Midsomer Murders (TV Series) Fit for Murder (2011) User Reviews

Where's the big announcement?

[esskayjayiii · 8/10 · 30 December 2019]

I binged the 20 available seasons (series) on BritBox last year and distinctly remember Tom announcing his retirement at his birthday party, and then handing off the reigns to his cousin John. In fact, that rather abrupt climax has been mentioned and reviewed several times. This December (2019) I was in the mood for Midsomer Murders and mayhem again. It's December 29, and I just finished Fit for Murder, my third viewing.

So, what the heck happened to the big retirement announcement, where Tom hands off the reigns to cousin John?!?! However fans felt about the hand-off and John Nettles' last episode, it was a critical scene to set up season 14. What I just viewed was Tom blowing out his birthday cake candles (with cousin John in the background... blink and you miss him), Jones opening champagne and mentioning Tom passed his police medical, and the the camera pulling away from the house as all sing Happy Birthday. No announcement.

Is this a BritBox thing? Does anyone have any info or insight?

UPDATE: It's now 8/14/21, and I just watched this episode on Acorn. I'm thrilled to say that the ending is intact... yay! Still don't know what got into the BritBox "editors," though I use the term loosely.

Barnaby's final case.

[Sleepin_Dragon · 8/10 · 14 March 2020]

The Barnabys plan a few days at a health spa, it isn't long before someone gets bumped off, there Tom starts to think about his future.

Nettles deserved to bow out with a classic episode, and whilst I don't think you could argue For for Murder is a classic, it's still very good. The mystery is good, it boasts some excellent characters, and it's nice that we get an inside into Tom's life. Very nice production values, it looks very smart.

The laughs come from Jones, and his lack of organisational skills, that gag would move forward into Death in Slow Lane where he's passed over for promotion. Ronni Ancona is also incredibly funny.

Nettles is fantastic, at his very best, he is excellent throughout. He's given us many, many hours of wonderful intrigue and suspense. 8/10.

The end of an era

[Tweekums · 8/10 · 2 February 2011]

With DCI Barnaby approaching his birthday and a police medical he is feeling more than a little stressed and it doesn't help when Joyce drags him off to a health resort to de-stress. Of course he has only been there one night when a body is found and all of a sudden he seems much better; although Joyce isn't so happy as she was the one to find the body. Initially it is thought that the victim probably drowned while using a floatation therapy room whilst drunk but it is clear that something isn't quite right at the centre. There is bad feeling between the owner and the woman living next door, her 'handyman' also has a temper on him which has lead to a recent fight and the victim's spouse has departed in the middle of the night; perhaps fleeing the scene of the crime, perhaps another victim. Before long there is another death at the centre when a weight machine is tampered with leading to more suspicions being cast on the handyman.

This was a fun episode with plenty of laughs as well as the sort of mystery fans of the series will have come to expect; after the initial murder there are lots of suspects and an equally large range of motives and when the killer is revealed it wasn't somebody I'd suspected! John Nettles was excellent as always in the role of DCI Barnaby and it was nice to see Laura Howard return as his daughter Cully even if she only had a small part in this story. I suspect most viewers will have heard about the departure of a main character but just in case they haven't I won't spoil it here; I'll just say that it was well handled and introduced the replacement character in a suitable fashion.

The end of the great Tom Barnaby and family

[sherondalewis-20531 · 8/10 · 19 April 2022]

I always dread watching this last episode. Because I know this is the last time we will see Tom, Joyce, Cully, we will then get the John Barnaby years as DCI of Causton, Midsomer, England.

Anyway, the storyline is Joyce is taking Tom away for a relaxing spa getaway before his birthday. Joyce knows he's a little on edge but, is that because of his physical? Well, this episode let us know that it is more than that!

