny, who is gay and married to Arabella, who is out having an affair with one of the Hicks.
Arabella and Johnny have two children, one of whom, Kate, is a lesbian, and the other daughter, Sophie, is going to marry yet another member of the Hicks family.
Henry is killed with a 1916 pistol, owned by Duggie, the man who shot Tommy Hicks 90 years ago. Then there is another murder.
Barnaby and Jones walk into this maelstrom. But there's another murder and an old secret awaiting them.
This episode is somewhat overdone with strange gadgets, murdering hay balers, a baguette fight in a pub - it's all silly. Barnaby is out of character, I think because it's a recycle from another show, and Jones is hardly in it.
It was kind of blah.
The basis for this plot is a 90-year feud between the Hammonds and the Hicks families. Tommy Hicks was executed for cowardice by one Lt. Duggie Hammond, which began the near-century-long fight.
The Hicks family is new money and constantly lord it over the old money Hammonds. The Hammonds are a mess. Actually, so is the Hicks family. Colonel Henry Hammonds has a son, Johnny, who is gay and married to Arabella, who is out having an affair with one of the Hicks.
Arabella and Johnny have two children, one of whom, Kate, is a lesbian, and the other daughter, Sophie, is going to marry yet another member of the Hicks family.
Henry is killed with a 1916 pistol, owned by Duggie, the man who shot Tommy Hicks 90 years ago. Then there is another murder.
Barnaby and Jones walk into this maelstrom. But there's another murder and an old secret awaiting them.
This episode is somewhat overdone with strange gadgets, murdering hay balers, a baguette fight in a pub - it's all silly. Barnaby is out of character, I think because it's a recycle from another show, and Jones is hardly in it.
It was kind of blah.
This was the best episode ever!
hmflashgordon14 November 2009
Warning: Spoilers
We, hubby & I, have watched - several times over each episode from the Killings at Badgers Drift on to the latest - Shot at Dawn & both agree that this episode is the most lively & entertaining one yet. We love Midsomer Murders & never miss an episode. Unfortunately living in Canada we don't get the immediate releases & have to depend on the goodness of such TV stations as Knowledge & Book to offer whatever they can purchase.
We found this particular episode the best next to Midsomer Rhapsody. Now we didn't mind there wasn't a murder right away as we were interested in the story. This particular episode had more interesting & entertaining dialogue than most. The characters were well played & well suited to their parts. We enjoyed the interaction of each & found the humour outstanding & truly made the show. I even think the actors enjoyed themselves in their parts or at least seemed to.
Well, as my hubby says each to their own taste, but, I'm a bit surprised at the some of the comments of others who deride this most entertaining & different style of Midsomer Murders.
We found this particular episode the best next to Midsomer Rhapsody. Now we didn't mind there wasn't a murder right away as we were interested in the story. This particular episode had more interesting & entertaining dialogue than most. The characters were well played & well suited to their parts. We enjoyed the interaction of each & found the humour outstanding & truly made the show. I even think the actors enjoyed themselves in their parts or at least seemed to.
Well, as my hubby says each to their own taste, but, I'm a bit surprised at the some of the comments of others who deride this most entertaining & different style of Midsomer Murders.
Takes a Heap of Trust to Watch
Hitchcoc20 April 2016
I enjoyed the setup of this episode where a man who is stunned in battle and walks away is charged with treason and executed in ranks. This execution has led to a modern day Hatfield and McCoy situation. Evidence has been gathered showing that the "traitor" was charged unfairly and suffered the ultimate. He is now being added to the war memorial. As it is with these feuds, people who really have no memory of the cause continue the feud. This is an interesting setup with some incredibly unbelievable events taking place in modern times. Barnaby and Jones come on the scene when a surly old general in a wheelchair is shot in the head. There are forces at work attempting to put an end to this fighting, but it goes. Internal battling and challenges to the situation continue to break people up. What is ultimately the method used for murder is preposterous. If one turns his back on the reality of the thing, one might enjoy it a bit. Otherwise, it is so far fetched that it goes right over the top. While it's not horrible, it is seriously lacking.
