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.
"Not in My Back Yard" is not classic 'Midsomer Murders', like the best of Seasons 1-9 and "Master Class" from the same season. It is though one of the better faring episodes of Season 13, not as good as "Master Class" but nowhere near embarrassment levels like "The Made-to-Measure Murders" and "Blood on the Saddle". A decent 'Midsomer Murders' episode that falls short of being great.
Starting with the good things, 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. Love the chemistry between Barnaby and Jones and how property development and politics is explored in a sinister way. The murders are among the most imaginative and memorable of Seasons 10-13 (when the show became more uneven and showing signs of becoming stale), especially the malfunctioning electronic door one. Some nice twists and turns along the way and intriguing subplots too.
John Nettles and Jason Hughes are both superb, individually and together (their chemistry, and the chemistry with Daniel Casey and John Hopkins before Hughes, being a huge part of their episodes' charm).
At the same time, "Not in My Back Yard" is slightly routine with ideas that are familiar to 'Midsomer Murders' and have been done with more impact. Parts could have been elaborated upon a little more, such as the motives for the killings and especially the methods. Barnaby seemed out of character, being too sly and un-trusting and then making un-provable accusations.
In summary, decent episode that falls short of being great. 7/10 Bethany Cox