Nicely done effort. Joyce Barnaby is chosen to judge at a rural fete. It is one of those places that tries to do things to promote the town, but the result is a genuinely ho-hum affair. The show starts out startlingly with a spoiled little girl the likely murderer of her housekeeper while her parents are out celebrating their anniversary. There are other goings on. A couple of young men are burglarizing houses, with some very risky efforts. One of them is also sort of a male prostitute, getting money from women in the community to sleep with him. We have about ten wonderful possible suspects and, once again, a stellar manipulation of plot.
20 Reviews
in retrospect humor
jill-deschrijver-369-68493222 June 2012
Warning: Spoilers
I truly liked this episode, which had an Agatha Christie level plot.
True, young Orlando Bloom plays a murder victim part in this before he became known as Legolas and a Will Turner... Irregardless of his later stardom, it seems to me that this episode hints at the fact that Orlando Bloom was cast for Peter Jackson's coming trilogy. Shortly after Peter Drinkwater (Orlando Bloom) is found murdered with a pitchfork, Barnaby and his partner visit a house which has a plaque above the front garden referring to "Lothlorien" which provokes a short discussion upon Tolkien's books - Lord of The Ring and The Hobbit. They admit to a book about hobbits and elves not being "their thing".
Coincidence? I think not ;-)
True, young Orlando Bloom plays a murder victim part in this before he became known as Legolas and a Will Turner... Irregardless of his later stardom, it seems to me that this episode hints at the fact that Orlando Bloom was cast for Peter Jackson's coming trilogy. Shortly after Peter Drinkwater (Orlando Bloom) is found murdered with a pitchfork, Barnaby and his partner visit a house which has a plaque above the front garden referring to "Lothlorien" which provokes a short discussion upon Tolkien's books - Lord of The Ring and The Hobbit. They admit to a book about hobbits and elves not being "their thing".
Coincidence? I think not ;-)
"I don't see how you can be a perfect village with a homicidal maniac running around with a pitchfork." The 'one' with Orlando Bloom.
poolandrews29 July 2007
Warning: Spoilers
Midsomer Murders: Judgement Day is set in the Midsomer village of Midsomer Mallow where Jack Dorset (Tobias Menzies) & his mate Peter Drinkwater (Orlando Bloom) have committed seven burglaries in two months, DCI Tom Barnaby (John Nettles) & Sgt. Troy (Daniel Casey) are working on it. Peter & Jack decide to rob an elderly actor named Edward Allardice (Moray Watson) so they break into his house one night & steal various items but they are seen & it's not long before Barnaby has tracked them down, he visits Peter at his farm & finds him in a very uncooperative mood as he tells Barnaby to get a search warrant which he does. Upon arriving back at the farm the body of Peter is found with a pitchfork embedded into his chest, what was a simple burglary has turned into a murder case. As Barnaby investigates it seems there were ample people with means, opportunity & motive as nothing about the case makes any sense...
Episode 3 from season 3 this Midsomer Murders mystery was directed by Jeremy Silberston & will always be remembered as the one with Orlando 'I'm a Hollywood star because I've been in Pirates of the Caribbean 1,2 & 3 & the Lord of the Rings trilogy' Bloom despite that it's a damned fine episode of this generally excellent series regardless of the fact he's now a mega-star. The script by Anthony Horowitz goes down his familiar path of having some event in the distant past the reason for multiple murder during the present & as usual he weaves a terrific tale of intrigue, lies, red herrings, suspicion & cold blooded murder. This one moves along at a nice enough pace although it is dialogue heavy which is important to follow if you want the ending to make any sense, there are plenty of potential suspects to choose from & the it's very well written with some nicely woven red herrings to fool you. The motive here just about makes sense & there is a somewhat sombre & sad ending to it which took me a bit by surprise. The assortment of eccentric character's are good & I liked the amusingly quaint sub plot about the 'Perfect Village Competition', it felt a very British.
Cheines Manor in Buckinghamshire was the real life location used as Edward's grand house while Watling in Oxfordshire was used as some of the Midsomer Mallow market locations as well as the usual selection of English countryside locations. This one feature four murders, Orlando Bloom fans be be disappointed to learn he's the first one killed when he gets a pitchfork in his chest, then someone is poisoned with cyanide & a couple of people are stabbed. The production values are high & the acting is very strong from all involved, Orlando Bloom gets his top off & is shirtless on a few occasions & there's even a brief shot of his bum if your interested in that sort of thing.
Judgement Day is another quality Midsomers Murders mystery that is a must for fans & armchair sleuth's everywhere, crime dramas don't come much better than this & it's as simple & straight forward as that.
Episode 3 from season 3 this Midsomer Murders mystery was directed by Jeremy Silberston & will always be remembered as the one with Orlando 'I'm a Hollywood star because I've been in Pirates of the Caribbean 1,2 & 3 & the Lord of the Rings trilogy' Bloom despite that it's a damned fine episode of this generally excellent series regardless of the fact he's now a mega-star. The script by Anthony Horowitz goes down his familiar path of having some event in the distant past the reason for multiple murder during the present & as usual he weaves a terrific tale of intrigue, lies, red herrings, suspicion & cold blooded murder. This one moves along at a nice enough pace although it is dialogue heavy which is important to follow if you want the ending to make any sense, there are plenty of potential suspects to choose from & the it's very well written with some nicely woven red herrings to fool you. The motive here just about makes sense & there is a somewhat sombre & sad ending to it which took me a bit by surprise. The assortment of eccentric character's are good & I liked the amusingly quaint sub plot about the 'Perfect Village Competition', it felt a very British.
Cheines Manor in Buckinghamshire was the real life location used as Edward's grand house while Watling in Oxfordshire was used as some of the Midsomer Mallow market locations as well as the usual selection of English countryside locations. This one feature four murders, Orlando Bloom fans be be disappointed to learn he's the first one killed when he gets a pitchfork in his chest, then someone is poisoned with cyanide & a couple of people are stabbed. The production values are high & the acting is very strong from all involved, Orlando Bloom gets his top off & is shirtless on a few occasions & there's even a brief shot of his bum if your interested in that sort of thing.
Judgement Day is another quality Midsomers Murders mystery that is a must for fans & armchair sleuth's everywhere, crime dramas don't come much better than this & it's as simple & straight forward as that.
A classic from the Golden era of Midsomer.