A fun episode with a couple of dazzling daughters
BigSkyMax23 October 2018
I enjoyed this MM a bunch. the murders were maybe a tad more ridiculous than usual, but that's well within the spirit of "English murder mystery killings" as John Nettles whimsically explained them. I was a journalist on the crime beat, and most murderers are as dim as they are unscrupulous. There's usually even less planning than there is remorse. It's all impulse. So the imaginative doing-aways in MM is what makes them sparkle. This episode benefits from a rare nude scene by a comely lass under 60 and a spirited English Music Hall song done quite well by Charlie Covell. I thought she was singing Gilbert & Sullivan at first, but it wasn't, it's The Galloping Major, 1906, and you can catch several versions on YouTube. You can just imagine someone singing it in Charlie Chaplin's tour with the Fred Karno troupe.
Near Miss at Dawn
darbski27 July 2018
Warning: Spoilers
***SPOILERS*** I love this series, but every now an d then there's a blip on the screen, and this was one of them. The old fart that was supposed to be such a hot shot with explosives? Okay, except that he was great in WW2...70+years ago. Electronics are seven decades advanced from that point, and I didn't buy the premise that he could manhandle a British machine gun from that era, either. The action was good, and the "catfight" was a hoot; middle age promiscuousness is always fun, but there were too many tricks in this one...a7.
Fun Light Midsomer Episode
labenji-1216328 January 2022
I can't believe the number of dislikes for this episode, while it isn't the best murder mystery, it was meant to be a light fun episode, not to be taken seriously--which in my opinion was a welcome addition to this blood thirsty, often dark show. If you settle in knowing this episode is a dramedy you just might find you are enjoying it.
Worth a shot
sherondalewis-2053116 June 2022
Warning: Spoilers
Usually, I tend to go long on my reviews of this great show because I LOVE Midsomer Murders and love the characters of Tom, Joyce, Ben....but, I will get to the chase.
Here you have a story of 2 feuding families that may remind you if the Hatfields and McCoys, the Hicks and Hammonds, where the hatred for both sides stemmed from 90yrs on.
The Grandfather Hicks is at a tribute for his dad, who was executed (by his *supposedly* half brother, a Hammond) because he left the battlefield (in the first 5 minutes or so, you see the poor shell-shocked young man wondered off). The Grandfather Hammond thinks this is crap and a "coward" shouldn't get this.
The Hicks side as the awful mayor Hicks, his gum smacking, tart-y wife, and their two sons. One's down to earth, the other is like his father (that's not polite).
The Hammonds are upper class, upper crust, snotty with a plethora of secrets. A Gay husband, an affair having, pill popping wife, a lesbian daughter and the elder daughter (who works for a clinic for the lower class).
These 2 families, both hated, both have love interest from the other fam (the eldest kids from both sides are madly in love and not like their parents) and Mayor Hicks and Mrs. Hammond and their 25 year affair (yes...25).
It was an OK episode. Much better than Blood on the Saddle. And much better than some of the John Barnaby ones, too (Death in the Slow Lane is what came up).
It was weird that the Mayor would be involved with construction (the Barnaby's roof is leaking all over the place...why WOULD Tom even deal with the company by a man, who happens to be Mayor, of whom he NEVER liked). Then, you have a re-enactment of a battle that took place (which jokingly, Tom tells Ben "Watch it all go to Hell). I wonder if John Nettles/Jason Hughes or even Jane Wymark (Joyce) thought that the script was like that! You will quickly realize who and why **SPOILER** the Grandfather Hicks did it (all for dad) but...really? Years LATER??
This episode has creative murders, infidelity, scandal (Sophie and Kate Hammond are not their father's children), weird re-enactment...and we really don't see Jones so much and what he is given isn't worth much either. Dammit...I wanted to make this brief but I went on. Again. Would I watch this again? Well...yea. There were some funny scenes.
Here you have a story of 2 feuding families that may remind you if the Hatfields and McCoys, the Hicks and Hammonds, where the hatred for both sides stemmed from 90yrs on.
The Grandfather Hicks is at a tribute for his dad, who was executed (by his *supposedly* half brother, a Hammond) because he left the battlefield (in the first 5 minutes or so, you see the poor shell-shocked young man wondered off). The Grandfather Hammond thinks this is crap and a "coward" shouldn't get this.
The Hicks side as the awful mayor Hicks, his gum smacking, tart-y wife, and their two sons. One's down to earth, the other is like his father (that's not polite).
The Hammonds are upper class, upper crust, snotty with a plethora of secrets. A Gay husband, an affair having, pill popping wife, a lesbian daughter and the elder daughter (who works for a clinic for the lower class).
These 2 families, both hated, both have love interest from the other fam (the eldest kids from both sides are madly in love and not like their parents) and Mayor Hicks and Mrs. Hammond and their 25 year affair (yes...25).
