Midsomer Murders (TV Series) Murder of Innocence (2012) User Reviews

excellent episode

[blanche-2 · 8/10 · 7 September 2016]

I found this a particularly good episode, with lots of surprises along the way.

A teen named Grady Felton went to prison for killing Daniel Denning in 1994. Felton was from the wrong side of the tracks; the Dennings were landowners. Daniel apparently caught Grady poaching and Grady killed him.

Well, Grady is out of prison now and back in Binwell -- with a hit list, which includes Jones as well as the barristers who prosecuted him. And the people on the list start dying.

Then the pathologist discovers something interesting, and finally, Barnaby is able to solve the murders.

The script attempted, I think successfully, to humanize the new Barnaby more, as he prepares for a fitness test. Jones has a girlfriend who's a fireperson.

A lot was packed into this episode but it was a good story. I haven't watched Midsomer Murders in a while, but I'm back to it now. I'm looking forward to more like this.

Even more murders than usual!

[Tweekums · 8/10 · 22 March 2012]

As the episode opens Grady Felton returns to the Midsomer village of Binwell; he is not welcomed by the locals as he has spent time in prison for the murder of one of his friends back in the nineties. He had protested his innocence and while imprisoned wrote out a hit list of those he held responsible for his incarceration; the list includes Sgt. Jones who, as a young constable, was one of the arresting officers. The evening he gets back the first person on his list is killed; Jones is sure that Felton will be to blame but the evidence suggests he couldn't have done it. It looks even less likely that he is involved when his house is set on fire and he nearly dies. Before Barnaby and Jones can solve the case there will be more deaths and a few close calls. There is more going on this episode than just the case; Barnaby's wife is keen for him to join the local gym and have her trainer get him fit and Jones has got a girlfriend; a firefighter named Susie Bellingham.

This was another entertaining installment in the series containing everything that viewers have come to expect; plenty of murders, plenty of suspects and a reasonable number of laughs. It was nice to see Jones have some luck and get a girlfriend, Georgia Mackenzie did a good job in the role, it would be nice if she could become a recurring character. When we finally learn the details of the murder it came as quite a shock; I don't always guess the correct killer but it is rare that I don't even think of them as a suspect!

Tightly scripted, unpredictable ending, John Barnaby comes into his own, and same with Sergeant Jones

[safenoe · 9/10 · 20 December 2015]

Whenever I watch Midsomer, I can rule out the "obvious" suspects with a fair degree of certitude from the start, leaving the not-so- obvious ones to be revealed as the culprit(s) by one of the Barnaby cousins.

"Murder of Innocence" was an amazing exception as from the start any one of the aggrieved suspects could be the guilty ones, depending upon one's perspective and timeline. All credit to Elizabeth-Anne Wheal for her intriguing script which really kept the audience guessing up the final moment...and what a revelation as to the murderer's identity in more ways than one.

I appreciate John Nettle is missed as the original Barnaby, but I like how Neil Dudgeon is coming into his own as Barnaby Mark II, and good to see some back story on Sergeant Jones. It's wonderful to comprehend the full sentences of Barnaby Mark II, as I felt John Nettle's sentences came across as a bit incomplete at times.

Good Episode

[susanhudek53 · 9/10 · 24 October 2018]

There's a lot of "trash" talking about how much better Nettles is than Dudgeon. That's like comparing apples and oranges. No, the series hasn't declined because of the cast change. It's typical MM...good, fair and not so good episodes...just as in the Tom era. Neil Dudgeon is a different character completely, not a sub for another "Tom Baraby". I like him and Sarah and the cutie dog Sykes. People get off the Tom kick and embrace it for what it is...new actor..different character...different tone.

A Murder of Quality.

[Sleepin_Dragon · 9/10 · 17 March 2020]

Grady Felton is out of Prison having commited a murder in his youth, the locals are not happy. John has to deal with the case, and has a fitness test on the Horizon.

I'm watching this for the very first time, it has a vintage feel about it, it is a very high quality episode, loaded with twists and turns, it delivers some wonderful suspense and dramatic moments. It's a serious episode, there are a few minor moments of humour, but for the most part it's a straight down the line whodunnit.

I would go so far as to say this has a place in the top twenty episodes of all time, it is particularly good.

Sharon Duce was great I thought, Jamie Michie is terrific as The Barnaby's enthusiastic fitness instructor.

Terrific, 9/10.

Comparing apples to oranges

[slwenger · 6/10 · 23 February 2022]

My frustration with various reviews is the idea that we have to compare John Barnaby to Tom Barnaby, Joyce Barnaby to Sarah Barnaby and investigation styles from one detective to another. Poor Ben, single and available dares to have a girlfriend, and John is suddenly complacent and slow. Ben has lived there for a longer time and knows the people. John is getting his bearings.

