The House in the Woods

A creepy, run down house in the middle of the woods is place of terror, and a wonderful setting for murder. Barnaby is called in, less his sidekick 'Scott,' but on hand to help is young Constable Scott.

The usual bunch of eccentric locals as would be expected, the traditional glory countryside, but there is more to this episode then normal, Jones makes a fantastic addition, adding a wry humour. The characters are really well drawn for this episode, Ruth Gemmell and David Westhead are both excellent, but it's the much missed George Baker that adds the extra touch of class, he is superb. It's a fairly complex plot, with a wonderful and unexpected twist at the end.

I always appreciate a link back to the past, and we once again see the Feathers Hotel mentioned, previously seen in Market for Murder.

They had a phase of having that infuriating siren going off whenever we saw a Police car. I'm glad that doesn't happen in new episodes.

One of the best Midsomer Murders episodes 9/10

I do love this episode for the most part. Angsty teens mixed with good ones, older townsfolk mixed with young ones... as is real life. But for the life of me, it has never made sense why the couple that were looking to buy the house were murdered. The murderer was WANTING to sell but he kills the people that want to buy..... makes no sense. I,too, wondered why Scott left. He was a bit off at first... thinking he was too good for midsomer, flirting all the time.... but he seemed to be finding his place as the series went on and took the role more seriously. Towards the end of season 8 he was actually being a detective and doing a good job. Wish someone would close the loop on why he left.

I love connecting dots. I love spotting people I know from other British shows or return guest actors doing other roles. Also, finding famous people before they became famous...

A nice episode after a rather dull one. In this offering, an old house which has fallen into disrepair, becomes the object of a real estate agent. The problem is that the house is said to be haunted, filled with histories of gory deaths and mishaps. Two people who expressed interest in the place are found garroted in their car. We find out later that it is piano wire that has been used to do the deed. As a matter of fact, anyone who expresses interest in the place is put off. When Banaby and Jones (the next sidekick) come on the scene, they find that the agents have been up to something. Soon the female agent meets a similar fate with her neck cut by a wire. A young boy has been going to the house and meeting a kindly man. He lies about this relationship and this sets the solving of the case back a bit. This is a nice episode because there are quite worthy clues and a zinger at the end. Nice introduction to the new agent.

After Season 8 ended on a whimper with "Midsomer Rhapsody", Season 9 starts with a big bang with "The House in the Woods". It also signals the introduction of Jones, and even in his first episode he proves himself to be a worthy new partner, bringing refreshing wry humour that hits the right note and shares great rapport with Barnaby.

The production values as always are top notch, with to die for scenery (with the house in the woods being like a foreboding character of its own), the idyllic look of it contrasting very well with the story's grimness, and quaint and atmospheric photography. 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.

Meanwhile, the script is smart and thought-provoking with some nice quirky humour, a grimness and with characters that are colourful and eccentric. The story is very absorbing, never simplistic, often creepy in atmosphere, never confusing and the maturity that 'Midsomer Murders' has when on form is more than evident here.

Notable also for a genuinely unexpected and frankly ingenious ending and for one of the show's best ever guest star performance in George Baker. John Nettles is a joy, and Jason Hughes is appealing enough in his debut episode. All the acting is great, with the top plaudits going to Baker.

Overall, wonderful start to Season 9 and one of the better episodes of the mid/later seasons. 10/10 Bethany Cox

There was no need to kill the couple who were just looking at the house. The entire episode starts on a totally useless murder. I do like the performance of the two sons. they are the one bright spot and the closest to reality of young boys.