It was an OK episode. Much better than Blood on the Saddle. And much better than some of the John Barnaby ones, too (Death in the Slow Lane is what came up).
It was weird that the Mayor would be involved with construction (the Barnaby's roof is leaking all over the place...why WOULD Tom even deal with the company by a man, who happens to be Mayor, of whom he NEVER liked). Then, you have a re-enactment of a battle that took place (which jokingly, Tom tells Ben "Watch it all go to Hell). I wonder if John Nettles/Jason Hughes or even Jane Wymark (Joyce) thought that the script was like that! You will quickly realize who and why **SPOILER** the Grandfather Hicks did it (all for dad) but...really? Years LATER??
This episode has creative murders, infidelity, scandal (Sophie and Kate Hammond are not their father's children), weird re-enactment...and we really don't see Jones so much and what he is given isn't worth much either. Dammit...I wanted to make this brief but I went on. Again. Would I watch this again? Well...yea. There were some funny scenes.
10 years after
rhinocratic20 March 2014
Warning: Spoilers
I recently watched this episode repeated on the British digital channel ITV3. I would like to explain to reviewers "over the pond" what I think is a reasonable explanation for the various anomalies raised in the more critical reviews.
I think that this was an unmade storyline from the series "Pie In The Sky", which aired on TV in the UK over 10 years previous to when this episode was recorded. It would have been just credible in 1997 for George Cole's character to be up to his WW2 sabotage tricks - it was obviously nonsense in 2007.
The way Barnaby treats Jones is very similar to the way Insp. Henry Crabbe treats his various sergeants in "Pie In The Sky". The Barnabys' daughter Cully does not appear in this episode - Crabbe and his wife, Margaret, did not have children.
The whole characterisation of Tom Barnaby is markedly different from normal - in the pub "fight" scene, Barnaby displays a degree of middle-middle class food snobbery which you might expect from part-time restaurateur Henry Crabbe, less so from full-time copper Tom Barnaby. Richard Griffiths (RIP) played Henry Crabbe as a "crabby" character, but with a lightness of touch and a degree of sly humour which John Nettles did not bother to bring to this re-characterisation of Tom Barnaby.
Even the leaking kitchen roof scene echoes similar scenes of leaking pipes in the restaurant kitchen in "Pie In The Sky". I could go on, but if you have read this far you are probably having trouble staying awake.
By the way, the "combine-harvester" which some reviewers mention was actually a tractor pulling a straw-baler - it doesn't make any difference to the plot, of course.
I think that this was an unmade storyline from the series "Pie In The Sky", which aired on TV in the UK over 10 years previous to when this episode was recorded. It would have been just credible in 1997 for George Cole's character to be up to his WW2 sabotage tricks - it was obviously nonsense in 2007.
The way Barnaby treats Jones is very similar to the way Insp. Henry Crabbe treats his various sergeants in "Pie In The Sky". The Barnabys' daughter Cully does not appear in this episode - Crabbe and his wife, Margaret, did not have children.
The whole characterisation of Tom Barnaby is markedly different from normal - in the pub "fight" scene, Barnaby displays a degree of middle-middle class food snobbery which you might expect from part-time restaurateur Henry Crabbe, less so from full-time copper Tom Barnaby. Richard Griffiths (RIP) played Henry Crabbe as a "crabby" character, but with a lightness of touch and a degree of sly humour which John Nettles did not bother to bring to this re-characterisation of Tom Barnaby.
Even the leaking kitchen roof scene echoes similar scenes of leaking pipes in the restaurant kitchen in "Pie In The Sky". I could go on, but if you have read this far you are probably having trouble staying awake.
By the way, the "combine-harvester" which some reviewers mention was actually a tractor pulling a straw-baler - it doesn't make any difference to the plot, of course.
The Marmite episode
boxyfella30 March 2022
Warning: Spoilers
I've always liked this one and can't really understand other reviewers' distaste for it, there's plenty to enjoy, although the murders themselves are slightly too silly to make this one a classic. Firstly, I thought the performances from some of the guest characters was excellent, Samantha Bond as Arabella, Marcia Ashton as Biddy, Brian Capron and Gemma Craven as the Hicks's. But above all, I thought George Cole was outstanding as Lionel. There's plenty of humour in this one, particularly involving Mayor Hicks (so glad they would bring that character back for another outing). As others have said, the opening sequence was superb. Yes, the baguette fight was silly and we could have probably have done without it.
