"Painted in Blood" is somewhat of a departure from the 'Midsomer Murders' norm. The body count is low and when it comes to grimness it's pretty tame compared to most 'Midsomer Murders' episodes.
This said, it is still an interesting episode and more than worth watching. It is agreed that more time could have been devoted to the mystery/murder aspect of the story, because while still very intriguing and well done it didn't feature enough. The pacing could have tightened up a little too in places.
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 occasional grimness, and quaint and atmospheric photography. The music fits perfectly, and the theme tune one of the most memorable and instantly recognisable of the genre.
Meanwhile, the script is smart and thought-provoking often with some lovely quirky humour and bags of charm.
A vast majority of the story is incredibly compelling, and never simplistic. There is a lot going on mostly without being cluttered or rushed (remarkable for an episode that as ever is heavy in exposition), while the twists, turns and red herrings keep coming.
John Nettles as always is a joy as Barnaby, with Daniel Casey contrasting him with ease. Jane Wymark brings a good deal of charm to the episode too, and her painting class subplot was a nice idea done well. Of the uniformly fine supporting cast, Leslie Phillips, Matthew Marsh and Andrew Lancel are the ones most familiar to me and all three acquit themselves very well.
In conclusion, not one of my favourite 'Midsomer Murders' episodes but even when different it had a lot of intrigue and it is still a good episode. 8/10 Bethany Cox
This said, it is still an interesting episode and more than worth watching. It is agreed that more time could have been devoted to the mystery/murder aspect of the story, because while still very intriguing and well done it didn't feature enough. The pacing could have tightened up a little too in places.
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 occasional grimness, and quaint and atmospheric photography. The music fits perfectly, and the theme tune one of the most memorable and instantly recognisable of the genre.
Meanwhile, the script is smart and thought-provoking often with some lovely quirky humour and bags of charm.
A vast majority of the story is incredibly compelling, and never simplistic. There is a lot going on mostly without being cluttered or rushed (remarkable for an episode that as ever is heavy in exposition), while the twists, turns and red herrings keep coming.
John Nettles as always is a joy as Barnaby, with Daniel Casey contrasting him with ease. Jane Wymark brings a good deal of charm to the episode too, and her painting class subplot was a nice idea done well. Of the uniformly fine supporting cast, Leslie Phillips, Matthew Marsh and Andrew Lancel are the ones most familiar to me and all three acquit themselves very well.
In conclusion, not one of my favourite 'Midsomer Murders' episodes but even when different it had a lot of intrigue and it is still a good episode. 8/10 Bethany Cox