Sleepin_Dragon14 August 2018
Judgment Day has the lot! It is no accident that almost ten million people tuned in back in 2000, and that is sits near the top of the ratings on here.
It boasts a fantastic, cleverly crafted story, one where the historical prelude links in brilliantly, and isn't just there to look nice. Back in the day the show had a formula that worked, multiple murders, clever twists, and big characters, in later years the show would lose sight of its roots, looking for more sensational killing methods, at the expense of a plot.
The characters are a joy, particularly the trio of celebrity judges, the humour and cutting remarks are a joy, Maggie Steed is fabulous here, so cutting and funny, an actress loaded with charisma. Timothy West and Hannah Gordon also shine.
It's hard to beat early Barnaby and Troy, such a willing formula. Funny at this stage Joyce was always tied up with the murders, I'm surprised she didn't run a mile.
Of course this episode will be remembered as the one to feature Orlando Bloom, and he's of course rather good as the heartless gigolo, but there is so much more to this one, tight script, clever mystery, fantastic use of humour, coupled with the idyllic settings make for a tremendous episode, the likes of which I fear we shall never see again.
A reminder of how utterly brilliant this show used to be, 10/10
It boasts a fantastic, cleverly crafted story, one where the historical prelude links in brilliantly, and isn't just there to look nice. Back in the day the show had a formula that worked, multiple murders, clever twists, and big characters, in later years the show would lose sight of its roots, looking for more sensational killing methods, at the expense of a plot.
The characters are a joy, particularly the trio of celebrity judges, the humour and cutting remarks are a joy, Maggie Steed is fabulous here, so cutting and funny, an actress loaded with charisma. Timothy West and Hannah Gordon also shine.
It's hard to beat early Barnaby and Troy, such a willing formula. Funny at this stage Joyce was always tied up with the murders, I'm surprised she didn't run a mile.
Of course this episode will be remembered as the one to feature Orlando Bloom, and he's of course rather good as the heartless gigolo, but there is so much more to this one, tight script, clever mystery, fantastic use of humour, coupled with the idyllic settings make for a tremendous episode, the likes of which I fear we shall never see again.
A reminder of how utterly brilliant this show used to be, 10/10
Top-notch episode with all the puzzle pieces of the plot fitting together neatly at the end
J. Spurlin8 September 2009
Midsomer Mallow hopes to win the Perfect Village competition on what is ominously called Judgement Day, but the village representatives are worried about their chances when a local young burglar and gigolo (Orlando Bloom) is found stabbed to death with a pitchfork. Barnaby and Troy are on the case. Meanwhile, Joyce ends up in Mallow, too, when she wins a contest to be one of the judges for the competition. Cully also has business there: interviewing a famous retired actor for her book about the theater.
"Judgement Day" is a top-notch episode with all the puzzle pieces of the plot fitting together neatly at the end. The prologue takes us to 1955, where we meet a little girl, her parents, the housekeeper and a stuffed toy with a bloody knife. Then the story proper starts and once again we meet a village full of interesting people with dirty little secrets - some more likable and more forgivable than others. As in all the best whodunits, the secrets seem inevitable and perfectly in character, even though we usually can't guess them in advance and don't really know our characters until their secrets are revealed.
"Judgement Day" is a top-notch episode with all the puzzle pieces of the plot fitting together neatly at the end. The prologue takes us to 1955, where we meet a little girl, her parents, the housekeeper and a stuffed toy with a bloody knife. Then the story proper starts and once again we meet a village full of interesting people with dirty little secrets - some more likable and more forgivable than others. As in all the best whodunits, the secrets seem inevitable and perfectly in character, even though we usually can't guess them in advance and don't really know our characters until their secrets are revealed.
"Another marvelous addition to the deservedly popular Midsomer Murders series."
jamesraeburn200320 July 2006
Warning: Spoilers
Joyce Barnaby (Jane Wymark) has won a place on the judges' panel for The Perfect Village Competition, which is being held by the Country Matters magazine. Joyce is thrilled and looking forward to a week away from home with the celebrity panel consisting of Frank Mannion (Nicholas Grace) who hosts the TV gardening programme Along The Garden Path, writer Samantha Johnston (Josephine Tewson) and the Country Matters editor Rosemary Furman (Maggie Steed). They will be staying at an expensive hotel and there is to be a grand celebration dinner at the end. Unfortunately, Midsomer Mallow is one of the villages to be judged by the panel and for all its beauty and charm it happens to be the scene of her husband's latest murder investigation. But Barnaby is doing his best for her not to find out as he doesn't want to ruin her enjoyment. The victim is the village lout Peter Drinkwater (Orlando Bloom) whom was found ran through with a pitchfork. Barnaby and Troy discover that the village committee fears that the death will ruin their chances of winning the contest, but at the same time they all had a motive for wanting Drinkwater dead. Not least former London banker Marcus Devere (Timothy West) and his beloved wife Bella (Hannah Gordon) who were furious because Drinkwater was seeing their young daughter Caroline (Chloe Tucker) and she wanted to marry him. However, Drinkwater wasn't loyal and was carrying on with the vet's wife Laura Brierly (Marsha Fitzalan) at the same time and her husband Gordon (Richard Hope) clearly knew about it. Then there's the retired actor Edward Allardice (Moray Watson) who lives a reclusive existence at the huge Greyfriars House just outside the village. He was burgled by Drinkwater and his best friend Jack Dorset (Tobias Menzies), the butcher's son. Allardice was furious because they not only stole but damaged some of his most treasured possessions. In addition, Allardice is hiding somebody from the police in his house - but whom? The inquisitive butcher Ray Dorset (Bill Thomas) is also a possible suspect as he clearly hated Drinkwater for leading his son astray. Barnaby and Troy find themselves with two more murders to probe when the snooty Rosemary Furman is poisoned on Mallow's day of judgement in the wine tent and later Samantha Johnston is brutally stabbed at her hotel. Johnston had a history of alcohol abuse and depression, which leads Barnaby and Troy to a psychiatric hospital in Gloucestershire. A meeting with the hospital's head doctor provides Barnaby and Troy with the answer behind the triple-murder in Midsomer Mallow.