So to the murders themselves. They're probably what lets this episode down most. For the first one, Henry had been shot and was dead in his wheelchair. Why did the killer then feel the need to cause the chair to steer into the milk float? And the machine gun murder of Johnny Hammond, as someone else said in the IMDB Goofs section for this episode, "Too stupid to live", he had plenty of time to dive out of the way of the bullets, and the same goes for the attempted murder of Arabella, all she had to do was run to the side and out of harm's way. But how many times have we seen that on shows? When someone's been chased by a car they invariably continue in a straight line down the road instead of diving to the side for safety.
So to the murders themselves. They're probably what lets this episode down most. For the first one, Henry had been shot and was dead in his wheelchair. Why did the killer then feel the need to cause the chair to steer into the milk float? And the machine gun murder of Johnny Hammond, as someone else said in the IMDB Goofs section for this episode, "Too stupid to live", he had plenty of time to dive out of the way of the bullets, and the same goes for the attempted murder of Arabella, all she had to do was run to the side and out of harm's way. But how many times have we seen that on shows? When someone's been chased by a car they invariably continue in a straight line down the road instead of diving to the side for safety.
Midsomer murder - "Shot at Dawn" S.11E.1 (1 January 2008)
Bernie444428 December 2023
The story is a cross of a family feud between the Hicks and the Hammonds similar to "Romeo and Juliet" and a tontine. So naturally, the first to go is the patriarch.
Now all Chief Detective Inspector Barnaby (John Nettles) and Detector Sergeant Jones (Jason Hughes) have to do is figure out who and why and why the unique electronics are involved.
Maybe they ran out of time but the story took a long time introducing the assorted characters and inferring that they could have done it before doing it. An added plus is Arabella Hammond played by Samantha Bond.
Well, we are off and running with a new season 11. This might not be the best in the nest but it make a good beginning.
Next: S11 - E2 - Blood Wedding S11 - E3 - Left for Dead S11 - E4 - Midsomer Life S11 - E5 - The Magician's Nephew S11 - E6 - Days of Misrule S11 - E7 - Talking to the Dead.
Now all Chief Detective Inspector Barnaby (John Nettles) and Detector Sergeant Jones (Jason Hughes) have to do is figure out who and why and why the unique electronics are involved.
Maybe they ran out of time but the story took a long time introducing the assorted characters and inferring that they could have done it before doing it. An added plus is Arabella Hammond played by Samantha Bond.
Well, we are off and running with a new season 11. This might not be the best in the nest but it make a good beginning.
Next: S11 - E2 - Blood Wedding S11 - E3 - Left for Dead S11 - E4 - Midsomer Life S11 - E5 - The Magician's Nephew S11 - E6 - Days of Misrule S11 - E7 - Talking to the Dead.
One of the poorest Midsomer Murders episodes I've seen.
poolandrews2 January 2008
Warning: Spoilers
Midsomer Murders: Shot at Dawn is set in the small village of Midsomer Parva where a 90 plus year old feud between the upper-class Hammond family & the common Hicks family has persisted through several generations. After a World War I battle re-enactment several village lads play a joke on the bitter, grumpy, bullying stiff-upper-lipped ex-soldier Colonel Henry Hammond (Donald Sinden). Mickey (Lloyd Hutchinson) & three of his mates stage a mock execution to scare Henry, afterwards they run off of leave henry stranded in his wheelchair at which point someone else decides to use the practical joke to their own advantage & shoots Henry through the head. DCI Tom Barnaby (John Nettles) & Sgt. Ben Jones (Jason Hughes) are on the case, is it a case of the Hicks gaining revenge? Or is there more to it as even the local Mayor David Hicks (Brian Capron) becomes implicated...
