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.
Season 12 mostly was a very mixed bag, with none of the episodes being disasters but the best ones ("Small Mercies" and "The Black Book") being only decent. No 'Midsomer Murders' low-points but no classics either. Despite being for me the weakest of the season, that is still true for "The Great and The Good". Not an awful episode, nor is it a great one, instead somewhat average.
There are strengths here in "The Great and The Good", as is always the case in even the weakest episodes (have yet to see an episode with no redeeming qualities). 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, as well as a genuinely creepy look in places. 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.
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 and what keeps it afloat). Jane Wymark is similarly amusing and charming. Can't fault the supporting cast either, with a deliciously loathsome Suzanne Burden and an affecting Nancy Carroll. Parts of the script are thoughtful and humorous.
However, the story could have been much better. There is the odd bit of creepiness and some good ideas, not used to full potential due to too much of it veering on the wrong side of ridiculous and senseless. The final solution is underwhelming, with unbelievably flimsy and clichéd motives (the "they killed for that" kind) and a killer practically anonymous for most of the episode that the reveal feels almost random.
Parts don't feel explored enough, and "The Great and The Good" also feels somewhat dull and pointless due to never once doubting Connie's innocence.
To conclude, not bad or awful but not particularly good and certainly not great. Average fare. 5/10 Bethany Cox
