MIDSOMER MURDERS - SERIES 21, EPISODES 3 & 4: THE STING OF DEATH & WITH BAITED BREATH

The 21st series of Midsomer Murders (four 90-minute episodes) premiered last December in the United States on streaming services Britbox and Acorn TV. 

In the United Kingdom, episodes 1 and 2 aired on ITV on January 21st and February the 4th respectively. The venerable detective drama stars Neil Dudgeon (DCI John Barnaby), Nick Hendrix (DS Jamie Winter), Annette Badland as pathologist Dr. Fleur Perkins and Fiona Dolman (Sarah Barnaby). Isabel Shaw plays Betty Barnaby.

- The Sting of Death (Episode 3): There's a potentially dangerous swarm on the loose after a case of bee rustling with violence. DCI Barnaby and DS Winter visits the victim, master beekeeper and historic honey producer Ambrose Deddington. Sarah finally convinces a reluctant John to attend a yoga class. An excellent episode written by Julia Gilbert (Agatha Raisin) and directed by Matt Carter.

With Bryan Dick (Cyrus Babbage), Jack Fox (Jude Deddington), Derek Griffiths (Reverend Nigel Bookthorpe), Griff Rhys Jones (Ambrose), Ben Starr (Noah Moon), Imogen Stubbs (Tamara Deddington), Nina Toussaint-White (Hannah Bookthorpe), etc.

- With Baited Breath (Episode 4): Fishermen are eager to catch a giant fish (supposed to lurk in a lake) during the Solomon Gorge "Fishaton". Their plans are threatened when hundred of participants arrive for the Psycho Mud Run, including Jamie and Sarah Barnaby. Most regrettably, the slow and clumsy With Baited Breath is a weak way to conclude this 21st series. 

The fish thing and the mud run weirdly sound like two distinct scripts. Maybe they shouldn't film Barnaby and Winter off duty after all. With Aneurin Barnard (Freddie Lamb), Eleanor Fanyinka (Jade-Marie Pierce), Nitin Ganatra (Eric Skye), Miles Jupp (Cornelius Tedbury), Nicola Stephenson (Izzy Silvermane), etc. Written by Jeff Povey. Directed by Jennie Darnell.

Produced by Bentley Productions (an All3Media company) for ITV.  Produced by Guy Hescott. Co-produced by Ian Strachan. Exec produced by Michele Buck and Louise Pedersen. Music composed by Evan Jolly. Midsomer theme composed by Jim Parker. Editing by Simon Starling (Episode 3) and Peter Williams (Episode 4). Cinematography by Al Beech. Costumes designed by Sue Thomson. 

Based upon the books by Caroline Graham. Distributed by All3Media International. France 3 will show Episode 1 on March 8.

http://midsomermurders.org/midsomer.htm 
http://evanjollymusic.com/ 

Series 21, Episode 2:

https://tattard2.blogspot.com/2020/01/midsomer-murders-series-21-episode-2.html 

Series 21, Episode 1:

https://tattard2.blogspot.com/2020/01/midsomer-murders-series-21-episode-1.html 

MIDSOMER MURDERS - SERIES 21, EPISODE 2: THE MINIATURE MURDERS

The 21st series of Midsomer Murders (four 90-minute episodes) premiered last month in the United States on streaming services Britbox and Acorn TV. 

Starring Neil Dudgeon (DCI John Barnaby), Nick Hendrix (DS Jamie Winter), Annette Badland as pathologist Dr. Fleur Perkins and Fiona Dolman (Sarah Barnaby).

Alexander Beauvoisin, a wealthy real estate agent, is shot dead at the Midsomer Museum of the Family during his speech for the unveiling of a new dolls house collection. Dr. Fleur needs help for her relocation. DCI Barnaby discovers "the only way to travel". A great scenario by scriptwriter Helen Jenkins (1) and a superb work by both director Toby Frow and new series composer Evan Jolly.

Eleanor Bron returns to Midsomer Murders as dolls house and miniatures creator Maxine Dobson after playing another role in 2012. Katy Brand plays children's entertainer Jemima Starling and wears a nightmarish bird costume. Also starring Roger Barclay (Alexander), Karl Collins (Samuel Wokoma), Rosalie Craig (Carys Nicholson), Clare Holman (Fiona Beauvoisin), Joanna Page (Holly Ackroyd), Isabel Shaw (Betty Barnaby). etc.

