Season 1 of 'Midsomer Murders' is mostly a brilliant season, with three classics ("The Killings at Badgers Drift", "Written in Blood" and this), one great episode ("Faithful unto Death") and one decent but disappointing one ("Death of a Hollow Man").
"Death in Disguise", as said, is one of the season's best and the best episode since "Written in Blood". As always, the production values are top notch, with to die for scenery, including a gorgeous stately mansion, 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.
Meanwhile, the script is smart, thought-provoking and suitably grim, with even some nice humour. The jokes about Joyce's cooking and Troy's driving are particularly funny, while the family scenes also have a lot of charm and heart. The characters are very colourful, just love May and found Tim easy to relate to.
The story is one of the show's most complex, darkest, most entertaining and most ceaselessly compelling, with a scintillating climax and a clever final solution. There is a lot going on 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.
John Nettles is superb as Barnaby, giving the role humour, intelligence and methodical thoughtfulness. Daniel Casey is a great contrasting partner as Troy, the two work wonders together. Jane Wymark does more than reliably, as do Laura Howard and Barry Jackson. In support Tim is movingly and likeably portrayed, while Michael Feast and Miles Anderson bring charisma and mystery to their roles (the former's role is particularly meaty), Judy Cornwall is an absolute hoot and Stephen Moyer excels in an early role.
In conclusion, brilliant last episode to the first season. 10/10 Bethany Cox
"Death in Disguise", as said, is one of the season's best and the best episode since "Written in Blood". As always, the production values are top notch, with to die for scenery, including a gorgeous stately mansion, 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.
Meanwhile, the script is smart, thought-provoking and suitably grim, with even some nice humour. The jokes about Joyce's cooking and Troy's driving are particularly funny, while the family scenes also have a lot of charm and heart. The characters are very colourful, just love May and found Tim easy to relate to.
The story is one of the show's most complex, darkest, most entertaining and most ceaselessly compelling, with a scintillating climax and a clever final solution. There is a lot going on 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.
John Nettles is superb as Barnaby, giving the role humour, intelligence and methodical thoughtfulness. Daniel Casey is a great contrasting partner as Troy, the two work wonders together. Jane Wymark does more than reliably, as do Laura Howard and Barry Jackson. In support Tim is movingly and likeably portrayed, while Michael Feast and Miles Anderson bring charisma and mystery to their roles (the former's role is particularly meaty), Judy Cornwall is an absolute hoot and Stephen Moyer excels in an early role.
In conclusion, brilliant last episode to the first season. 10/10 Bethany Cox