Judgement Day (first transmitted on ITV on 29 January 2000) is another marvelous addition to the deservedly popular Midsomer Murders series. Writer Anthony Horowitz delivered another cracking script that allows much in the way of suspense, intrigue and some delicious black comedy. For example, when Barnaby and Troy go to Samantha Johnston's hotel, they find Frank Mannion in a hurry to leave. "Are you leaving sir?" they ask. "Yes I am" replies the bored yet terrified Mannion. "They tried to bore us to death in one village and when that fails they try to poison us all in the next". Performances are first class throughout with Timothy West, Moray Watson and Nicholas Grace, all of whom are front rank character actors, standing out among the supporting cast. Also of note in the cast is Orlando Bloom (then 23) who is good as Peter Drinkwater. He has since gone on to establish quite a career for himself, appearing in many notable blockbusters in the cinema. He was Legolas Greenleaf in The Lord Of The Rings trilogy, Paris in Troy (2004) and he plays Will Turner in The Pirates Of The Caribbean movies. The chemistry between John Nettles and Joyce Wymark as husband and wife is a joy to watch as although they clearly love each other, Barnaby's police work always threatens to get in the way of their relationship. Director Jeremy Silberston (who developed Midsomer Murders together with Anthony Horowitz) once again does splendid work effortlessly blending the humour with the more sinister aspects of the story. The producers at Bentley Productions also deserve praise for the excellent production values and splendid locations that have gone into the making of these films. In summary, this is one film that no Midsomer Murders fan or lovers of quality murder mysteries can afford to miss.
Judgement Day (first transmitted on ITV on 29 January 2000) is another marvelous addition to the deservedly popular Midsomer Murders series. Writer Anthony Horowitz delivered another cracking script that allows much in the way of suspense, intrigue and some delicious black comedy. For example, when Barnaby and Troy go to Samantha Johnston's hotel, they find Frank Mannion in a hurry to leave. "Are you leaving sir?" they ask. "Yes I am" replies the bored yet terrified Mannion. "They tried to bore us to death in one village and when that fails they try to poison us all in the next". Performances are first class throughout with Timothy West, Moray Watson and Nicholas Grace, all of whom are front rank character actors, standing out among the supporting cast. Also of note in the cast is Orlando Bloom (then 23) who is good as Peter Drinkwater. He has since gone on to establish quite a career for himself, appearing in many notable blockbusters in the cinema. He was Legolas Greenleaf in The Lord Of The Rings trilogy, Paris in Troy (2004) and he plays Will Turner in The Pirates Of The Caribbean movies. The chemistry between John Nettles and Joyce Wymark as husband and wife is a joy to watch as although they clearly love each other, Barnaby's police work always threatens to get in the way of their relationship. Director Jeremy Silberston (who developed Midsomer Murders together with Anthony Horowitz) once again does splendid work effortlessly blending the humour with the more sinister aspects of the story. The producers at Bentley Productions also deserve praise for the excellent production values and splendid locations that have gone into the making of these films. In summary, this is one film that no Midsomer Murders fan or lovers of quality murder mysteries can afford to miss.
Season 3 returns to form in its best episode
TheLittleSongbird1 January 2017
"Dead Man's Eleven" was classic 'Midsomer Murders'. "Death of a Stranger" was very good, if slightly convoluted in places. Meanwhile, "Blue Herrings" was a step down and the weakest 'Midsomer Murders' at this point of the show, though still a decent episode (far worse episodes).
As said in the review title, Season 3 returns to form with "Judgement Day" and, for me, the best episode of the season. Also up there with the best 'Midsomer Murders' episodes along with the likes of "The Killings at Badgers Drift", "Written in Blood", "Death's Shadow" and "Dead Man's Eleven" at this particular point in the show.
Sure "Judgement Day" is very dialogue heavy, so it does require perhaps more attention than usual to completely understand the final solution which is ingenious but somewhat complicated for a first time viewer (have seen the episode a fair few times so it wasn't a problem really for me, just forewarning).
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. This may look like reiterating exactly what was said about what was so good about the previous episodes, but only because when 'Midsomer Murders' was in its prime its strengths were the same and with similar impact.
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 it was explained and cleared up well, though not quite overcoming the tendency towards the end of convolution.
The story 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, 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.
John Nettles and Daniel Casey sparkle together, with Nettles characteristically superb and Casey a great contrast. Jane Wymark charms too, and love the loving chemistry between her and Nettles. Timothy West and Hannah Gordon are particularly excellent in support, and "Judgment Day" is notable for Orlando Bloom somewhat cast against type and proving that he is more than just a heart-throb or an actor in heroic or romantic roles.
In summary, a wonderful episode and what 'Midsomer Murders' is all about. 10/10 Bethany Cox
As said in the review title, Season 3 returns to form with "Judgement Day" and, for me, the best episode of the season. Also up there with the best 'Midsomer Murders' episodes along with the likes of "The Killings at Badgers Drift", "Written in Blood", "Death's Shadow" and "Dead Man's Eleven" at this particular point in the show.
Sure "Judgement Day" is very dialogue heavy, so it does require perhaps more attention than usual to completely understand the final solution which is ingenious but somewhat complicated for a first time viewer (have seen the episode a fair few times so it wasn't a problem really for me, just forewarning).
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. This may look like reiterating exactly what was said about what was so good about the previous episodes, but only because when 'Midsomer Murders' was in its prime its strengths were the same and with similar impact.
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 it was explained and cleared up well, though not quite overcoming the tendency towards the end of convolution.
The story 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, 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.
John Nettles and Daniel Casey sparkle together, with Nettles characteristically superb and Casey a great contrast. Jane Wymark charms too, and love the loving chemistry between her and Nettles. Timothy West and Hannah Gordon are particularly excellent in support, and "Judgment Day" is notable for Orlando Bloom somewhat cast against type and proving that he is more than just a heart-throb or an actor in heroic or romantic roles.
In summary, a wonderful episode and what 'Midsomer Murders' is all about. 10/10 Bethany Cox
Quintessential Midsomer
boxyfella5 May 2022
It's like they took all the plot points which work so well in Midsomer and distilled them all down to just one episode: long buried secrets (with an historical prelude), infidelity, local toerag, psychopathic killer, village fete, stately old mansion. But it all works so brilliantly in this episode, with some great guest performances, especially Orlando Bloom, Maggie Steed, Timothy West and Hannah Gordon. In fact this story was so absorbing I had totally forgotten about the historical prelude until a couple of moments before it started to become important. A near faultless episode.
My Favorite Episode
bhoover2478 June 2021
I will have to give Joyce credit for making this my favorite episode of the series. When she is on the telephone describing to Tom how crazy her fellow judges are, it makes me realize the best episodes are the ones that include Tom's whole family.