Just like The Hollow Man, Joyce is right next to a dead body, floating in what supposed to be a relaxing experience (only difference is she didn't know this woman like she knew the other victim, Esslyn) but, she stays because, by this time, she is used to dead bodies and, besides, nothing was going to stop her from trying to enjoy. As for Tom, work as usual. But, he meets the people working in said spa and having recurring dreams...mostly about HIS father, whom we find out died on his birthday of a massive stroke-the age that Tom is about to celebrate. From watching all of these episodes, I now know how his parents died: father from a massive stroke in his 60s and his mom (from the episode Blue Herring) from what appears to be dementia/Alzheimers. While solving ANOTHER murder that happens at the spa and sending Joyce away (just in case), he encounters the same female worker, a clairvoyant, who tells him HOW his father died and what he was doing when he died, which makes Tom (somewhat) a believer. Keep in mind, he is still cynical and skeptical about people who can see certain things. (Though, by now, he SHOULD believe since episodes like The Silent Land, Second Sight, Talking to the Dead since each episode proved to him that there are a LOT of things that is not just simple black and white). But..nope.

Now, the episode is pretty good but I loved how Tom was afraid. Afraid that he would die like his father did and leave Joyce all alone (and she ends up like his mum..in hospital, not all there). And, even though we find out the why the murderer did what they did, we see the respect Tom has for Jones, a PC who was there in The House in the Woods when DS Scott "called out sick" and now, a DS that really was part of the family (like Troy was/is). And we see that this revelation (he finally tells Joyce what's bothering him) made him realize that life is too short. He's in his 60s now. Been in the force for about 40yrs or so. Daughter grown and married and away. This episode put all those things in perspective for Tom to stop with interviewing who are "at it" running here, almost being shot with an arrow (Blood Wedding) poisoned and choked (Death and Dreams)...he's tired. Now he can have his cake and eat it, too, without rushing off leaving Joyce to sit at the table. Alone. Again.

Loved this episode but sad about it, too. There will never be another Tom Barnaby.

Much Better Than The Final Morse Episode

[bhoover247 · 9/10 · 27 December 2020]

The whole time I was watching this episode, I was so afraid that the writers were going to let Tom die like they did Inspector Morse. I was certainly happy when they allowed Tom to solve the case and ride off into the sunset with his family. Tom Barnaby was a happy family man, while Morse was a gloomy loner. It is only fitting that Tom should have a happy retirement. Eating his cake.

Barnaby's last episode

[blanche-2 · 7/10 · 15 August 2015]

I have to agree with some of the other reviewers, this wasn't a special enough episode to be Barnaby's last one.

I didn't hate it, but I didn't love it either. The best part for me was at the end, when Barnaby announces his retirement and that his cousin will be taking over. That was both lovely and poignant.

The plot itself had to do with Barnaby's impending exam for fitness to be on the force (although in the end he didn't need to take it) and his apparent worry about it. Joyce takes him to a spa, and that is where the murders occur.

The couple that runs the spa, the Luke Archibolds, are going broke. The wife, Phoebe, was once the best friend of Miranda Bedford, whose right of way has been blocked by the spa. Miranda is writing a book supposedly. Miranda has a handyman, Carter Smith, who is known to have a temper.

When Joyce goes into a flotation chamber, she finds the body of a guest, Kitty Pottinger, known to be demanding and unlikable. The spa owner, Luke, comes to an untimely end while working out on a weights machine that collapses. It was found to be tampered with.

The spa is going broke. Then the other half of the demanding guest team, Kenny Pottinger, disappears but is later found, badly wounded after someone tried to kill him.

Barnaby finally realizes the murderer had a dual motive. After dealing with his birthday, arriving at the same age as his father when he died, he makes a decision and hands the reigns to his cousin John.

Yes, it could have been more special. John Nettles will be terribly missed. He deserved better.

Very strong final John Nettles episode

[vitoscotti · 10/10 · 31 March 2020]

I knew Nettles final episode was coming, but sad when I finally reached it. Of his 81 MM episodes I'd say 95% were very good watches. I stretched the episode out over 4 viewings. I'll probably discontinue watching the series, leaving the door open for restarting sometime in the future. Maybe give Endeavour a try, me being a big Morse fan.

