The tenth season of "Midsomer Murders" has never been the strongest in the series, but there are some pretty good episodes in that season. Is "King's Crystal" one of them? For me, it's an enjoyable entry, but I understand the people, who do not like this one that much. "King's Crystal" is definitely not an amazing episode, it has a quite a bit of flaws, actually.
Let's start with the good aspects first.
. The production values are great as usual. The episode is well-directed, the music fits the scenery and the acting's good all around. John Nettles and Jason Hughes are amazing as always, but out of the guest stars Susan Tracy delivers a very good performance.
. The story is at times very intriguing. The subplot about Shakespeare was entertaining. I loved how Cully's play helps Barnaby to solve the case. The ending twist ( there is more than one killer here) was shocking indeed. It's easily one of the better twists of the last Tom Barnaby episodes.
But....
. There are parts of the narrative, which could have been a lot more fleshed out. The murder of Alan King and especially the solution felt under-developed, like there could have been more explainations given to them. The subplot about Ben Jones and how he used to be part of a masonic cult, was glossed over a bit too quickly as well.
. Also, the mystery could have benefited from a bit better red herrings and more twists. The one at the end was great, but one awesome twist per episode is not enough for my taste.
Overall, fine, but not a great episode.
6/10 HK.
Let's start with the good aspects first.
. The production values are great as usual. The episode is well-directed, the music fits the scenery and the acting's good all around. John Nettles and Jason Hughes are amazing as always, but out of the guest stars Susan Tracy delivers a very good performance.
. The story is at times very intriguing. The subplot about Shakespeare was entertaining. I loved how Cully's play helps Barnaby to solve the case. The ending twist ( there is more than one killer here) was shocking indeed. It's easily one of the better twists of the last Tom Barnaby episodes.
But....
. There are parts of the narrative, which could have been a lot more fleshed out. The murder of Alan King and especially the solution felt under-developed, like there could have been more explainations given to them. The subplot about Ben Jones and how he used to be part of a masonic cult, was glossed over a bit too quickly as well.
. Also, the mystery could have benefited from a bit better red herrings and more twists. The one at the end was great, but one awesome twist per episode is not enough for my taste.
Overall, fine, but not a great episode.
6/10 HK.