Neil Dudgeon is a great actor, but unfortunately his first two Midsomer episodes were frankly terrible, as they were written by the dreadful Michael Aitkens who simply writes pantomime characters and simplistic stories.
This episode is what Midsomer Murders is all about.
When a young woman is found strangled, dressed like a bride and laid in a bath, with a message in lipstick on the mirror reading "Blessed Be The Bride", it is clear someone dangerous is on the loose. It soon becomes clear a wedding-obsessed serial killer is at large when another innocent young woman is killed, dismembered, stuffed in a crate and sprinkled with rose petals. The maniac is copying murders from the early 20th century, but why? And who are they? Peter J Hammond rarely disappoints, and this was one of the best episodes ever. The story is gripping, the characters 3 dimensional and although its not a surprise who the truly repugnant serial killer turns out to be, it doesn't really matter as the climax is utterly terrifying, edge-of-the seat stuff.
Its a dark story, and as the other reviewer says, disturbing even for adults. Nick Laughland made his Midsomer directorial debut here and he is terrific. Some of the most creative and chilling scenes the series has seen. I think the episode was the first time i have ever felt uncomfortable watching Midsomer Murders. That is no bad thing. This is a murder drama and should not be light and fluffy.
An amazing episode. Hope this is an example of whats to come from the series. If it is, the show has plenty of life (or death) left in it yet.
This episode is what Midsomer Murders is all about.
When a young woman is found strangled, dressed like a bride and laid in a bath, with a message in lipstick on the mirror reading "Blessed Be The Bride", it is clear someone dangerous is on the loose. It soon becomes clear a wedding-obsessed serial killer is at large when another innocent young woman is killed, dismembered, stuffed in a crate and sprinkled with rose petals. The maniac is copying murders from the early 20th century, but why? And who are they? Peter J Hammond rarely disappoints, and this was one of the best episodes ever. The story is gripping, the characters 3 dimensional and although its not a surprise who the truly repugnant serial killer turns out to be, it doesn't really matter as the climax is utterly terrifying, edge-of-the seat stuff.
Its a dark story, and as the other reviewer says, disturbing even for adults. Nick Laughland made his Midsomer directorial debut here and he is terrific. Some of the most creative and chilling scenes the series has seen. I think the episode was the first time i have ever felt uncomfortable watching Midsomer Murders. That is no bad thing. This is a murder drama and should not be light and fluffy.
An amazing episode. Hope this is an example of whats to come from the series. If it is, the show has plenty of life (or death) left in it yet.