I really liked "Fit For Murder". It continues the series trend of beautiful female actresses. Barnaby's troubled throughout the episode finally clearing his head. Extremely well written making it difficult to pinpoint a possible villian(s). A deep glimpse into Barnaby's stressed out mind, while trying solve a murder case juggling the two. The series regularly delved into the occult, and spiritualism, and did so here. A very satisfying send-off for Nettles the show can be proud of. Much better than "A Touch of Frost" final episode which was sappy. It's basically the same Nettles here as in the previous 80 episodes, only in extreme turmoil. The cut I watched ending had Barnaby's birthday. No handing off the baton to his successor, or retirement announcement. Would have been nice to see that. Vito S 3-31-20

Missed the REAL Ending

[Littlelep · 11 January 2022]

Like several others who have reviewed this episode, I watched a cut that had deleted Tom's retirement announcement. I replayed the final few minutes over and over, thinking I might have misremembered where that had been. It definitely was nowhere to be seen. A shame, since that was crucial to the handing over of the reins. Just one more reason not to watch television. Read a book, instead!

Not a classic to go out on

[boxyfella · 7/10 · 17 November 2021]

I wouldn't call it a dud, but it wasn't the special episode that Tom deserved to go out on. The highlights were the comic moments as DS Jones is in charge of the case and Tom can't stop offering advice. I also enjoyed the subplot about Barnaby's health and his contemplation of retirement.

The murderer's motivation is a bit flimsy. Would Mrs Pottinger investing in the spa really mean that Phoebe and Miranda would be out? That hadn't been suggested at all previously. And why kill Luke? Why did he want to steal the book? Vindictiveness? It was never explained.

DC Stephens makes a cameo appearance at the end as Barnaby's cousin is introduced at Tom's retirement party but strangely was absent for the bulk of the episode as Jones was left to fend for himself. It was good to see Cully at the end too.

So sad

[allisonjoys · 8/10 · 6 November 2021]

I'm late to this game. I started and I've been watching this series for most of 2021 and I am so sad Tom is off the show :( It's like a friend died. I will miss Joyce and Cully too. I'm not sure I'll be able to watch more of this show anytime soon. I need to mourn:(

Underwhelming end of an Era. Unfair to Ben

[dazza-80955 · 7/10 · 13 September 2022]

. Would have thought that for the end of an Era it would've gone with more if a bang. But I suppose that that is Barnabys way. Quiet and without pomp!. Tombin a Spa clinic Never!! The way he picks answers randomly out of nowhere has been annoying for many seasons. I find it strange that Ben is depicted as an idea-less buffoon whose organisational skill are non existent and can't manage anything without Barnabys help and guidance. He's a DS for god's sake! Here it looks as though it's his first day out of police college .

The family especially the DCI, did annoy me a lot over the years but I will miss Tom Joyce and Cully.

Adiós Tom, welcome John

RIP Liz II🖤🙏🏻

Fit for murder

[coltras35 · 10/10 · 3 April 2022]

Joyce talks Barnaby into enrolling in a spa located in a remodeled manor house but the bodies start to pile up when he's there in this solid and memorable episode; not just memorable because it's John Nettles' last appearance, but it's got macabre murders, great cast of suspects and very touching story centred around Barnaby's fear that he will pass away early like his dad.

'Midsomer Murders' goes to the health spa

[TheLittleSongbird · 7/10 · 25 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.

Season 13 was a very uneven and mostly unexceptional season. The only outstanding episode was "Master Class", which felt like a return to form and to me was the best episode of 'Midsomer Murders' since Season 9's "The House in the Woods". "The Silent Land", "The Sword of Guillaume" and "Not in My Back Yard" were decent, and "The Noble Art" was above average but a bit safe and bland. On the other end of the spectrum, Season 13 also boasted two show low-points, "The Made-to-Measure Murders" and especially "Blood on the Saddle", both of which embarrassments.

