As said before, the 12th season is not of "Midsomer Murders" best. There are a lot of average to solid episodes in that season, but not any great ones. "Small Mercies" though is arguably the best episode of the 12th season.
Let's start with the good aspects, shall we?
. The production values of the episode are great as usual. The direction's fine and the music fits the scenery. The acting's pretty good overall. John Nettles and Jason Hughes are wonderful in the leads, but out of the very good guest stars Caroline Blakiston, Margaret Tyzack and especially Olivia Colman fare the best.
. The story has some interesting twists and turns. The grim atmosphere is well handled and the murder of Richard Tanner is one of the darkest of the series. There is also some wry humor, which helps to balance this dark story.
But....
. The characters of this story could have been, agreed, a lot more interesting. The first murder victim was not very well developed at all. Do agree too that the solution was not as satisfying as it could have been.
Overall, solid, though not great.
7/10 HK.
Let's start with the good aspects, shall we?
. The production values of the episode are great as usual. The direction's fine and the music fits the scenery. The acting's pretty good overall. John Nettles and Jason Hughes are wonderful in the leads, but out of the very good guest stars Caroline Blakiston, Margaret Tyzack and especially Olivia Colman fare the best.
. The story has some interesting twists and turns. The grim atmosphere is well handled and the murder of Richard Tanner is one of the darkest of the series. There is also some wry humor, which helps to balance this dark story.
But....
. The characters of this story could have been, agreed, a lot more interesting. The first murder victim was not very well developed at all. Do agree too that the solution was not as satisfying as it could have been.
Overall, solid, though not great.
7/10 HK.