The Christmas Haunting

I can't believe the high ratings here as I've never been able to get into this episode. I can't keep up with the plot or the characters and quite frankly I don't want to get into any of the characters who are ordinary at best and abhorrent at worse. Zero care for the victim nor fascinated by the murderer.

I really enjoyed Ben Jones' (Jason Hughes) work on MM. But, probably was due for a change. Change can be tricky. DS Charlie Nelson (Gwilym Lee) was outstanding for a first episode. An instant tense rapport with John Barnaby (Neil Dudgeon). JB shows arrogance with Nelson early. Even with a steady flow of bodies falling like flies continually under his watch. Pretty Sarah (Fiona Dolman) is a mismatch for chunky toupeed JB. Very entertaining tense story that had stand out guest sctors. A virtual Ms England beauty pageant again. Wish there was more lovely Kate Wilding (Tazmin Malleson) who is a wonderful actress. The Christmas pulling at the heartstrings theme was coordinated smoothly with the ending.

Jones has gone, and gets the honorary mention, and in steps DS Nelson. Gwilym Lee is destined for big things, and I imagine that Midsomer Murders had a big hand in launching him.

The story is very good, it has a creepy vibe, it feels very up to date, it has some great characters, and deals with many relevant issues. The story is not Christmassy per se, at times it feels like bits are added on. Who cares, it's a great story.

Elizabeth Berrington and Les Dennis are the standouts for me, both wonderful. Nelson started off very well, he's blunt, abrasive, and ballsy, a real departure from Jones. He should have continued in this way.

I'd imagine if a Christmas special were made bow, itv would transmit it the following Easter, such is the channel's treatment of the show.

The plot is plausible. The new assistant is better written. He actually has some better lines. Poor Jones was written has merely a hindrance with poor theories. I wish they wouldn't make the chief detective so negative. His unconcern for his new assistant and how he can't managed to help a new fellow settle in is off putting...must be funny for the Brits. While the Christmas theme offers a nice backdrop and adds to the plot, it is odd seeing professed atheists celebrating it.

With "The Christmas Haunting" beginning season 16, Ben Jones is gone, now promoted to Inspector in Brighton.

The Barnabys are expecting a baby.

And there's a new sergeant in town.

The new sergeant is Charlie Nelson, a young man overwhelmed by the work but managing to keep up. He's also bright and industrious. Barnaby and Nelson are called in to investigate the death of Conor Bridgeman, which happened in a house where "ghost hunts" are done.

Actually, the married Conor was using the hunt as an excuse to have a tryst. Also, he had attempted to buy the house, but the owner, Simon Fergus-Johnson, refused to sell to him. No love lost there.

The list of people who had something against the womanizing Conor goes on -- the local historian hated him because Conor had seduced his daughter.

So although the murder takes place in a so-called haunted house, there's nothing ectoplasmic about it. But someone is sending out pamphlets warning residents not to disturb the spirits, who will get their revenge.

Then at a second ghost hunt, there is another murder. This time it's a pub landlord, Ross Clymer. He is the lover of Simon Fergus-Johnson's wife. He's also an enemy of Ollie Tabori, who is AWOL from the army. Ollie is Simon's sister Valerie's old boyfriend.

Well, with all that, Barnaby decides these murders have something to do with the family and using ghosts as a cover.

Underlying all this is Christmas, the very pregnant Mrs. Barnaby, and Nelson getting adjusted in a new town at Christmas. Despite her pregnancy, Barnaby's wife has a lot of questions about the new sergeant and seems to want to fix him up with someone. It turns out to be a warm and sweet episode. I wish I had seen it during the Christmas season - it does put you in the mood.