When in its prime (a vast majority of Seasons 1-9), 'Midsomer Murders' was a great show and one that is watched and re-watched frequently. Seasons 10-13 became more uneven, with three of the show's worst episodes coming from Seasons 11 and 13, but there were a few solid episodes and "Blood Wedding" and especially "Master Class" were gems.
After John Nettles retired and Neil Dudgeon and the new character of John Barnaby took over, 'Midsomer Murders' just hasn't been the same, if anybody's read my reviews for the Season 14 episodes the reasons are detailed in those. After a mostly disappointing Season 14, apart from two good episodes and a decent one, Season 15 gets off to a very good if not quite classic start. Luckily that promising start continues into "Murder of Innocence".
Once again, am still not crazy about the characters of Sarah and Kate. Sarah has very little charm and warmth, pretty self-centred actually at times, and her chemistry with John is not really one of two people in love let alone husband and wife. Kate is just bland with little personality.
Can definitely understand too the criticisms of too many supporting characters. Loved that there were a lot of suspects, with previous episodes having cases with too few suspects making things less suspenseful or surprising, and that mostly they are of the eccentric and interesting kind rather than the dull and over-the-top kind that many of the previous season's episodes had. This said, there were so many supporting characters in "Murder of Innocence" that it was not always easy figuring out who was who and a few of them are given too much short shrift, including the murderer.
As always however, the production values in "Murder of Innocence" cannot be faulted as usual, it's beautifully and atmospherically shot with suitably picturesque scenery. The music fits perfectly, with some lush jauntiness and sometimes an ominous quality, and the haunting theme tune is one of the most memorable and instantly recognisable of the genre.
The story itself is fun with a creepy atmosphere, wisely on the most part not taking itself too seriously while rarely descending into over-silliness even with the odd preposterous idea (then again even classic 'Midsomer Murders' had silly parts). It is easy to follow without being simplistic and has enough twists and turns and eccentric characters without being confusing. The script likewise doesn't feel as heavy as the later seasons tended to be.
Don't have as much a problem with Barnaby, who is not as smug or as disdainful as he can be. Jones isn't as much of an idiot and his subplot is a nice touch and doesn't slow things down, and the chemistry between the two is not as mean-spirited. The ending is on the silly side, but is nowhere near as contrived or as convoluted as "Death in the Slow Lane's", and there is a stronger sense of peril and less stoic expectation.
Much of the acting is good, while adorable and comedically gifted Sykes continues to be a scene-stealer.
In conclusion, decent second episode to a so far much improved fifteenth season. 7/10 Bethany Cox
