I thought this episode was enjoyable and I agree it feels like old school MSM with original, elaborate murders and secrets from the past that relate to present events. I enjoyed the setting more usual, and that's saying a lot since it's so routinely great in this show, with most action taking place in and around the gorgeous, old mill in summer, the neighboring farm, and the local pub. It was a really feast for the eyes.
I know people often say they want more of Winter, and his role did seem more front and center here than in recent seasons, so people should be pleased. Sarah's friend was perhaps a bit too over the top annoying, to the point where I was asking why Sarah was friends with such a horrible woman. It seems she could have been written a little differently yet still got under Barnaby's skin. However I enjoyed the baking class that briefly turned into the Great British Bake Off. And I enjoyed the friend throwing herself at Winter. But in general on the show, Sarah seems to be more of a plot device than a real person. She has some new interest every week (that we never hear about again) and not great friends. She doesn't seem like a real person from season to season.
Many of the characters in this episode were less likable than usual. The couple running the pub were a nightmare. And I've seen that actress elsewhere and really like her, so casting wasn't the problem. The Italian woman, the reporter, the cheating husband, the thief - all dreadful people. Usually, even though the characters each week are flawed, they still have charm or earn sympathy. This was my biggest issue with the story.
But overall it was fun following the twists and turns of the investigation. It was possible to figure out who done it as things went along but the finer details were only revealed at the end. And of course, the scenery was the real star. A very solid episode.
I know people often say they want more of Winter, and his role did seem more front and center here than in recent seasons, so people should be pleased. Sarah's friend was perhaps a bit too over the top annoying, to the point where I was asking why Sarah was friends with such a horrible woman. It seems she could have been written a little differently yet still got under Barnaby's skin. However I enjoyed the baking class that briefly turned into the Great British Bake Off. And I enjoyed the friend throwing herself at Winter. But in general on the show, Sarah seems to be more of a plot device than a real person. She has some new interest every week (that we never hear about again) and not great friends. She doesn't seem like a real person from season to season.
Many of the characters in this episode were less likable than usual. The couple running the pub were a nightmare. And I've seen that actress elsewhere and really like her, so casting wasn't the problem. The Italian woman, the reporter, the cheating husband, the thief - all dreadful people. Usually, even though the characters each week are flawed, they still have charm or earn sympathy. This was my biggest issue with the story.
But overall it was fun following the twists and turns of the investigation. It was possible to figure out who done it as things went along but the finer details were only revealed at the end. And of course, the scenery was the real star. A very solid episode.