Joyce was a stay-at-home mom, Sarah a working professional. Nothing wrong with either. Before the arrival of John, Joyce was criticized as a bit of a 'ditzy' blonde. But she often contributed to the investigations.

This episode is full of red herrings, but woven into an interesting and thoughtful story.

This episode has an amazing twist

[lbowdls · 10/10 · 31 May 2019]

This is one of these murder mysteries that fans of the genre - like myself- absolutely adore because there is a twist you don't see coming at all. Now I say that with caution as it might prematurely point you in the right direction by going for the least obvious, however I doubt it in this episode as the direction and plotting are just so brilliant. And it's not even about the least obvious suspect because that twist completely comes out of left field and changes the whole outlook of story. So many things going on in this episode which also makes it confusing to keep up with as well as making it a complex story, including Jones being in danger. Who is it from? This episode really keeps you guessing until the final minute!

Twist and Turn

[skipperkd · 6/10 · 6 May 2017]

This episode has plenty of characters, but basically it boils down to a newly released ex-convict named Grady Felton, who served 18 years for murdering a local, Daniel Denning. The story also revolves around the Gideon family (mother Mandy, sons Will and Kyle) and the wealthier Denning family (father Ted, daughter Deirdre, and long-dead son Daniel). There is also a drug dealer named Fred Burns. In addition, several scenes include Sarah Barnaby's gym coach and Ben Jones' new lover, firefighter Susie Bellingham. The dog Sykes appears in a few scenes, but nothing special (he stole the show in episode 14:6, when poor Barnaby got sick).

I was really surprised by the plot. Lots of twists and turns. Engrossing.

Shallow characterization: From one season to another, Sergeant Ben Jones never seems to become wiser or more reflective. He doesn't grow a cynical skin. He doesn't learn to dig deeper, even after 18 years with the police. As truths became apparent, I would have expected to see Jones engaged in some soul searching, or at least in contemplation, but that didn't happen. Instead we got a silly ending — coppers taking a physical fitness test.

Character growth is a major weakness in the writing throughout this entire series (even the first 13 seasons). For example, one would have expected to see Tom Barnaby's sidekick, young Sergeant Troy, grow and change. He needed to learn how to drive more carefully, and to more thoroughly question suspects (even the straight, the rich, and the beautiful). Alas, no.

Preposterous, but enjoyable.

[vitoscotti · 8/10 · 20 June 2022]

Writers have to be imaginative to make the story click. This was pretty way out there. It's ok if it's a fun watch. Barnaby is loosening up in season 5. Jones having a girlfriend is about time. Guest characters ok, but bland. Wish there was more Sarah (Fiona Dolman). Very good start to season 5.

Implausible solution to a good mystery

[wjspears · 7/10 · 26 February 2022]

As a lover of mystery novels, the ending of this episode of Midsomer Murders reminds me of some solutions in the "locked room" mysteries I loved to read.

The detective would announce how the impossible crime was committed, and at first I would subconsciously nod. But then the more I thought about the resolution, the more questions I had.

The ending to this episode did not quite play out like that. But the resolution, upon reflection, seemed more implausible, the more I thought about it. The amount of long range planning that must have been required to pull off the initial subterfuge seems overwhelming.

Add to that, the practical question of how the killer knew that the man in a coma had just woken up?

There were things to like about this episode. The suspects were interesting, although I would agree that they could have gone with a couple fewer. I am also enjoying how the producers are using Sarah Barnaby in these episodes. Her involvement is much more believable than many of the ways the producers "shoe-horned" in Joyce Barnaby.

But for me, solutions to a mystery needs to follow some logic in terms of believability of being carried out successfully.

Knockout blow

[xmasdaybaby1966 · 8/10 · 28 December 2020]

It has to be said that the show has lost something since John Nettles left (there seems to be fewer of John's RSC associates that made for such surreal characters and great storylines) but this is one of the better ones since Neil Dudgeon took over the lead role (having said that, if you know the basic plots for the show then the murderer generally isn't hard to predict. It's a tradition that a Mrs. Barnaby either is involved with the plot or says something profound that leads to the unmasking of the culprit). A good watch, and a good use of the now shorter episodes.

Innocent until proved guilty

[TheLittleSongbird · 7/10 · 5 March 2017]

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, if anybody's read my reviews for the Season 14 episodes the reasons are detailed in those. After a mostly disappointing Season 14, apart from two good episodes and a decent one, Season 15 gets off to a very good if not quite classic start. Luckily that promising start continues into "Murder of Innocence".

Once again, am still not crazy about the characters of Sarah and Kate. Sarah has very little charm and warmth, pretty self-centred actually at times, and her chemistry with John is not really one of two people in love let alone husband and wife. Kate is just bland with little personality.