Orlando Bloom, I presume
blanche-25 January 2014
We've found another Midsomer village that Barnaby doesn't like: Midsomer Mallow.
This one is part of a "Perfect Village" competition, in which Joyce is a judge. Barnaby and Troy are called in because of some break-ins there. The thief is a young man named Peter Drinkwater (Orlando Bloom), who is also a major womanizer. He's the first murder victim, done in by a pitchfork. The husband of the woman he's sleeping with is a suspect, as is a girl he has broken up with, and her parents. An actor, Edward Allardice (Moray Watson) was also robbed, but he's hiding something and not telling the total truth. The butcher (Bill Thomas) hated Drinkwater because his son was committing robberies alongside him. There there are people on the competition committee who want the death hushed up because it might wreck their chances for a win.
However, there are two more deaths, one a poisoning at one of the events, and one a stabbing. The stabbed woman had a history of depression, so Barnaby and Troy investigate by going to a psychiatric hospital where she was a patient, and tying everything in with an earlier murder.
This is a good mystery with great production values, some wry comedy, and lots of drama. One of the better episodes, this one written by Anthony Horowitz.
This one is part of a "Perfect Village" competition, in which Joyce is a judge. Barnaby and Troy are called in because of some break-ins there. The thief is a young man named Peter Drinkwater (Orlando Bloom), who is also a major womanizer. He's the first murder victim, done in by a pitchfork. The husband of the woman he's sleeping with is a suspect, as is a girl he has broken up with, and her parents. An actor, Edward Allardice (Moray Watson) was also robbed, but he's hiding something and not telling the total truth. The butcher (Bill Thomas) hated Drinkwater because his son was committing robberies alongside him. There there are people on the competition committee who want the death hushed up because it might wreck their chances for a win.
However, there are two more deaths, one a poisoning at one of the events, and one a stabbing. The stabbed woman had a history of depression, so Barnaby and Troy investigate by going to a psychiatric hospital where she was a patient, and tying everything in with an earlier murder.
This is a good mystery with great production values, some wry comedy, and lots of drama. One of the better episodes, this one written by Anthony Horowitz.
Entertaining and quite funny
SandVis28 May 2016
Warning: Spoilers
Although the killer's motive is a bit mundane this is still quite an enjoyable episode as it pokes fun at little England eccentricities and contains lots of black humour. It was also quite entertaining to see Orlando Bloom and Tobias Menzies in two of their first roles. Bloom doesn't seem to age but Menzies has certainly filled out from the scrawny specimen on display here! I'm a big fan of Foyle's War so I enjoy watching Midsomer episodes written by Anthony Horowitz and seeing how he's grown as a writer.
SPOILERS FOLLOW: I'm writing down who the killer is so other viewers can come here and refresh their memory about what happened without having to watch the episode again. I can never find this info anywhere so I thought I might as well start supplying it myself.
The story starts off in the '50s with an angry little girl called Annabel Weston killing her strict housekeeper and nanny because her parents left her at home while they went out. In the present this girl (now an adult of course) is still the killer but who is she now? Turns out it's Bella Devere, who was locked up in an institution for years where she became friends with depressive writer Samantha Johnstone. When Bella was finally released she met Marcus Devere, who knew who she was but fell in love with her anyway.
When it seems local gigolo and burglar Peter Drinkwater means to marry Bella's daughter, Caroline, he has to be got rid of and is promptly dispatched with a pitchfork through the chest.
Meanwhile the village where the Deveres live is competing the Perfect Village contest and unluckily for her Samantha Johnstone is one of the judges. When they arrive at the town fete Bella recognises her and tries to poison her so Samantha won't identify her as the infamous Annabel Weston. Unfortunately for fellow judge Rosemary Fuhrman she drinks the glass of wine laced with cyanide meant for alcoholic Samantha and dies. Bella cleverly throws suspicion off herself by drinking just enough of the wine to make herself ill. Samantha thinks she's escaped but is tracked down by Bella at her hotel and killed.
By the time Barnaby and Troy have put two and two together Marcus has given Bella a fatal overdose to spare her going back to an institution.
SPOILERS FOLLOW: I'm writing down who the killer is so other viewers can come here and refresh their memory about what happened without having to watch the episode again. I can never find this info anywhere so I thought I might as well start supplying it myself.
The story starts off in the '50s with an angry little girl called Annabel Weston killing her strict housekeeper and nanny because her parents left her at home while they went out. In the present this girl (now an adult of course) is still the killer but who is she now? Turns out it's Bella Devere, who was locked up in an institution for years where she became friends with depressive writer Samantha Johnstone. When Bella was finally released she met Marcus Devere, who knew who she was but fell in love with her anyway.
When it seems local gigolo and burglar Peter Drinkwater means to marry Bella's daughter, Caroline, he has to be got rid of and is promptly dispatched with a pitchfork through the chest.
Meanwhile the village where the Deveres live is competing the Perfect Village contest and unluckily for her Samantha Johnstone is one of the judges. When they arrive at the town fete Bella recognises her and tries to poison her so Samantha won't identify her as the infamous Annabel Weston. Unfortunately for fellow judge Rosemary Fuhrman she drinks the glass of wine laced with cyanide meant for alcoholic Samantha and dies. Bella cleverly throws suspicion off herself by drinking just enough of the wine to make herself ill. Samantha thinks she's escaped but is tracked down by Bella at her hotel and killed.
By the time Barnaby and Troy have put two and two together Marcus has given Bella a fatal overdose to spare her going back to an institution.
Reminiscent of Older English Horror Movie
vtorina31 October 2019
While trying to think of the name of a 60s British horror that featured a woman who had an inexplicable craving to kill and whose daughter inherited the tendency, I remembered this MM episode and wonder if it was inspired by the earlier piece. In both pieces, the evil women are protected by their husbands.
Good music
jagannathkhalsa26 July 2009
Warning: Spoilers
I thought a charming detail in this one was the community orchestra rehearsing the Midsomer Murders theme music for the Perfect Village competition. It was amateur sounding enough and realistically played. It was funny, because here are these innocent children living in a murderous locale, and it's being confirmed by the repertoire. During the actual event, they started their program with music of Handel and during the cyanide poisoning, they played the murder music. Lovely! I'm a violinist and am inspired to memorize the theme so I can play it as an inside joke for the few Midsomer Murder fans I know. The theme is usually played by an electronic instrument called a Theremin, and it makes a ghostly whine. Perfect for a violin to do a parody of, with wide vibrato and glissando everywhere.
