The House in the Woods

Just watching this episode, but don't know how I missed it before. This must be Jones's promotion from uniform to plain clothes detective. He is such a natural! I adore John Nettles, hate Jane Wymark for being Barnaby's on-screen wife. I rarely miss an episode - or the repeats - and want to go there! Midsomer is my fantasy of Mother England, and no doubt the fantasy of many people who still live there. Midsomer Murders is for all those Australians who have never been to England and the best tourist advertisement for those who want to go there. Sadly, they will be disappointed. Stay home and watch Midsomer Murders on the telly and dream... It's Famous Five for grown-ups! Some of the last vestiges of pommy England. And I love it!

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.

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

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 house-hunting couple are found dead shortly after viewing a supposedly haunted cottage. Locals claim the property is cursed - but Barnaby and Jones soon hear enough to suspect several builders, developers and estate agents of resorting to murder.

A fun, spooky episode with some creepy atmosphere and the usual bunch of suspects. It's a good idea, thought provoking at times and is full of twists.