Can definitely understand too the criticisms of too many supporting characters. Loved that there were a lot of suspects, with previous episodes having cases with too few suspects making things less suspenseful or surprising, and that mostly they are of the eccentric and interesting kind rather than the dull and over-the-top kind that many of the previous season's episodes had. This said, there were so many supporting characters in "Murder of Innocence" that it was not always easy figuring out who was who and a few of them are given too much short shrift, including the murderer.

As always however, the production values in "Murder of Innocence" cannot be faulted as usual, it's beautifully and atmospherically shot with suitably picturesque scenery. The music fits perfectly, with some lush jauntiness and sometimes an ominous quality, and the haunting theme tune is one of the most memorable and instantly recognisable of the genre.

The story itself is fun with a creepy atmosphere, wisely on the most part not taking itself too seriously while rarely descending into over-silliness even with the odd preposterous idea (then again even classic 'Midsomer Murders' had silly parts). It is easy to follow without being simplistic and has enough twists and turns and eccentric characters without being confusing. The script likewise doesn't feel as heavy as the later seasons tended to be.

Don't have as much a problem with Barnaby, who is not as smug or as disdainful as he can be. Jones isn't as much of an idiot and his subplot is a nice touch and doesn't slow things down, and the chemistry between the two is not as mean-spirited. The ending is on the silly side, but is nowhere near as contrived or as convoluted as "Death in the Slow Lane's", and there is a stronger sense of peril and less stoic expectation.

Much of the acting is good, while adorable and comedically gifted Sykes continues to be a scene-stealer.

In conclusion, decent second episode to a so far much improved fifteenth season. 7/10 Bethany Cox

Not worth seeing twice, you won't remember anyway who is who.

[dsmoscowrent · 2/10 · 1 April 2013]

A very unusual episode in many ways. First of all, the characters you have already got used to start behaving in an unusual way. John Barnaby turns out to be a complacent and arrogant man which he wasn't in the last series. Sergeant Jones is in the middle of a relationship (?) with a girl from the fire brigade. And what is happening to Barnaby's wife? Why does she keep on changing her hobbies and passions from one episode to another? Second thing, the number of secondary characters is so big that you can hardly remember who is who. Some characters pop up without even being shown at all like some woman barrister who got burned (or do I get things mixed up? Whatever). The characters get killed very easily, without any plan or any certain scheme, just for the sake of the elimination. Nevertheless there is almost no-one to suspect! All remaining characters are so uninteresting and pallid that you don't even expect them to turn out as culprits. But the identity of the killer is another "pleasant" surprise. Not only had he been barely shown before, he is the personal acquaintance of Mrs. Barnaby. What a striking coincidence! Though totally unusual this episode might be, it is totally far-fetched and unconvincing that you start yawning on the 10th minute.

Midsomer changed for the worst

[ctyankee1 · 23 January 2013]

This episode with the new DCI John Barnaby has a lot of trash in it. Neil Dudgeon plays John Barnaby is much different than the former one. He is arrogant, confident, smart, focused on himself and his self centered wife who goes to the gym, practices yoga and runs. She takes up to much of the episodes from here on. Plus there is too much kissing.

It kind of reminds me of Inspector Morse always with a glass of ale, enough is enough.

In this episode DC Jones goes to bed with a female firewoman. This never happened in the other episodes with the other characters Troy or Barnaby. They were decent family people. The writers are really trashing this series with Neil Dudgeon, maybe that is why John Nettles.

This episode is about a man named Grady that goes to jail for killing a young friend. All the kids and adults are connected in this small village. Then Grady the killer is released from jail many years later and treated terrible by the inhabitants of the town he goes back to where the killing took place.

There are a lot of characters, a lot of murders and very violent -- sometimes confusing who is who. It has a surprise ending and some of it is so unbelievable like what happened to Grady in jail.

Neil Dudgeon is a good actor, Jason Hughes is a good actor too but, he acts too tough like a wise guy. I am happy the series continued but I do not like the new style or some of the tacky language.

The series before these with John Nettles as Barnaby was much better.

Dark-Literally

[vintagegeek · 6/10 · 26 April 2019]

This episode was the typical round house of suspects all in the same family with a bullying father, plus a couple outliers. Confusing to track and seems to have been all shot at night...totally losing the Midsomer quaintness one expects. It's not an episode you look forward to seeing again.

Poor police work, high body count

[yerwan1 · 5/10 · 21 March 2020]

Disappointing episode. The "new" Barnaby doesn't start figuring things out until half the suspects have been murdered. I like the Midsomer series but too often it takes multiple murders, frequently gruesome, before whichever Barnaby figures things out. Barnaby and Jones seem adrift - confused and showing questionable judgment and slow sleuthing skills. The episode is saved by a good solution but inept police work and the high body count make this a weaker entry in the series.