This has the makings of a funny riddle: "What is Midsomer's favorite wine?", and the for the answer, you sing the whining theme music! HAH HAH!!
This has the makings of a funny riddle: "What is Midsomer's favorite wine?", and the for the answer, you sing the whining theme music! HAH HAH!!
A very strong murder mystery, though not an all-time favorite!
harrykivi4 May 2020
Warning: Spoilers
It's no doubt in saying: the first nine seasons of "Midsomer Murders" are the show's finest. That is a period where mostly great, very good episodes were made (despite exceptions like: "The Electric Vendetta", "The Straw Woman", "Second Sight". "Judgement Day" is one of the better episodes of the series. It's a very, very good episode and easily the third seasons best.
Let's start with good, shall we?
. The production values are top notch with to die for scenery, astute direction and superb music in the background. The cast's also great. Hannah Gordon, Timothy West and others giving magnificent performances. Orlando Bloom has a role what is different from his other work as well.
. The murder mystery is surprisingly strong. The twists and turns keep coming and coming. The characters are colorful enough to keep one watching. The murders (especially one considering a pitchfork was awesome). And it all leads to one of the most sinister and clever solutions of "Midsomer Murders".
But (to be frank) I do have a couple of issues surrounding this episode.
. One being the fact that there are times where red herrings are bit too noticeable. Especially the one surrounding the vet and his hatred for the victim.
. Also, "Judgement Day" is not an episode, which I would watch over and over again, because this one of the few times in "Midsomer" where the heaviness of the dialogue actually puts me off.
Overall, an awesome, though not an amazing watch.
8,5/10 HK
Let's start with good, shall we?
. The production values are top notch with to die for scenery, astute direction and superb music in the background. The cast's also great. Hannah Gordon, Timothy West and others giving magnificent performances. Orlando Bloom has a role what is different from his other work as well.
. The murder mystery is surprisingly strong. The twists and turns keep coming and coming. The characters are colorful enough to keep one watching. The murders (especially one considering a pitchfork was awesome). And it all leads to one of the most sinister and clever solutions of "Midsomer Murders".
But (to be frank) I do have a couple of issues surrounding this episode.
. One being the fact that there are times where red herrings are bit too noticeable. Especially the one surrounding the vet and his hatred for the victim.
. Also, "Judgement Day" is not an episode, which I would watch over and over again, because this one of the few times in "Midsomer" where the heaviness of the dialogue actually puts me off.
Overall, an awesome, though not an amazing watch.
8,5/10 HK
Classic
Schweizer8523 April 2021
Warning: Spoilers
This episode stands out by a mile as being one of the very best, it has all the classic elements of the series all rolled into one, making it one of my most re-watched episodes. It's got the mystery, the humour, the colourful characters, the picturesque backdrops, lovely music.
A poisoning at a village fete is so classic Midsomer Murders, the plot twist that ensues as a result of this is second to none
Only slight drawback is it loses a little bit of pace towards the end when Barnaby and Troy go to visit the psychiatric hospital, but of course the dialogue heavy scenes are necessary in order for us to catch up.
Another thing which I wasn't able to work out- in the very final scene, Barnaby says that Joyce telling him the Samantha saying she'd seen someone ''in the street'' made him certain that Edward Allardice was the killer (that along with other evidence), but what I couldn't work out was how Samantha would have known Edward Allardice ? I'm sure it would add suspicion because they already thought he was responsible for the other murder, but surely it's not in itself incriminating ? If he'd had turned out to be the killer, that would have needed to be answered I think.
The acting is superb- Timothy West, Moray Watson, Barbara Jefford, Hannah Gordon are the stars of this show.
Unmissable really, will always be one of my favourites.
A poisoning at a village fete is so classic Midsomer Murders, the plot twist that ensues as a result of this is second to none
Only slight drawback is it loses a little bit of pace towards the end when Barnaby and Troy go to visit the psychiatric hospital, but of course the dialogue heavy scenes are necessary in order for us to catch up.
Another thing which I wasn't able to work out- in the very final scene, Barnaby says that Joyce telling him the Samantha saying she'd seen someone ''in the street'' made him certain that Edward Allardice was the killer (that along with other evidence), but what I couldn't work out was how Samantha would have known Edward Allardice ? I'm sure it would add suspicion because they already thought he was responsible for the other murder, but surely it's not in itself incriminating ? If he'd had turned out to be the killer, that would have needed to be answered I think.
The acting is superb- Timothy West, Moray Watson, Barbara Jefford, Hannah Gordon are the stars of this show.
Unmissable really, will always be one of my favourites.
Favorite Episode
kall66958 May 2022
Warning: Spoilers
The difference between this show and other police procedural shows I've seen is the emphasis on the villagers and their interactions rather than the forensic details, police supervisors, etc. For someone who is not from Britain, it is most interesting to see the settings, the old homes, village shops, churches, fetes. We never see Tom Barnaby's supervisor except in a few future shows. We see Tom's interactions with Sgt Troy, who is usually hilarious and can't drive straight. We get to see Tom's relationship with his wife, Joyce and daughter Cully. Joyce is not a good cook and always seems to have dinners and other events interrupted by Tom's cases. Cully is an actress and is typically in a play or TV commercial, which is fun. I've seen this episode repeatedly. It is STELLAR!!
The episode starts off with a chilling murder that happened many years ago when a child killed her nanny with a butcher's knife. Flash forward to present...
Joyce Barnaby wins the opportunity to be a judge for the "Perfect Village Competition" sponsored by "Country Matters" magazine. She goes on a week long trek with the other judges with first class travel and dinner at the end. They view the villages, watch their presentations ("Morris Men" - dancing men) and sample their food. Joyce tells Tom one of the villages in the competition is Midsomer Mallow..."Tom, don't tell me you are investigating some grisly murder there," she says.
Tom is investigating robberies in Midsomer Mallow. One of the robbers is a youthful Orlando Bloom, who is having an affair with the local vet's wife and with a young girl.
Cully is writing a book and visits the home of a famous actor to interview him for her book. This is one of the homes that was robbed. Then someone is killed with a pitchfork.