Episode 2 from season 11 (even though they are not being shown in the correct order here in the UK anymore so I'm not sure why the IMDb thinks this is episode 2 when episode 1 Blood Wedding (2007) hasn't even aired) this Midsomer Murders mystery was directed by Richard Holthouse & one has to say Shot at Dawn is the poorest Midsomer Murders episode I have seen in a long time & is not a good way to kick off a new season & indeed a new year (it aired on 1st January) of Midsomer Murders. The script by Michael Aitkens is really sluggish & slow, it's forty minutes before Henry is killed. That's forty minutes of really dull, bland & boring exposition most of which amounts to absolutely zero. Then there's the poor character's whom are very forgettable, everyone seems to be having an affair while everyone just seems to hate everyone else. The actual murder mystery plot feels very tired, I mean two feuding families & one of their number gets killed off? Sounds familiar right? It's just all so lacklustre & the plot revolves around the petty bickering & affairs between the Hammonds & the Hicks rather than a good solid murder mystery which surely should be it's priority, right? Most of it feel like padding as much of the exposition really does amount to nothing in the end & making the only likable character in the whole program the killer doesn't exactly help the ending either. I'm not happy about some of the silly comedy moments that are starting to creep into Midsomer Murders either, the silly scene in the pub as the two wheelchair bound men have a jousting contest with long sticks of bread is just embarrassing & not something that I think belongs in a serious crime drama. Then there's the scene when the killer uses a remote controlled combine harvester to try & kill someone! I'm not being funny but to rig a combine harvester up to be able to operate it by remote control including the steering would take £1000's of sophisticated electronics, motors & god know's what else. I don't think I've ever seen another Midsomer Murders where Barnaby's sidekick is given so little to do, in fact the Sgt. Jones character could have not been there at all & Barnaby wouldn't have missed him.
Even though the story sucks here it's still a wonderfully made production, it's well made as usual with nice cinematography & a selection of picturesque English Countryside locations. Is Shot at Dawn the first Midsomer Murders episode to feature full frontal explicit female nudity? Maybe it's the first one to feature a Hollywood style exploding car? There are only two murders in this one including someone getting repeatedly shot. The acting is good except the comedy relief fat wife of the Mayor who is awful while respected actor's like Donald Sinden & George Cole deserve better than this second rate script.
Shot at Dawn is a poor way to start season eleven, I'm sorry but I just thought it was one of the poorest episodes of Midsomer Murders I can ever remember seeing. It's slow, often too silly & large amounts of it are pointless. A big disappointment & hopefully not typical of how season eleven will be.
Episode 2 from season 11 (even though they are not being shown in the correct order here in the UK anymore so I'm not sure why the IMDb thinks this is episode 2 when episode 1 Blood Wedding (2007) hasn't even aired) this Midsomer Murders mystery was directed by Richard Holthouse & one has to say Shot at Dawn is the poorest Midsomer Murders episode I have seen in a long time & is not a good way to kick off a new season & indeed a new year (it aired on 1st January) of Midsomer Murders. The script by Michael Aitkens is really sluggish & slow, it's forty minutes before Henry is killed. That's forty minutes of really dull, bland & boring exposition most of which amounts to absolutely zero. Then there's the poor character's whom are very forgettable, everyone seems to be having an affair while everyone just seems to hate everyone else. The actual murder mystery plot feels very tired, I mean two feuding families & one of their number gets killed off? Sounds familiar right? It's just all so lacklustre & the plot revolves around the petty bickering & affairs between the Hammonds & the Hicks rather than a good solid murder mystery which surely should be it's priority, right? Most of it feel like padding as much of the exposition really does amount to nothing in the end & making the only likable character in the whole program the killer doesn't exactly help the ending either. I'm not happy about some of the silly comedy moments that are starting to creep into Midsomer Murders either, the silly scene in the pub as the two wheelchair bound men have a jousting contest with long sticks of bread is just embarrassing & not something that I think belongs in a serious crime drama. Then there's the scene when the killer uses a remote controlled combine harvester to try & kill someone! I'm not being funny but to rig a combine harvester up to be able to operate it by remote control including the steering would take £1000's of sophisticated electronics, motors & god know's what else. I don't think I've ever seen another Midsomer Murders where Barnaby's sidekick is given so little to do, in fact the Sgt. Jones character could have not been there at all & Barnaby wouldn't have missed him.
Even though the story sucks here it's still a wonderfully made production, it's well made as usual with nice cinematography & a selection of picturesque English Countryside locations. Is Shot at Dawn the first Midsomer Murders episode to feature full frontal explicit female nudity? Maybe it's the first one to feature a Hollywood style exploding car? There are only two murders in this one including someone getting repeatedly shot. The acting is good except the comedy relief fat wife of the Mayor who is awful while respected actor's like Donald Sinden & George Cole deserve better than this second rate script.
Shot at Dawn is a poor way to start season eleven, I'm sorry but I just thought it was one of the poorest episodes of Midsomer Murders I can ever remember seeing. It's slow, often too silly & large amounts of it are pointless. A big disappointment & hopefully not typical of how season eleven will be.
