Not quite the best of the eighth season, like "Hidden Depths" which felt like classic 'Midsomer Murders' or the near classic "Bantling Boy", but a long way from the worst like the somewhat dull "Dead in the Water" and in particular the pretty disgraceful "Second Sight" (to me a show low-point).
Like Season 6's "Painted in Blood", "Sauce for the Goose" is different in that the body count is low, although in comparison to that episode "Sauce for the Goose" is darker and not as tame in terms of atmosphere. To me, "Sauce for the Goose" is a very good episode that executes pretty much all its components solidly, Only the pacing could have been improved on, with some of the middle third having benefited more from tighter and less rambling pacing and that some of the slightly repetitious family arguing was slightly trimmed. When it comes to criticisms though, that's pretty much it.
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. The relish factory is also a very unique setting for a murder mystery, well for 'Midsomer Murders' anyhow. The music fits perfectly, with some lush jauntiness and sometimes an ominous quality, 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, dynamic tension and bags of eccentric charm. The characters are suitably colourful, with Annette Crosbie's character being quite easy to warm to. Much of the story is compelling, and never simplistic or convoluted, nothing's obvious and everything is explained neatly with no signs of being confused.
John Nettles is superb, while matched ideally by John Hopkins and their spirited chemistry. Annette Crosbie's lovely performance stands out of the supporting turns.
Overall, "relish-boiling" stuff on the most part apart from dragging a tad in the middle. 8/10 Bethany Cox
Like Season 6's "Painted in Blood", "Sauce for the Goose" is different in that the body count is low, although in comparison to that episode "Sauce for the Goose" is darker and not as tame in terms of atmosphere. To me, "Sauce for the Goose" is a very good episode that executes pretty much all its components solidly, Only the pacing could have been improved on, with some of the middle third having benefited more from tighter and less rambling pacing and that some of the slightly repetitious family arguing was slightly trimmed. When it comes to criticisms though, that's pretty much it.
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. The relish factory is also a very unique setting for a murder mystery, well for 'Midsomer Murders' anyhow. The music fits perfectly, with some lush jauntiness and sometimes an ominous quality, 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, dynamic tension and bags of eccentric charm. The characters are suitably colourful, with Annette Crosbie's character being quite easy to warm to. Much of the story is compelling, and never simplistic or convoluted, nothing's obvious and everything is explained neatly with no signs of being confused.
John Nettles is superb, while matched ideally by John Hopkins and their spirited chemistry. Annette Crosbie's lovely performance stands out of the supporting turns.
Overall, "relish-boiling" stuff on the most part apart from dragging a tad in the middle. 8/10 Bethany Cox