After judging other villages, the judges arrive at Midsomer Mallow. A villager gives a tour and history of the area and at the tent on the green, guests are served Apricot and Elderberry Wine and Chicken wings and Pasties. Meanwhile, the student orchestra plays. Suddenly, one of the judges falls to the ground, poisoned.....
The episode starts off with a chilling murder that happened many years ago when a child killed her nanny with a butcher's knife. Flash forward to present...
Joyce Barnaby wins the opportunity to be a judge for the "Perfect Village Competition" sponsored by "Country Matters" magazine. She goes on a week long trek with the other judges with first class travel and dinner at the end. They view the villages, watch their presentations ("Morris Men" - dancing men) and sample their food. Joyce tells Tom one of the villages in the competition is Midsomer Mallow..."Tom, don't tell me you are investigating some grisly murder there," she says.
Tom is investigating robberies in Midsomer Mallow. One of the robbers is a youthful Orlando Bloom, who is having an affair with the local vet's wife and with a young girl.
Cully is writing a book and visits the home of a famous actor to interview him for her book. This is one of the homes that was robbed. Then someone is killed with a pitchfork.
After judging other villages, the judges arrive at Midsomer Mallow. A villager gives a tour and history of the area and at the tent on the green, guests are served Apricot and Elderberry Wine and Chicken wings and Pasties. Meanwhile, the student orchestra plays. Suddenly, one of the judges falls to the ground, poisoned.....
The early days of Midsomer Murders
safenoe19 July 2017
Warning: Spoilers
Judgement Day was broadcast three years into the Blair administration, and things were only getting better with Midsomer Murders in this third season episode. One charming scene was when the village band performed the Midsomer Murders theme!! A few years later another village band performed the Midsomer Murders theme in an episode - so kind of a reverential wink and a nod in-house reference.
The ending was a bit of a twist, and quite maudlin, with the murderer getting away in a sad way.
The ending was a bit of a twist, and quite maudlin, with the murderer getting away in a sad way.
A Great Classic Country Murder
sherondalewis-205317 May 2022
Warning: Spoilers
This is one of the best episodes of MM. Joyce has been chosen as first prize in a magazine contest for "Perfect Village" where Midsomer Mallow has been picked as a nominee. For a week, she and a magazine publisher (who hates the country, btw and lives in London), a garden television celebrity (who was once fired by said publisher whom each loathe each other) and the depressed, alcoholic writer about a retired nun in a village (who took over for a top notch celeb who canceled last minute). At the Midsomer Mallow Council Meeting, they are getting ready to showcase why they have the "perfect village".
But then, what village is "perfect" in the MM world? Because there has been a slew of burglaries in said area by 2 teens, one of whom, Drinkwater, is having a fling with the daughter of said committe (as well as the wife of the local vet). Their last adventure was in the home of a legendary stage actor who was hiding whilst the burglary took place. Then, taking time to screw the veteran's wife, she "insults" him and gets slapped. The daughter of said committe member let it be known that SHE was in love with this man...which doesn't sit too well with the mom. And then, what happens? She ends up finding out from said wife all about Peter Drinkwater and he ends up getting a pitchfork to the chest! Does Joyce gets told about this? Not from Tom because, seriously, why persuade her in her decision? But, they all find out anyway as Tom and Troy now knows who did the burglaries (Drinkwater and the Butcher's son) but NOW, they have to find who killed him. But, on with the judging! Yes, Peter was the great nephew of said organizer but, he was always getting into trouble, he's dead now, why stop because of his misdeeds? Everyone agrees (except the vet's wife who finds it disturbing). So, off to another village of Little Kirkbridge before Midsomer Mallow! And this is where Joyce really gets to meet up with the Samantha Johnston, the depressed alcoholic and talks about her life. Cully, at home, finds out the last burglary was from a famous theater actor, Alladice(sp?) and as she is doing a book about plays, theatres, production, she goes to introduce herself and interview him. And now it all head's up to the day of Midsomer Mallow. While the band plays, and Tom and Troy sees Joyce, and here comes Cully with Alladice in the road, she leaves Tom to go "save" a poor Samantha who "sees someone she knows from the street..." or, so Joyce thought she heard. And BAM, one falls, breaking glasses and wine bottles and doubled over, and the publisher of the magazine dies...from arsenic poisoning! Oh no..was this to be a mass poisoning? Who took the wine bottle that one of the event host said she saw them take it? Was it Alladice? Now, Tom and Troy have a lot on their hands (and have Cully take Joyce home to keep her away from the madness). It's a who's who of suspects: the Butcher, who's son was part of the bulgaries and who was pitchforked. The vet, who caught his wife's lover (unbeknownst to her). The daughter, who was told by said wife that he was fooling around on her. Her parents, the father who went to see him and the mother was was not fond of him. And Alladice. All had their reasons and motives.
When Tom and Troy goes to talk to Samantha about whom she saw "in the street" it's too late: she has been stabbed. They tell Joyce, and she explains that Samantha was in a home after trying to commit suicide from a failed marriage. And because that was the last number she was trying to call, they head up there. And that's when we learn that a young girl name Anabelle was a notorious child killer of her nanny at 7. Was put in group homes and that was still naive in her ways at the "retreat" where Samantha put her under her wing...and that the adult Bella was actually the murderer. But, her husband saves her: by giving her a false alibi, by taking care of her when she intentionally poisoned herself, and does a mercy kill on her so that she would nor be put away again.
I mean..wow. From a little girl who killed her nanny (because she didn't like her) to an adult who killed (because yea, the boy was having his way with her daughter, he had to go, the magazine publisher took a drink wasn't intended for her and Samantha had to go because she KNEW her). And now, she was gone. Can't get a better who done it. Loved the characters...and, how the husband loved his wife soo much, even knowing she cold bloodied murdered her nanny, and how she murdered the boy, still gave her an alibi. Also enjoyed Cully getting to meet the famous actor (and his badly burned wife), Joyce being friendly with the poor Samantha.
No matter how many time I have seen this episode, I still find pleasure watching this!