Ugh.
lorikaystewart23 July 2009
Warning: Spoilers
I agree with the earlier post that this is the worst Midsomer Murders episode I have seen. I am a huge fan of the series - was very disappointed when A&E stopped airing. While there certainly are episodes I have enjoyed more than others, this one is nearly unwatchable. I kept hoping, beyond hope, that it would somehow turn around. The storyline is predictable - almost painfully so - something I have never found to be the case with MM. The murderer might as well have carried a sign that said "I did it". I am off to re-watch The Killings at Badgers Drift for the bazillionth time. Even though I already know who kills who and why, I need a little reaffirmation that this really is an awesome series.
Feud for thought
LCShackley8 June 2010
This episode revolves around a feud between two families, one posh, one common, that began during World War 1. Right there we have the first logistical problem. One of the families is descended from a VERY young soldier who was killed in 1916. We are supposed to believe that he was old enough to have children at the time (although he looks like a teenager in the flashback), and that his son (played by the venerable George Cole) is still alive and kicking in 2007. He would have to be at LEAST 90 years old (even though one character refers to "80 years"). The generational time-line of the characters doesn't make sense.
Then of course, since there is a feud, there must also be a romance...or two... between characters from the two families. No surprise there. What IS surprising is the relatively explicit nudity, which has not been a regular part of MM in the past.
But overall, the characters are even more two-dimensional than usual, and there's not much suspense in the unraveling of the murder. And as others have pointed out, there are difficulties with the logistics of the electrical "gizmos" used to bump off the victims. Not one of the best, but it was fun to see George Cole and Samantha Bond, two of my favorites.
Then of course, since there is a feud, there must also be a romance...or two... between characters from the two families. No surprise there. What IS surprising is the relatively explicit nudity, which has not been a regular part of MM in the past.
But overall, the characters are even more two-dimensional than usual, and there's not much suspense in the unraveling of the murder. And as others have pointed out, there are difficulties with the logistics of the electrical "gizmos" used to bump off the victims. Not one of the best, but it was fun to see George Cole and Samantha Bond, two of my favorites.
worst midsomer ever
ptay16857 September 2008
Warning: Spoilers
So many things about this episode are bad and they all stem from a bad script. Perhaps the worst aspect has to be the ludicrous behaviour of many of the main characters, which are totally unrealistic to the point of parody. It starts with the idiotic scene by the monument which has the army characters bickering like schoolchildren, then continues somewhat later with the breadstick battle scene in the pub - it beggars belief that anyone could have thought this scene should be in Misdomer Murders, which to the best of my knowledge is not supposed to be a sitcom. Barnaby's handling of the breadstick incident stripped the character of all his dignity. Tyhe character of the Major looks like hescaped from an episode of Minder (coincidence that George Cole is in the episode?) and the sub plot of the repair to Barnabies roof is also ridiculous. And the way Barnaby handles the Major is once again completely out of character and very poorly handled. Whoever wrote this script should not be allowed to write another, at least not without attending some kind of extensive training course. The basic premise of the episode is certainly hackneyed and unoriginal, but had it been handled with the usual skill by the scriptwriters there is no reason this episode would not have been quite passable. However the amateurish and frankly completely awful script has totally ruined it. Of the many indiotic ideas in the script the standout ones would be the girl being attacked by a radio controlled combine harvester (moving at a breathtaking 4 mph), the radio controlled machine gun murder (literally hit a barn door!), the breadstick battle in the pub, and almost every scene with the Major. As usual the scenery, cinematography and general production values were up to their usual standard.
Down there as one of my least favourite Tom Barnaby-era episodes
TheLittleSongbird11 February 2017
As has been said by me a number of times, 'Midsomer Murders' is one of my most watched and most re-watched shows. It is nowhere near as good now and the Tom Barnaby-era wasn't alien to average or less episodes, but when it was on form or at its best boy was it good.
"Shot at Dawn" was a pretty poor start to Season 11, and is down there as one of my least favourite Tom Barnaby-era episodes (in a list that comprises of the likes of "Second Sight", "The Electric Vendetta", "the Straw Woman" and from memory "Blood on the Saddle") and perhaps one of my least favourite 'Midsomer Murders' episodes ever. It is an episode that starts off with a great opening sequence but falls rapidly downhill.
There are a few positives for "Shot at Dawn". The production values are without fault, the idyllic look of it contrasting very well with the story's grimness, and quaint and atmospheric photography. The music fits perfectly, with some lush jauntiness and sometimes an ominous quality, and the theme tune one of the most memorable and instantly recognisable of the genre.
