Not classic 'Midsomer Murders' by all means. However it is the second best episode of Season 4 after "Destroying Angel" and a huge improvement over the rather bland "Who Killed Cock Robin?" and particularly the weird, convoluted, underdeveloped and over-stuffed "The Electric Vendetta".
After the disappointing two-episode slump, Season 4 is now back on the right track with "Dark Autumn", which serves as a strong season to a variable fourth season. My only complaints actually are the episode just lacking the quirkiness and eccentricities that are such a big part of 'Midsomer Murders' at its best and the motives for the killings which are agreed outrageous and it's hard to swallow that anybody would kill so brutally for the reasons given.
However, as always, the production values are top notch, with to die for scenery, the idyllic look of it contrasting very well with the story's grimness, and quaint and atmospheric photography. Also loved the 1950s nostalgic look in some scenes, so elegantly and evocatively depicted. The music fits perfectly, and the theme tune one of the most memorable and instantly recognisable of the genre.
Meanwhile, the script is smart, thought-provoking and suitably grim, the humour also being a breath of fresh air. Nothing felt inconsequential, everything had a point and it was intriguing and maintained attention throughout. The story is absorbing and suitably grim, complete with a chemistry between Troy and Jay that does not thankfully threaten to grind things to a halt. More quirky and eccentric humour would have been more welcome this said, as well as characters somewhat less bland than how written here.
Acting is very good, superb in the case of John Nettles, and his chemistry with Daniel Casey (a great contrast as ever as Troy), Jane Wymark (love their loving chemistry) and Barry Jackson always convincing and more. An agreed exceptional Alan Howard gives the best performance of the supporting cast, while Nicky Henson, Celia Imrie and Gillian Kearney are perfectly fine too.
In conclusion, a strong episode if not one of the best. 8/10 Bethany Cox
After the disappointing two-episode slump, Season 4 is now back on the right track with "Dark Autumn", which serves as a strong season to a variable fourth season. My only complaints actually are the episode just lacking the quirkiness and eccentricities that are such a big part of 'Midsomer Murders' at its best and the motives for the killings which are agreed outrageous and it's hard to swallow that anybody would kill so brutally for the reasons given.
However, as always, the production values are top notch, with to die for scenery, the idyllic look of it contrasting very well with the story's grimness, and quaint and atmospheric photography. Also loved the 1950s nostalgic look in some scenes, so elegantly and evocatively depicted. The music fits perfectly, and the theme tune one of the most memorable and instantly recognisable of the genre.
Meanwhile, the script is smart, thought-provoking and suitably grim, the humour also being a breath of fresh air. Nothing felt inconsequential, everything had a point and it was intriguing and maintained attention throughout. The story is absorbing and suitably grim, complete with a chemistry between Troy and Jay that does not thankfully threaten to grind things to a halt. More quirky and eccentric humour would have been more welcome this said, as well as characters somewhat less bland than how written here.
Acting is very good, superb in the case of John Nettles, and his chemistry with Daniel Casey (a great contrast as ever as Troy), Jane Wymark (love their loving chemistry) and Barry Jackson always convincing and more. An agreed exceptional Alan Howard gives the best performance of the supporting cast, while Nicky Henson, Celia Imrie and Gillian Kearney are perfectly fine too.
In conclusion, a strong episode if not one of the best. 8/10 Bethany Cox