Produced by Bentley Productions (an All3Media company) for ITV. Distributed by All3Media International. Produced by Guy Hescott. Co-produced by Ian Strachan. Exec produced by Michele Buck and Louise Pedersen. Midsomer theme composed by Jim Parker. Editing by David I'Anson. Cinematography by Al Beech. Costumes designed by Sue Thomson. 

Based upon the books by Caroline Graham. In the United Kingdom, ITV will show The Miniature Murders on February the 4th.

(1) Helen Jenkins wrote two brilliant episodes for the previous series: The Ghost of Causton Abbey and Till Death Do Us Part.

http://midsomermurders.org/midsomer.htm 
http://evanjollymusic.com/ 
https://vimeo.com/davidianson 

Series 21, Episode 1:

https://tattard2.blogspot.com/2020/01/midsomer-murders-series-21-episode-1.html

MIDSOMER MURDERS - SERIES 21, EPISODE 1: THE POINT OF BALANCE

The 21st series of Midsomer Murders premiered last month in the United States on streaming services Britbox and Acorn TV. 

In the United Kingdom, ITV will show the first of four 90-minute episodes tomorrow. 

« Didn't think glitz and glamour were your thing, sir.
- They're not. »

DCI John Barnaby (Neil Dudgeon) and DS Jamie Winter (Nick Hendrix) investigate in the world of ballroom dancing when a dancer is found murdered at her home. She was last seen at the opening gala of the Paramount Dance Extravaganza contest, where she wasn't competing. The victim was also a freelance journalist working mainly on local news stories.

Dealing with the rivalries of dancers and the power struggles at the Wilder Biorobotics Institute, a high-tech research facility which sponsors the event, is less complicated for John than speaking to his own father. Nick Hicks-Beach, who wrote the excellent The Lions of Causton for the previous series, returns to Midsomer Murders with the even better The Point of Balance (directed by Audrey Cooke).

Barnaby gets a dance lesson and someone meets a bad robot. Annette Badland is back as Fleur Perkins, the pathologist. Fiona Dolman plays Sarah Barnaby. The episode has very good dialogues, humour, emotion and splendid performances by Nigel Havers (Andrew Wilder), Christopher Timothy (All Creatures Great and Small) as Barnaby's father Ned and Cassidy Little (Duncan Corrigan). Jaye Griffiths (Casualty, Bugs) plays Lily Wilder.

Like Cassidy Little, guest actors Natalie Gumede (Rachel Stevenson), Danny Mac (Anton Walsh) and Faye Tozer (Rosa Corrigan) are former participants of Strictly Come Dancing, the BBC dance programme. With Carolina Main (Heather Wilder), Tom Chambers (Father Brown) as Ray Wilder, Jack Hawkins (Jake Hannity), Kazia Pelka (Tanya Brzezinski), Luke Pierre (Warren Cunningham) and Isabel Shaw (Betty Barnaby).

Composer Evan Jolly (Agatha Raisin) succeeds to the great Jim Parker, who retired after Series 20. Produced by Bentley Productions (an All3Media company) for ITV. Distributed by All3Media International. Produced by Guy Hescott. Co-produced by Ian Strachan. Exec produced by Michele Buck. Editing by Adam Masters. Cinematography by Al Beech. Based upon the books by Caroline Graham.

http://midsomermurders.org/midsomer.htm 
http://evanjollymusic.com/ 
https://www.theglobeandmail.com/arts/theatre-and-performance/article-soldier-on-play-reveals-how-the-creative-process-helps-veterans-deal/ 

MIDSOMER MURDERS - SERIES 20, EPISODES 3 TO 6

The 20th series of Midsomer Murders premiered in the United States on streaming services Britbox and Acorn TV more than three months ago, well ahead of its British home ITV and its French broadcaster France 3.

Starring Neil Dudgeon (DCI John Barnaby), Nick Hendrix (DS Jamie Winter), Annette Badland as the new pathologist Dr. Fleur Perkins and Fiona Dolman (Sarah Barnaby).

- Drawing Dead (Episode 3): A former supermodel emerges from a coma to be murdered while there's a comic book festival in Carver Valley. A disappointing episode in spite of a good cast, Dr. Fleur's one-liners and Winter's embarassment (the costume). And no one ever reads known comic book franchises in Midsomer County.

With Bill Bailey (Darwin Chipping), Ruby Bentall (Poldark) as Stella Starling, Nicholas Burns (Barrett Lounds), Ben Caplan (Murray Eccbeer), Nicholas Farrell (Isaac Starling), Jemma Redgrave (Dr. Juno Starling), Ellen Thomas (Ruth Crane), etc. Written by Jeff Povey. Directed by Toby Frow.