Donald Sinden, George Cole and Samantha Bond do what they can with weak material, Bond for example having some very stilted and clumsy "humorous and cutting" lines, and John Nettles and Jason Hughes also try very hard to enliven proceedings. As aforementioned, the opening scene is harrowing and poignant and it was a shame that the rest felt like a completely separate episode.
Was really disappointed in how Barnaby and Jones were written and how their chemistry never got the chance to shine. Barnaby is out of character and Jones is woefully underused, and because of the material being so lacking their chemistry (a huge part of 'Midsomer Murders' charm) barely comes through.
That's not all. The script, which usually is of very good quality with previous 'Midsomer Murders' episodes, is sluggish and clumsy, and the characters are lifeless, usually in the show the characters are colourful and eccentric and that was not the case here. After such a promising start, the story rapidly descends into tired predictability, scenes and subplots that are not that interesting and some add little, leaden pacing with an exposition-heavy first forty minutes that feels like an eternity and far too much sheer ridiculousness (including the pub fight and a serious contender for the most outrageous attempted murder in 'Midsomer Murders' history). The final solution, identity of the killer and the motives were not a surprise at all, among the show's most obvious.
On the whole, pretty poor and hugely disappointing. 3/10 Bethany Cox
"Shot at Dawn" was a pretty poor start to Season 11, and is down there as one of my least favourite Tom Barnaby-era episodes (in a list that comprises of the likes of "Second Sight", "The Electric Vendetta", "the Straw Woman" and from memory "Blood on the Saddle") and perhaps one of my least favourite 'Midsomer Murders' episodes ever. It is an episode that starts off with a great opening sequence but falls rapidly downhill.
There are a few positives for "Shot at Dawn". The production values are without fault, the idyllic look of it contrasting very well with the story's grimness, and quaint and atmospheric photography. The music fits perfectly, with some lush jauntiness and sometimes an ominous quality, and the theme tune one of the most memorable and instantly recognisable of the genre.
Donald Sinden, George Cole and Samantha Bond do what they can with weak material, Bond for example having some very stilted and clumsy "humorous and cutting" lines, and John Nettles and Jason Hughes also try very hard to enliven proceedings. As aforementioned, the opening scene is harrowing and poignant and it was a shame that the rest felt like a completely separate episode.
Was really disappointed in how Barnaby and Jones were written and how their chemistry never got the chance to shine. Barnaby is out of character and Jones is woefully underused, and because of the material being so lacking their chemistry (a huge part of 'Midsomer Murders' charm) barely comes through.
That's not all. The script, which usually is of very good quality with previous 'Midsomer Murders' episodes, is sluggish and clumsy, and the characters are lifeless, usually in the show the characters are colourful and eccentric and that was not the case here. After such a promising start, the story rapidly descends into tired predictability, scenes and subplots that are not that interesting and some add little, leaden pacing with an exposition-heavy first forty minutes that feels like an eternity and far too much sheer ridiculousness (including the pub fight and a serious contender for the most outrageous attempted murder in 'Midsomer Murders' history). The final solution, identity of the killer and the motives were not a surprise at all, among the show's most obvious.
On the whole, pretty poor and hugely disappointing. 3/10 Bethany Cox
Tried But Finally Gave Up
jeannes-28 June 2010
Longtime fan of Midsomer - I found this episode to be unwatchable. Forced plot, overacting, and uninteresting. The show could be written out. Not sure because in the US we can't get the new shows very quickly. I rely on Netflix to provide most of my British TV viewing. The sets are still nice, the countryside is beautiful to view, but that does not replace tightly written mysteries.
The show is still popular and new episodes are being produced, which is great. However I do hope to see better plots and murders that occur sooner in the story. Murders introduced slowly does not engage Barnaby soon enough. He needs to be brought into the show early. He's very easy to watch.
The show is still popular and new episodes are being produced, which is great. However I do hope to see better plots and murders that occur sooner in the story. Murders introduced slowly does not engage Barnaby soon enough. He needs to be brought into the show early. He's very easy to watch.
Mediocre Episode - And That Is Being Kind
sawpits6724 February 2015
Warning: Spoilers
If you have watched several dozen episodes as I have, from first through this one, this is probably one of the worst, if not the worst, to date. Disjointed for most of the episode, with some unintended hilarity if you think about it; in scenes like the tractor scene or the machine gun scene.
