The Killings at Badger's Drift

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.

I have known about Midsomer for over 20 years, and I have watched the odd episode every now and then and really enjoyed it. it was purely coincidence that I came across this first episode and series link it so I could watch every episode in order. This first episode is great, really good introduction to all the characters and a great storyline. I am now looking forward to watching each episode in order over the summer months

I can't believe this was done back in 1997, how young to Barnaby and Troy look!!

In brief (without giving the game away) Emily Simpson is found murdered at her Cottage after witnessing something going on in the woods whilst searching for rare flowers. DCI Tom Barnaby, and his young Sergeant, Troy are called in to investigate, there is no shortage of suspects in the neighbourhood.

We get to know more about Tom Barnaby, we meet his wife and wannabe cook Joyce, and their daughter Cully.

Overall this is an excellent episode, some of these earlier episodes were so gloriously written, the characterisations were big, and somehow easily recognisable.

Renee Asherson although only a small part for her is excellent as Emily Simpson, as is fellow old lady Lucy Bellringer played by Rosalie Crutchley, who sadly died soon after this went out.

The Rainbirds are a great double act, Richard Cant and Elizabeth Spriggs bring some welcome humour, they bounce of each other brilliantly, no wonder they would both return in 2006's Dead Letters. I've mentioned a few cast members already, but there is a host of acting talent here, Jessica Hynes, Emily Mortimer, Jonathan Firth, Selina Cadell. It's a wonderful cast.

Midsomer Murders boasts one of the best theme tunes of all time, it's haunting melody is perfect for a Murder mystery.

Clearly The Killings at Badger's Drift worked, at now in 2015 the series is still going strong. It stands up to the tests of time very well, only Daniel Casey's curtains really give the game away.

I applaud the Killings at Badger's drift, it's a dark and macabre tale, gloriously acted. The duo work extremely well, and would for years to come.

9/10

The Killings at Badgers drift is a brilliant pilot episode. The locations used for filming have that old nostalgic feel as though you've stepped back in time a little, country cottages, country mansions, suspects including the local doctor, gamekeeper, etc. Barnaby is shown to be a fairly realistic depiction of a detective, a loving husband and father who doesn't drink himself silly or get into exciting car chases or anything. Troy is also a good sidekick for him. The range of slightly Eccentric characters is well done without pushing it and it's all really well and nicely acted. There is a slightly dark undertone to the plot but it's nicely balanced. The story has just the right amount of pacing that it never feels rushed or like it's dragging. The formula they established here would go on to serve them well.