"Fit for Murder" was a decent enough if also not much more than that end to Season 13, but should have served as a much more satisfying send-off to Tom Barnaby. Even for people who were aware of it being Tom's last episode and that John Nettles was retiring, that part of the story felt a little too tacked on and hastily thrown into the story, once introduced (though again initially that was a little rushed) it did serve as a quite sweet ending. Nice to see Neil Dudgeon again and to see him show more personality and likability than the character did later when he took over, and it was a good move for the writers to introduce him and that he was taking over before his first episode in the lead.

With the story itself, it's nice enough and nicely paced with less extraneous and dragged out padding. There are also some intriguing ideas and neat twists and turns. It all however feels on the routine side, it's not a bad story and it's told well but with familiar elements from previous episodes done previously with much more impact, which did take away from any surprises, shocks or suspense (very like as was said with "Not in My Back Yard" and "The Noble Art"). The killer is surprising and there are certainly duller and more ridiculous endings in the show, but the motives are a bit flimsy.

Visually, however, the production values as always are just great, 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.

Writing provokes a lot of thought mostly, and has a healthy balance of the humorous and the darkly twisted. Barnaby and Jones work so well together and his chemistry with Joyce is endearing.

John Nettles, Jason Hughes and Jane Wymark are all fine, while Geraldine James, Lesley Manville and Jason Durr fare particularly well in a solid supporting cast.

Overall, decent but doesn't go out with a bang as it could have done. 7/10 Bethany Cox

Tom Barnaby Goes Out with a Dud

[roastpuppy-256-746071 · 2/10 · 6 June 2012]

Sadly, this was the last episode starring John Nettles and instead of making it something special and memorable, it was as if everyone were in a hurry and just threw something together. For example, in previous episodes, we've seen Tom and Joyce in bed on several occasions – Blood Will Out and Country Matters come to mind – and every time, Joyce has been to Tom's right. However, in this episode, they are reversed and Joyce is to his left, indicating everyone was in too much of a rush to pay attention to details.

Then there is Barnaby's preoccupation with his father's death and impending physical examination. There is NOTHING more boring in TV mystery shows than time wasted on the star's personal life. No one cares about the star's emotional problems, drinking, love life, etc., viewers are only interested in the setting, what leads up to the crime, the crime itself, and how it is solved. All information concerning the star's personal life is superfluous.

Of course, this episode had its share of "ridiculous moments," e.g., Barnaby's confessing his fears to a woman covered in a mud pack, whom he mistakenly believes is Joyce. I assume this was supposed to be comical, but instead was just asinine. And, as always, Joyce was silly as ever!

Finally, the characters were lackluster as were the murders. This entire episode was a huge disappointment. I really expected something more from the producers and writers for John Nettles' last episode.

The final case for John Nettles.

[poolandrews · 18 September 2011]

Midsomer Murders: Fit for Murder starts as DCI Tom Barnaby (John Nettles) & his wife Joyce (Jane Wymark) arrive at the Swaveley Manor health resort deep in the Midsomer countryside for some peace & relaxation. However things don't go according to plan after the dead body of a rich guest named Kitty Pottinger (Ronni Ancona) is found floating in a flotation chamber & her husband Kenny (Angus Barnett) missing, although off duty Barnaby starts to dig & investigate the mysterious death which could have been a simple accidental drowning or premeditated murder. Then soon after the resorts manager Luke Archbold (Jason Durr) also dies in a suspicious accident, sensing foul play Barnaby is determined to find the murderer...

Episode eight from season thirteen this Midsomer Murders mystery was directed by Renny Rye & was both the last episode of the thirteenth season & the last episode to feature John Nettles as Tom Barnaby before his cousin takes over the main role in season fourteen, as a final send-off Fit for Murder is pretty average. Like a lot of the more recent episodes I just thought it was so familiar, the same sort of character's, the same locations, the same dull motives for murder & the same boring subplots about character's having affairs & money trouble, even the murders themselves are forgettable. A fairly unremarkable episode then with the major distinction of being the last investigation for John Nettles after eighty-one episodes & countless murders. Barnaby's retirement comes a little suddenly at the end like it was tacked on a bit but I am sure most fans of the series will shed a tear or two & remember some of the classic episodes for years previous. I can't say I will remember Fit for Murder for anything other than it being Nettle's last episode to be honest which just about says it all.