- The Lions of Causton (Episode 4): The owner of the Causton Lions, a rugby club, is frozen to death. John remembers his glory days in this sport. He plays squash with Winter, Fleur wears a chapka, there's a death by chocolate and an explosion. An excellent episode written by Nick Hicks-Beach (DCI Banks, Lewis) and directed by Matt Carter. The guest cast is dominated by the fabulous performances of Don Gilét (Bill Viner) and Michael Maloney (Neville Gallagher).

Also with Nicholas Goh (Mark Adler), Julian Lewis-Jones (Guy Bevan), Shereen Martin (Debbie Gallagher), Tamzin Outhwaite (Samantha Adler), Richard Rankin (Danny Wickham), Marcia Warren (Belinda Braun), etc.

- Till Death Do Us Part (Episode 5): Dragged by his wife to a wedding, Barnaby must soon act in an official capacity when Sarah finds a dead body. The second episode penned by scriptwriter Helen Jenkins for both Midsomer Murders and this 20th series (after The Ghost of Causton Abbey) is brilliantly acerbic and effective.

With Camilla Arfwedson (Serena Madison), Kelly Brook (Lauren Newman), Michael Fox (Gavin Webster), Liz Fraser (Marcia Jackson), Nick Hancock (Phil Webster), Colin McFarlane (Jordan Briggs), Fenella Woolgar (Hazel Webster), etc. Directed by Audrey Cooke.

- Send in the Clowns (Episode 6): Swinton Magna has a clown problem. DCI Barnaby too when a circus clown kills another as John happens to be afraid of clowns! An absolute gem written by Julia Gilbert. This  episode is a magnificent celebration of Circus, a love letter to this art superbly directed by Nick Laughland. Jay Miller was the circus adviser for this episode.

With Lorraine Ashbourne (Daniella Bellini), Jonathan Bonnici (Raoul Delgado), Lorraine Burroughs (Freya Ferabbee), Kevin Eldon (Terry "Groucho" Bellini), Andrew Gower (Harry Ferabbee), Mike Grady (Les "Oucho" Morrison), Joni Kamen (Sophia Bellini), Andrew Knott (Mostyn Cartwright), Terence Maynard (Ashley Denton), Neil Stuke (Curtis Ferabbee), Jason Watkins (Joe Ferabbee), etc. Charlotte Carabin and Jodi Miller are the circus doubles.

Based upon the books by Caroline Graham. Produced by Guy Hescott. Executive producers Jonathan Fisher and Michele Buck. Co-produced by Ian Strachan. Produced by Bentley Productions (an  All3Media company). Music composed by Jim Parker. International sales by All3Media international.

Episodes 1 & 2:

https://tattard2.blogspot.com/2018/06/midsomer-murders-series-20-episode-1.html
https://tattard2.blogspot.com/2018/06/midsomer-murders-series-20-episode-2.html

See also:

https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/britbox-announces-premiere-debut-of-new-season-of-midsomer-murders-300642634.html
http://midsomermurders.org/midsomer.htm
http://www.jaymillerscircus.co.uk/

MIDSOMER MURDERS - SERIES 20, EPISODE 2: DEATH OF THE SMALL COPPERS

The 20th series of the venerable British detective drama Midsomer Murders premiered last month in the United States on streaming services Britbox and Acorn TV, ahead of ITV. It will be available in France on DVD this summer.

Mahesh Sidana, head of school in the village of Little Crosby and  founding member of the Circulus IQ society, is murdered in a most ironic way given his hobby. Grady Palmerston, the arrogant supremo of Circulus is in the suspect list of DCI John Barnaby (Neil Dudgeon) and DS Jamie Winter (Nick Hendrix). Like Luke Fawcett, an English teacher sacked by Sidana and who spends time at the pub doing crosswords. Winter falls under the charm of Penny Kingdom, a biology teacher who runs a lepidoptery group. Barnaby is surprised to run into Danish police detective Birgitte Poulsen. The Midsomer Constabulary learns about "Danish Feng Shui", Sarah Barnaby (Fiona Dolman) gives some help and quizzes can be deadly. 

Written by Chris Murray (Series 19's Death by Persuasion) and directed by Paul Harrison, the very good Death of the Small Coppers feels like an episode of Lewis with Little Crosby doubling as Oxford. Danish actress Ann Eleonora Jørgensen (The Killing) returns as Birgitte Poulsen, a character first seen in The Killing of Copenhagen, the 100th episode. Also with Mark Benton (Shakespeare & Hathaway: Private Investigators) as Eddie Rowbotham, Peter Egan (Unforgotten) as Grady Palmerston, Ray Fearon (Carlton Scott), Ellie Haddington (Ginny Welton), Thusita Jayasundera (Anika Sidana), John Light (Father Brown) as Luke Fawcett, Niamh McGrady (Penny Kingdom), Chance Perdomo (Leo Scott), etc.

