A 1940s themed party celebrates the reopening of Little Auburn, a derelict village left untouched since WW2, while three camps fight about its future.
Finn Thornberry, a young man behind an eco-village project, leaves the party on a bike when he's crushed by a tank.
The bottom line: He's dead, John.
The 19th series of Midsomer Murders, the venerable ITV detective drama, started on December 18 with this Village that Rose from the Dead written by Rachel Cupperman & Sally Griffiths. Little Auburn is the only thing rising from the Dead in this soporific premiere which does not fulfill the promises of the tank scene. Neil Dudgeon, who plays DCI John Barnaby since 2011, interrupts a definite placid mode for a short moment when his character has an encounter with a snake.
The only real drama during those overlong 90 minutes (1) is that Sykes, the Barnabys' beloved dog (and Midsomer fans' favourite), has gone to Heaven. His replacement is brought rather predictably but at least the transition is better than for the DS. Yes, there's a new one: Jamie Winter, played honourably by Nick Hendrix. Fiona Dolman (Sarah Barnaby) and Manjinder Virk (Dr Kam Karimore) are back.
Caroline Blakiston, David Burke, Anthony Calf, Christopher Colquhoun and Hugh Dennis are amongst the guest cast. Produced by Bentley Productions (part of All3Media) for ITV. Exec produced by Jo Wright and produced by Ella Kelly. Music composed by Jim Parker. Directed by Nick Laughland.
(1) Minus adverts.
(1) Minus adverts.
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