There are two murders in this one, neither stand-out as being inventive. The health resort backdrop is alright but the location used looks pretty much like any other used in the series. Well made as usual with good acting from a decent cast many British viewers may recognise Ronni Ancona as a regular face on telly over here & more usually associated with comedy.

Fit for Murder is a reasonable Midsomer Murders episode, it's not amazing or that memorable & Nettle's final story could have been better but considering how the show has been going recently it could have been worse.

John Nettles' era ends on a decent note.

[harrykivi · 6/10 · 5 December 2022]

"Fit for Murder" is yet another fine "Midsomer Murders" episode.

Let' s start with the good aspects, shall we?

. The production values of the episode are great as usual. The direction's good and the music fits the scenery. The acting´s very good for the most part. Jason Hughes is very likeable as Ben Jones, John Nettles ends his run on a high note, Nettles is superb here. Out of the pretty good guest stars Geraldine James and especially Lesley Manville stand out.

. The story is mostly compelling, there are some good twists-turns and wry humor. The second murder is effective and the killer's identity (Pheobe) was surprising indeed.

But...

. The motive for the murders are quite unsatisfying at the end of the day and feel mundane. Being the last case with Tom Barnaby, I thought the story was going to be a lot more special. The subplot about Tom's father was interesting, but that part of the story needed more attention. The mystery is, agreed, good, but does not stand out from the rest of the series- and that was quite disappointing.

Overall, a fine episode.

6/10 HK.

Disappointing Ending

[FridayGal · 7/10 · 10 March 2022]

I was familiar with this episode, having seen it previously. I was looking forward to the Big Birthday Announcement so I was quite surprised when it didn't happen! I had recorded it on the Ovation Channel & Ovation has the irritating habit of dropping in a commercial at specific times regardless of what's happening in the program - in the middle of a conversation, during a confession, whatever. Neal Dudgeon is listed in the title credits but if you blinked, you missed him at the birthday party. Tom didn't make his announcement; there was no shock from Joyce, Cully or Jones, and when the station called about the latest murder, there was no handoff to John. Trimming key points of this ending makes me wonder what else Ovation has cut. Bummer!

Kind of Sappy and Disappointing

[Hitchcoc · 6/10 · 6 June 2016]

It's probably time for new blood (so to speak). Barnaby is apparently fixated on the death of his father (a stroke victim). He is becoming aware of his own mortality. Joyce drags him off to a spa to get him to relax. This has only failed about six-hundred times. Barnaby hates being put in these situations. Of course, it isn't long before a murder is committed. There is too much metaphysical stuff in this episode (which is always a weakener for this series. Jones is given the case, but, of course, Barnaby can't resist getting his oar in there and directing the investigation. The spa is the central figure with the others revolving about in its anthropomorphic arms. One problem is that this makes focusing on victims and perpetrators hard to follow. As a matter of fact, once it is over, I'm still trying to sort things out. The motives for the murders seem rather hard to swallow. But, suffice it to say, Barnaby has had it with the job, and decides to hang up his spurs.

End of the Tom Barnaby era

[wjspears · 6/10 · 16 January 2022]

This was a remarkably underwhelming send-off for DCI Tom Barnaby. It makes me wonder if John Nettles upset the producers in some way--declining to stay on for another few seasons perhaps?

The murder of Luke Archbold--by a tampered weight machine--was gruesome enough, and probably the most memorable moment of the whole episode. The final reveal of who the murderer was didn't make much sense to me. But maybe that was the writers' intention.

The only thing more underwhelming than John Nettle's departure from the show, was Neil Dudgeon's introduction!