If you are like me and you like your cop movies, then Midsomer Murders might be just the thing to get you hooked. I know it got me!

Midsomer Murders is a British television drama based on the series of novels by Caroline Graham airing since 1997. Every episode is 120 minutes long and the seasons were short at first but grew steadily; however they don’t have more than 10 episodes per season. If you do a web search, you will soon come to realize there is a whole confusion on what season they are actually airing. The British say it’s season 11 and since they were the one’s creating the series in the first place, I go on their hand.

The drama focuses on the efforts of Detective Chief Inspector (DCI) Tom Barnaby, played by John Nettles, to solve crimes that take place in the Midsomer County. Tom Barnaby is an old fashion detective, not the buddy type but keeping relationships at professional level, stubborn and moody at times, a definite workaholic solving the crimes in some of the most inopportune moments like: during his wedding, at his daughter’s performance, at funerals, concerts, and so on. He always has a deputy around to do the hard or dirty work, like running after a suspect or braking and entering – but always with a good excuse! He is married to Joyce – a homemaker who likes to get involved in community actions, is easygoing and apparently a terrible cook – and has a daughter, Cully – a becoming actress.
John Nettles admits that even if he makes such a good detective on screen, in real life he would make a terrible one.

Detective Sergeant Gavin Troy (1997 - 2003) - Barnaby’s first (and my favorite) deputy is played by Daniel Casey. Troy was the novice under Barnaby’s training, always driving recklessly (driving on the left side of the street in England). I must admit I was so disappointed when he left the series, I almost stopped watching. But when he returned for one episode in 2008 – at Cully’s wedding – I was so happy I almost screamed for joy! His leaving the series was nevertheless completely logical and natural, as his learning process of becoming an Inspector in his full rights has come to completion. Even so, he is greatly missed!

Detective Sergeant Dan Scott (2003-2005) – Barnaby’s second deputy, played by John Hopkins, comes in through a transfer – he seems to have upset the wrong person in London. His relationship with Barnaby is rough at first, but improves in time. He leaves the series suddenly and no explanations are ever offered – not that I ever missed him!

Detective Sergeant Ben Jones (2005 - ) – Jones is Barnaby’s third deputy and still playing. His character is interpreted by Jason Hughes and I must admit I almost like Jones as much as I liked Troy. Who knows, maybe in time I will!

Midsomer Murders is not the modern, spectacular detective series with highly equipped labs, a lot of shooting and the typical Hollywood model-looking actors. It’s rather classical detective work, where computers are hardly present and they never spend too much time on autopsy reports and forensics. All the work is done using the classical techniques like questioning the witnesses and the suspects, and following on specific leads. There always seem to be 2 or 3 crimes committed; this I never understood why – maybe to make the cases look more complicated. The regular looking actors make the series look more realistic to me.
While watching the series you will also get to enjoy the beautiful English county-side and the beautiful cottages.

If you would like to receive more info on the series and the actors you can subscribe to www.midsomermurders.net and they will periodically send you a newsletter.

(1 votes, average: 1 out of 5)

 Loading ...

This entry was posted on Tuesday, October 7th, 2008 at 10:53 am.