When in its prime (a vast majority of Seasons 1-9), 'Midsomer Murders' was a great show and one that is watched and re-watched frequently. Seasons 10-13 became more uneven, with three of the show's worst episodes coming from Seasons 11 and 13, but there were a few solid episodes and "Blood Wedding" and especially "Master Class" were gems.
After John Nettles retired and Neil Dudgeon and the new character of John Barnaby took over, 'Midsomer Murders' just hasn't been the same, most of the reasons being detailed later in this review. Not all the John Barnaby-era episodes are awful, but too many were average at best and some were lame. "Dark Secrets" is an improvement over the okay at best "Death in the Slow Lane". But classic 'Midsomer Murders' or a return to form? No.
There are plenty of good things here. The production values as usual are wonderful, the idyllic look of it contrasting very well with the story's grimness, and quaint and atmospheric photography. 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.
Jason Hughes does his best to give an amusing charm and Fiona Dolman is pleasant enough in her debut. In support, an enjoyably hammy Edward Fox (if at times overdoing it) and wonderful Phyllida Law stand out. Sykes once again steals every scene he appears in, that's one adorable and funny dog. There is also one of the show's most imaginative murder methods in some time involving a pile of newspapers.
Neil Dudgeon looks more comfortable and a little less pompous and demeaning, but still plays the role a little too heavily and humourlessly. His chemistry with Jones, who is still a bit dumbed down but nowhere near as much a dolt as in the previous episode, is still bland but fares a little better with Dolman. The supporting characters are either bland or over-the-top, instead of being colourful and eccentric most of them are just nasty. Jeff Rawle isn't in the episode long enough to make much of an impression.
The script also feels too heavy and charmless, while the story is preposterous (yes even for latter years 'Midsomer Murders') while not only taking things too seriously and dragging out familiar themes too long but also for such dark themes doesn't feel dark enough. The ending, motives and murderer (all suspectable very early on) are all too obvious too soon.
In conclusion, better than "Death in the Slow Lane" but a return to form it isn't. 5/10 Bethany Cox
After John Nettles retired and Neil Dudgeon and the new character of John Barnaby took over, 'Midsomer Murders' just hasn't been the same, most of the reasons being detailed later in this review. Not all the John Barnaby-era episodes are awful, but too many were average at best and some were lame. "Dark Secrets" is an improvement over the okay at best "Death in the Slow Lane". But classic 'Midsomer Murders' or a return to form? No.
There are plenty of good things here. The production values as usual are wonderful, the idyllic look of it contrasting very well with the story's grimness, and quaint and atmospheric photography. 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.
Jason Hughes does his best to give an amusing charm and Fiona Dolman is pleasant enough in her debut. In support, an enjoyably hammy Edward Fox (if at times overdoing it) and wonderful Phyllida Law stand out. Sykes once again steals every scene he appears in, that's one adorable and funny dog. There is also one of the show's most imaginative murder methods in some time involving a pile of newspapers.
Neil Dudgeon looks more comfortable and a little less pompous and demeaning, but still plays the role a little too heavily and humourlessly. His chemistry with Jones, who is still a bit dumbed down but nowhere near as much a dolt as in the previous episode, is still bland but fares a little better with Dolman. The supporting characters are either bland or over-the-top, instead of being colourful and eccentric most of them are just nasty. Jeff Rawle isn't in the episode long enough to make much of an impression.
The script also feels too heavy and charmless, while the story is preposterous (yes even for latter years 'Midsomer Murders') while not only taking things too seriously and dragging out familiar themes too long but also for such dark themes doesn't feel dark enough. The ending, motives and murderer (all suspectable very early on) are all too obvious too soon.
In conclusion, better than "Death in the Slow Lane" but a return to form it isn't. 5/10 Bethany Cox