I thought this was a good Midsomer Murders, with some slimy characters.
In the village of Great Pelfe, conservationists are fighting a proposed development there, feeling it will destroy the integrity of the village. Some say it's a scam and will never be built; it will be proved too expensive and then the project will be bought out by a shopping mall development - which is a common way to get a mall into a village.
Maureen Stubbs is one of the most vocal opponents, and doesn't mind calling people names in public. She is found dead not long after the episode begins.
There are two more murders, the next two absolutely dreadful, as Barnaby and Jones hone in on the killer, knowing it has to do with this development and the fight going on in the village. Before it's over, they will discover a traitor to the conservationist cause, a lot of sleeping around, and someone who doesn't mind doing whatever has to be done to get a desired goal - including gruesome murders.
This one pulls out all the stops for ugly murders and a couple of loathsome characters and keeps one interested. The only problem I had was with the way Barnaby asked the questions. He sounded really sly and as if he doubted everything the person answered before he answered. It was a little strange.
A solid episode.