I can't believe this was done back in 1997, how young to Barnaby and Troy look!!
In brief (without giving the game away) Emily Simpson is found murdered at her Cottage after witnessing something going on in the woods whilst searching for rare flowers. DCI Tom Barnaby, and his young Sergeant, Troy are called in to investigate, there is no shortage of suspects in the neighbourhood.
We get to know more about Tom Barnaby, we meet his wife and wannabe cook Joyce, and their daughter Cully.
Overall this is an excellent episode, some of these earlier episodes were so gloriously written, the characterisations were big, and somehow easily recognisable.
Renee Asherson although only a small part for her is excellent as Emily Simpson, as is fellow old lady Lucy Bellringer played by Rosalie Crutchley, who sadly died soon after this went out.
The Rainbirds are a great double act, Richard Cant and Elizabeth Spriggs bring some welcome humour, they bounce of each other brilliantly, no wonder they would both return in 2006's Dead Letters. I've mentioned a few cast members already, but there is a host of acting talent here, Jessica Hynes, Emily Mortimer, Jonathan Firth, Selina Cadell. It's a wonderful cast.
Midsomer Murders boasts one of the best theme tunes of all time, it's haunting melody is perfect for a Murder mystery.
Clearly The Killings at Badger's Drift worked, at now in 2015 the series is still going strong. It stands up to the tests of time very well, only Daniel Casey's curtains really give the game away.
I applaud the Killings at Badger's drift, it's a dark and macabre tale, gloriously acted. The duo work extremely well, and would for years to come.
9/10