The Killings at Badger's Drift

I have just come back to the first series which is based on the original books. You soon realise how different the series was to what is has become 20 odd years later. The episodes were longer back then due to fewer adverts on ITV so you have an extra 10 minutes or so of content. The un-PC comments of Troy are hard to believe now and, on reflection, if the show was made like thisnow, it would have Barnaby in need of educating by his younger colleague rather than the other way around. Having said that, the show has a good plot line with a great sense of humour that doesn't seem quite the same in later series. Some people will no doubt be disturbed by the reason for the murders and perhaps the charachters stereotype rural England but I am sure there are villages out there like Badger's Drift.

I have never been disappointed with any of the mysteries from across the "POND". The plots are always so unique and absorbing. The acting is always superb making you feel as if you were actually there. Some of the dialects can be such that it is imperative that one is not distracted whilst viewing. I must admit I get so absorbed that nothing can cause me to be distracted. This particular offering is another masterpiece and certainly maintains the standard which we are accustomed to.

Midsomer Murders is one of my favorite detective shows, it's just great in virtually everything. I love it for its color, rustic atmosphere, bright characters, humor, intriguing stories, originality, creepy music and wonderful main characters. "The Killings at Badger's Drift" is a good episode and one of the best starts in the detective genre. Most TV series and, consequently, their pilots, do not do without a finding-its-feet feel, but not Midsomer Murders and not "The Killings at Badgers Drift". The plot of this episode is quite intriguing, quite twisted, although it does not do without a few nonsense and stretch. In this episode, a whole host of colorful characters, namely: Iris and Dennis Rainbird, Lucy Bellringer and Phyllis Cadell, all brilliantly played and superbly written. The atmosphere is great, creating a truly classic episode of such a great show. The music is perfect, both the main theme and the rustic composition at the beginning. However, even such a seemingly exceptional episode is not without its drawbacks. I frankly did not like one of the final moves, which was quite unpleasant, and there are a lot of plot stretches and nonsense. However, I can't say that this episode is annoying or objectionable, because there are too many great things in it. I also love the last few minutes of the series so much, when Barnaby is in the theater, it's really great, and it gave me goosebumps. All in all, a great, if not perfect episode, and one of the best starts that can be. 9/10

Nineteen years on from when it first started, 'Midsomer Murders' has always been a favourite and is never missed when it's on. Some episodes are better than others (for example, the show's stories did become silly and not as interesting once John Nettles left and Neil Dudgeon took over), but when the show was good, goodness wasn't it great.

"The Killings at Badgers Drift" was the episode that started it all back in 1997. As of now, it is still one of the best episodes of the show. 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. As does Jane Wymark, whose Joyce is strongly characterised with humour and sympathy. Laura Howard is good enough, as is Barry Jackson in the medical examiner role.

Of the strong supporting cast, Elizabeth Spriggs in particular has an absolute ball, with Richard Cant sharing a very entertaining rapport. Jonathan Firth, Julian Glover, Emily Mortimer and Selina Cadell fare strongly also.

It's an incredibly well-made episode, beautifully photographed with gorgeously idyllic scenery that contrasts very well with the grimness of the story. The music fits perfectly, and the theme tune one of the most memorable and instantly recognisable of the genre. The script is smart, thought-provoking and suitably grim, with even some nice humour (mainly revolved around Joyce's experimental cooking).

Regarding the mystery, it's one of the most compelling, complex and fun of all the episodes on 'Midsomer Murders', complete with a disturbing atmosphere. The Rainbirds' murders are unforgettably brutal, while the ending and final solution is one of the show's most shocking.

In summary, a brilliant start to an at its best terrific show. 10/10 Bethany Cox

The saddest thing about this first episode is the question: How will they match the first one. The case is as complex as it can get. An elderly lady is out looking for a wild orchid species to photograph when she sees something. She is stunned and gets on her adult tricycle and scoots back home. She manages to make a phone call, but soon someone is at her door and it results in her death. She has been bludgeoned. Soon we are in the middle of a gaggle of characters from a young gay undertaker who lives with his snooping/blackmailing mother. A doctor who has a wife who is sleeping all over the place and spending all his money. A wealthy family whose mother has been killed during a quail hunt and where an older man in a wheelchair is going to marry his beautiful young Ward. I'm not scratching the surface of the intrigues that are going on. We are also introduced to DCI Barnaby and Sgt. Troy (his less than stellar partner). It is Barnaby who is the brains of the outfit. He is insightful and thorough, frequently giving of his time to search down leads. Of course, hardly anyone is forthcoming. I had heard about this series for years and am glad I am embarking on the journey.