Waste of time too were the third rate WW I scenes, and how did a man who ran from battle, sentenced to death for cowardice, ever earn a name on the plaque of fallen heroes? Outrageous, as nothing suggested that he was anything but what he had been convicted of. In fact it was misleading as one might have thought that there was some conspiracy maintained through several generations that would be unraveled during the episode, but it was in fact filler for feuding families and that is all, and haven't we seen that before on this show? The feuding families that is.
Any number of earlier episodes bear multiple viewings, this not being one of those, unless you wish to see what bad is over again. The denouement was pure rubbish too.
Waste of time too were the third rate WW I scenes, and how did a man who ran from battle, sentenced to death for cowardice, ever earn a name on the plaque of fallen heroes? Outrageous, as nothing suggested that he was anything but what he had been convicted of. In fact it was misleading as one might have thought that there was some conspiracy maintained through several generations that would be unraveled during the episode, but it was in fact filler for feuding families and that is all, and haven't we seen that before on this show? The feuding families that is.
Any number of earlier episodes bear multiple viewings, this not being one of those, unless you wish to see what bad is over again. The denouement was pure rubbish too.
One of my least favorites.
harrykivi6 June 2021
Warning: Spoilers
"Midsomer Murders" has been one of my favorite series for quite a some time now. John Nettles era is in my opinion way better than Neil Dudgeon's, but there were some bad episodes when Nettles was around. "Shot at Dawn" is in my opinion one of those episodes. It's not an abysmal entry to the series, but it is terrible indeed.
Let's start with the good aspects, shall we?
. The production values of "Shot at Dawn" are great as usual. The episode looks good and the music fits to the scenery. The acting's fine. Brian Capron is not bad in this episode and neither is Samantha Bond. The most intriguing performance is given by George Cole though...
. There are some intense moments in the story, which are effective-the opening scene with Tommy Hicks getting executed was well-done indeed.
But....
. The script is a shallow mess with uninteresting characters, ridicolous moments (I agree that the pub fight was childish) and vulgarity. This is one of the first times in "Midsomer Murders" where full frontal female nudity is shown and sex seems to be an endless subject. I was quite disgusted at times to be honest.
. Barnaby and Jones are not their usual selves and it does take too time up until anything compelling happens.
. The solution to the mystery (Lionel did it) was not clever in any way and is quite obvious from the start as well.
Overall, a terrible episode to a great series.
3/10 HK.
Let's start with the good aspects, shall we?
. The production values of "Shot at Dawn" are great as usual. The episode looks good and the music fits to the scenery. The acting's fine. Brian Capron is not bad in this episode and neither is Samantha Bond. The most intriguing performance is given by George Cole though...
. There are some intense moments in the story, which are effective-the opening scene with Tommy Hicks getting executed was well-done indeed.
But....
. The script is a shallow mess with uninteresting characters, ridicolous moments (I agree that the pub fight was childish) and vulgarity. This is one of the first times in "Midsomer Murders" where full frontal female nudity is shown and sex seems to be an endless subject. I was quite disgusted at times to be honest.
. Barnaby and Jones are not their usual selves and it does take too time up until anything compelling happens.
. The solution to the mystery (Lionel did it) was not clever in any way and is quite obvious from the start as well.
Overall, a terrible episode to a great series.
3/10 HK.
Ambiguous, somewhat ridiculous and a bit banal, but generally normal episode
znatokdetectiva21 September 2020
Personally, I've always preferred the first two eras of the series, namely the Troy era and the Scott era. The era of Jones in a duet with Tom Barnaby was ambiguous. Jason Hughes is a great actor, he perfectly plays all the scenes, from the comical to the tense, but you can't help noticing that the quality has greatly decreased. Season 9 turned out to be quite mediocre and was the first season that did not include a single episode on the top ten.10. The tenth season was a remarkable improvement. The eleventh is an ambiguous season, with three solid episodes of the show, one just good, two weak and this non-successful episode.
There's a lot of good stuff here - a baguette fight, a pretty memorable killer, a tearful ending, a tie-in, mayor Hicks, and a couple of funny dialogues. However, "Shot at Dawn" does a few things that should have been abandoned at the discussion stage, namely the overly banal ending, virtually all flat, cardboard characters, a boring plot, a lot of sexual themes, and the disgusting Arabella Hammond. I mean, you know, I really want to love this movie, but it's too boring, even sleepy to watch, and there are too many sickening moments. Subtotal. an ambiguous episode. 7/10
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