But then, what village is "perfect" in the MM world? Because there has been a slew of burglaries in said area by 2 teens, one of whom, Drinkwater, is having a fling with the daughter of said committe (as well as the wife of the local vet). Their last adventure was in the home of a legendary stage actor who was hiding whilst the burglary took place. Then, taking time to screw the veteran's wife, she "insults" him and gets slapped. The daughter of said committe member let it be known that SHE was in love with this man...which doesn't sit too well with the mom. And then, what happens? She ends up finding out from said wife all about Peter Drinkwater and he ends up getting a pitchfork to the chest! Does Joyce gets told about this? Not from Tom because, seriously, why persuade her in her decision? But, they all find out anyway as Tom and Troy now knows who did the burglaries (Drinkwater and the Butcher's son) but NOW, they have to find who killed him. But, on with the judging! Yes, Peter was the great nephew of said organizer but, he was always getting into trouble, he's dead now, why stop because of his misdeeds? Everyone agrees (except the vet's wife who finds it disturbing). So, off to another village of Little Kirkbridge before Midsomer Mallow! And this is where Joyce really gets to meet up with the Samantha Johnston, the depressed alcoholic and talks about her life. Cully, at home, finds out the last burglary was from a famous theater actor, Alladice(sp?) and as she is doing a book about plays, theatres, production, she goes to introduce herself and interview him. And now it all head's up to the day of Midsomer Mallow. While the band plays, and Tom and Troy sees Joyce, and here comes Cully with Alladice in the road, she leaves Tom to go "save" a poor Samantha who "sees someone she knows from the street..." or, so Joyce thought she heard. And BAM, one falls, breaking glasses and wine bottles and doubled over, and the publisher of the magazine dies...from arsenic poisoning! Oh no..was this to be a mass poisoning? Who took the wine bottle that one of the event host said she saw them take it? Was it Alladice? Now, Tom and Troy have a lot on their hands (and have Cully take Joyce home to keep her away from the madness). It's a who's who of suspects: the Butcher, who's son was part of the bulgaries and who was pitchforked. The vet, who caught his wife's lover (unbeknownst to her). The daughter, who was told by said wife that he was fooling around on her. Her parents, the father who went to see him and the mother was was not fond of him. And Alladice. All had their reasons and motives.
When Tom and Troy goes to talk to Samantha about whom she saw "in the street" it's too late: she has been stabbed. They tell Joyce, and she explains that Samantha was in a home after trying to commit suicide from a failed marriage. And because that was the last number she was trying to call, they head up there. And that's when we learn that a young girl name Anabelle was a notorious child killer of her nanny at 7. Was put in group homes and that was still naive in her ways at the "retreat" where Samantha put her under her wing...and that the adult Bella was actually the murderer. But, her husband saves her: by giving her a false alibi, by taking care of her when she intentionally poisoned herself, and does a mercy kill on her so that she would nor be put away again.
I mean..wow. From a little girl who killed her nanny (because she didn't like her) to an adult who killed (because yea, the boy was having his way with her daughter, he had to go, the magazine publisher took a drink wasn't intended for her and Samantha had to go because she KNEW her). And now, she was gone. Can't get a better who done it. Loved the characters...and, how the husband loved his wife soo much, even knowing she cold bloodied murdered her nanny, and how she murdered the boy, still gave her an alibi. Also enjoyed Cully getting to meet the famous actor (and his badly burned wife), Joyce being friendly with the poor Samantha.
No matter how many time I have seen this episode, I still find pleasure watching this!
Anthony Horowitz' last script
hossychristie11 October 2023
Warning: Spoilers
Judgement Day is an enjoyable, and interesting third episode of the third series of Midsomer Murders. This episode is Anthony Horowitz last script as a writer for Midsomer Murders, and yet this day, his script are still one of the best episodes ever made, with "The Killings at Badger's Drift", Written in Blood, "Death's Shadow", Strangler's Wood", Dead Man's Eleven", and now lastly his final episode, "Judgement Day".
"Judgement Day" starts in 1955, where young Annabel Weston kills her babysitter, because she never liked her. Annabel's parents have had their night out, and when they come home; they find Mrs Foster killed in a chair. They run up to Annabel's bedroom, and Annabel's mother is happy that her daughter is still alive. Afterwards, we see a Bloody knife stuffed between one of Annabel's toy soldiers.
Joyce Barnaby is excited that she is going to be a judge for the perfect village competition, alongside Rosemary Furman, Frank Mannion and Samatha Johnstone. Joyce is happy that she will get a week away from home, with a first class travel and a big dinner at the end. During the last two months, six different burgalries have occured in the village, and now there is a seventh attempt, when Jack Dorset and Peter Drinkwater robs Greyfriers House, the manor belonging to Edward Allardice. Unfortunately for Edward, he was away on a trip in London, and Jack and Peter had got a hunch that Edward was away on travel. They break into the house, steal some items and vandalize the whole place. Jack smashes a bowl and a picture is being Destroyed as well.
Peter Drinkwater is later found murdered and during the village competition in Midsomer Mallow, Rosemary Furman is poisoned and she dies. Following afternoon, Samantha Johnstone is found murdered in her hotel room. Two out of four judges are dead and the question arises what the judges might have done wrong to deserve to die. During the poisoning, Bella Devere gets bad as well, but she only took a sip from the poisoned wine and survives. The clues lies within Sebdon Manor, and Barnaby and Troy realise that Annabel Weston who killed her babysitter in 1955 was admitted to Sebdon Manor where she became close with bone other than Samantha Johnstone. Barnaby realises that Annabel Weston is living in Midsomer under a false name, and it turns out that Bella Devere is indeed Annabel Weston. Her husband, Marcus could not bear the fact that she once again was locked up in prison, and decides to kill her with sleeping pills and then smother her with a pillow, described as quite painless in his own words.
"Judgement Day" gets Midsomer Murders back to a classic episode, and I love that Joyce is back centre stage in this story, being one of the judges. Bella Devere's backstory, being Annabel Weston and that she decided to kill her babysitter, was an interesting start to this episode. Bella/Annabel being the murderer was not a huge shock, and a bit obvious from the start, hence to Bella being afraid of her daughter's involvement with Peter Drinkwater. But still, I loved that Bella and Samantha had crossed paths before, staying at Sebdon Manor together during their treatment, and the scene where Barnaby and Troy visit the Manor was very intruiging. As happened before in Midsomer Murders, it takes a bit time before the murder of Peter Drinkwater is happening, and a crime story can become a bit boring sometimes, if the first murder does not occur during the first ten minutes. But with that being said I loved the scene where Peter and his friend decide to rob Edward Allardice's house, and these dark Midsomer Murders scene's will always intrigue me. The perfect village competition could have been a lot more interesting, but it is still a great episode.
