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 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.

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.

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

Hard to believe, but after 16 years, Midsomer Murders is still in production, now with a new star, Neil Dudgeon, who plays the original Inspector Barnaby's cousin. John Nettles left the show in 2011, at the age of 68, and appears to have retired, as has his character.

"The Killing at Badger's Drift," from 1997, was a good start to the series - a good, dark story that introduces the audience to Barnaby and his assistant at that time, Sgt Gavin Troy (Daniel Casey).

When an elderly woman is found dead in her home, it looks like it could have been an accident. On further investigation, though, it seems as though she was murdered. She had called a helpline after returning from a sojourn in the woods, where she was looking for a particular orchid, and then she made a call that wasn't completed. Her neighbor believes she was murdered because she didn't padlock her bicycle, and she slammed her door, which she never did.

The helpline operator is unable to tell Barnaby and Troy much, except that the woman was upset and said, "Just like poor Annabella." Who is Annabella? They don't know.

Two other murders follow, and soon the case involves not only murder but blackmail, false alibis, a previous accident that perhaps wasn't one, a confession, and something else extremely unpalatable and unexpected.

In this episode, we're also introduced to Barnaby's wife Joyce (Jane Wymark) and his daughter, aspiring actress Cully (Laura Howard).

Daniel Casey left the series in 2003, but shows up for Cully's wedding in 2008. I've always had a soft spot for him, maybe because he was Barnaby's first partner.

I love this series, and this was a great beginning.