Orlando Bloom, Hannah Gordon, Timothy West, Moray Watson and Josephine Tewson leave the best impression from the supporting cast. Orlando Bloom has been a well liked actor of mine and I loved seeing him in movies like The Hobbit, Lord of the Rings, Pirates of the Caribbean, and of course this Midsomer Murders episode. The filming locations are as well so stunning as ever, and Chenies Manor House and the beautiful village of Haddenham, are my favourite filming locations in this episode.
"Judgement Day" is a very well liked episode, and the crime drama feeling is back on track after the "Blue Herrings" episode, which in my opinion got a bit too much comedic at times.10/10 Hossy Christie.
"Judgement Day" starts in 1955, where young Annabel Weston kills her babysitter, because she never liked her. Annabel's parents have had their night out, and when they come home; they find Mrs Foster killed in a chair. They run up to Annabel's bedroom, and Annabel's mother is happy that her daughter is still alive. Afterwards, we see a Bloody knife stuffed between one of Annabel's toy soldiers.
Joyce Barnaby is excited that she is going to be a judge for the perfect village competition, alongside Rosemary Furman, Frank Mannion and Samatha Johnstone. Joyce is happy that she will get a week away from home, with a first class travel and a big dinner at the end. During the last two months, six different burgalries have occured in the village, and now there is a seventh attempt, when Jack Dorset and Peter Drinkwater robs Greyfriers House, the manor belonging to Edward Allardice. Unfortunately for Edward, he was away on a trip in London, and Jack and Peter had got a hunch that Edward was away on travel. They break into the house, steal some items and vandalize the whole place. Jack smashes a bowl and a picture is being Destroyed as well.
Peter Drinkwater is later found murdered and during the village competition in Midsomer Mallow, Rosemary Furman is poisoned and she dies. Following afternoon, Samantha Johnstone is found murdered in her hotel room. Two out of four judges are dead and the question arises what the judges might have done wrong to deserve to die. During the poisoning, Bella Devere gets bad as well, but she only took a sip from the poisoned wine and survives. The clues lies within Sebdon Manor, and Barnaby and Troy realise that Annabel Weston who killed her babysitter in 1955 was admitted to Sebdon Manor where she became close with bone other than Samantha Johnstone. Barnaby realises that Annabel Weston is living in Midsomer under a false name, and it turns out that Bella Devere is indeed Annabel Weston. Her husband, Marcus could not bear the fact that she once again was locked up in prison, and decides to kill her with sleeping pills and then smother her with a pillow, described as quite painless in his own words.
"Judgement Day" gets Midsomer Murders back to a classic episode, and I love that Joyce is back centre stage in this story, being one of the judges. Bella Devere's backstory, being Annabel Weston and that she decided to kill her babysitter, was an interesting start to this episode. Bella/Annabel being the murderer was not a huge shock, and a bit obvious from the start, hence to Bella being afraid of her daughter's involvement with Peter Drinkwater. But still, I loved that Bella and Samantha had crossed paths before, staying at Sebdon Manor together during their treatment, and the scene where Barnaby and Troy visit the Manor was very intruiging. As happened before in Midsomer Murders, it takes a bit time before the murder of Peter Drinkwater is happening, and a crime story can become a bit boring sometimes, if the first murder does not occur during the first ten minutes. But with that being said I loved the scene where Peter and his friend decide to rob Edward Allardice's house, and these dark Midsomer Murders scene's will always intrigue me. The perfect village competition could have been a lot more interesting, but it is still a great episode.
Orlando Bloom, Hannah Gordon, Timothy West, Moray Watson and Josephine Tewson leave the best impression from the supporting cast. Orlando Bloom has been a well liked actor of mine and I loved seeing him in movies like The Hobbit, Lord of the Rings, Pirates of the Caribbean, and of course this Midsomer Murders episode. The filming locations are as well so stunning as ever, and Chenies Manor House and the beautiful village of Haddenham, are my favourite filming locations in this episode.
"Judgement Day" is a very well liked episode, and the crime drama feeling is back on track after the "Blue Herrings" episode, which in my opinion got a bit too much comedic at times.10/10 Hossy Christie.
A strong improvement and almost a Midsomer Murders classic
znatokdetectiva21 October 2020
I love the Midsomer Murders show, I love the early, classic episodes of the Tom Barnaby era show, and I can't stop admiring such a wonderfully established and still up-to-date show. The first 3 seasons of the show were virtually flawless, without any low points (which distinguishes the show from many other series that are inconsistent and already offer the viewer bad episodes from the first seasons). "Judgment Day" is a great example of an early episode and almost a Midsomer Murders classic (in fact, I think it's one of the most referenced and popular episodes of the show). It's not as good as the early episodes of the classic "Death's Shadow", "Tainted Fruit", "Destroying Angel" and "Written Blood" (in fact, some of the best episodes of the early series), but it's up to the level of "Dead Man's Eleven", although it has a much simpler story, and in its season it's quite good, not as good as "Death of a Stranger", but a strong improvement over the not-so-bad one that has a lot of good things, but somewhat under-developed "Blue Herrings", which is not the low point of the show, however.
The story of "Judgment Day" is actually one of the darkest and most frightening in Midsomer Murders. Jeremy Silberston and Anthony Horowitz again show how well they work together, perhaps not the best sample ("The Killings at Badger's Drift", "Written in Blood" and "Death's Shadow" are more appropriate cases in this regard), but quite decent. The atmosphere, as always at the beginning of the show, is very classic and bright, and the music is perfect for the whole show and this episode in particular. The detective component is quite good and original in General, with a few interesting red herrings, although I really missed the greater coherence and sequence of murders (the problem with this episode, as well as episodes such as "Blood Wedding", "Master Class" and "Small Mersies"). My main complaint about the episode is that it lacks the magnificent tension and gloom that is inherent in truly great episodes of the show. I don't feel the same tension here as in "death's Shadow", "Death of a Stranger" or "Destroying Angel", which is a big drawback of the episode, unfortunately too big to be one of the high points of the show. The finale is chic, one of the most interesting, neat and heartfelt among the early episodes, John Nettles is great, and maybe he's the best here as Barnaby, but Timothy West does an incredible job and actually steals the show from the Nettles. The final decision, I repeat, is extremely smart and logical, in General in the best traditions of Midsomer Murders and looks very eccentric and suitable for such a story.
Overall, a good if not exactly great episode of the show, a strong improvement over the previous episode, and just a solid Midsomer Murders. 9/10
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