Annette Badland plays Dr. Fleur Perkins, the new pathologist. Based upon the books by Caroline Graham. Produced by Guy Hescott. Executive producers Jonathan Fisher and Michele Buck. Co-produced by Ian Strachan. Produced by Bentley Productions (an  All3Media company). Music composed by Jim Parker. International sales by All3Media international. 

Series 20, Episode 1:

https://tattard2.blogspot.com/2018/06/midsomer-murders-series-20-episode-1.html

Series 20, Episodes 3 to 6:

http://tattard2.blogspot.com/2018/08/midsomer-murders-series-20-episodes-3.html

See also:

http://midsomermurders.org/midsomer.htm
https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2016/mar/22/small-copper-butterfly-decline-survey 

MIDSOMER MURDERS - SERIES 20, EPISODE 1: THE GHOST OF CAUSTON ABBEY

DCI John Barnaby (Neil Dudgeon) and DS Jamie Winter (Nick Hendrix) investigate a particularly cruel murder which shares troubling similarities with the fate of a 16th century monk. 

From december 2016 to January 2017, ITV aired four out of the six episodes from the 19th series of Midsomer Murders. However, the channel decided to keep the remaining two for "later in the year". In April 2017, ITV announced the filming of Series 20 with six new episodes. Meanwhile, almost everybody on the planet had the opportunity to watch the last couple of episodes from the previous series. They were even in the French DVD box set, well ahead of their transmission on France 3. Amusingly, the Gaullic pubcaster aired them on the same dates and slots as ITV in May 2018. The 20th series didn't follow, neither in the United Kingdom, nor in France, though it will be available here on DVD this summer.

Series 20 actually premiered last month in the United States on streaming services Britbox and Acorn TV. The Ghost of Causton Abbey starts in 1539 when Brother Jozef, a monk of Causton Abbey, is about to be executed. Just before dying in the pure Midsomer tradition he casts a curse upon the place. Centuries later, the Cursed Ale Microbrewery is installed on the historic site where there's a party for the launch of their new product: the Cursed Brew ale. Much to the dismay of the Causton Real-Ale Society. Soon Causton Abbey turns into a crime scene after the body of a man dressed as a monk is found in a boiling vat. Directed by the inventive Matt Carter, this brilliant episode is the first gig of scriptwriter Helen Jenkins (Vera, Lewis) on the venerable detective drama. Her enthusiasm definitely shows right from the start and the dialogues are great.

The fabulous Annette Badland, whose resume includes EastEnders, Outlander, Doctor Who or Bergerac, joins Midsomer Murders as Dr. Fleur Perkins. The new resident pathologist has a wry sense of humour and a vet boyfriend who could become a problem for the Barnaby family dog. DS Winter does some running and DCI Barnaby reads The Little Red Riding Hood. The Ghost of Causton Abbey benefits from the fine performances of the guest cast. Amber Aga plays Emani Taylor, the cynical boss of the brewery and woman with some secrets. Michael Byrne is Keith Grundy, a retired gangster right out of a British soap opera. His son Russell is played by Tony Gardner. Musical theatre icon and actress Elaine Paige is irresistible as Sylvia Reynolds, a stage actress who has Sunset Boulevard moments.

Also with Angela Griffin (Lewis) as Jenny Moss, Anita Harris (Irene Taylor), Jason Merrells (Paul Taylor), Anjli Mohindra (Faiza Jindal), etc. Fiona Dolman plays Sarah Barnaby. Based upon the books by Caroline Graham. Produced by Guy Hescott. Executive producers Jonathan Fisher and Michele Buck. Co-produced by Ian Strachan. Produced by Bentley Productions (an  All3Media company). Music composed by Jim Parker. International sales by All3Media international.

Series 20, Episode 2:

http://tattard2.blogspot.com/2018/06/midsomer-murders-series-20-episode-2.html

Series 20, Episodes 3 to 6:

http://tattard2.blogspot.com/2018/08/midsomer-murders-series-20-episodes-3.html 

See also:
 
https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/britbox-announces-premiere-debut-of-new-season-of-midsomer-murders-300642634.html
http://midsomermurders.org/midsomer.htm
https://thecelebritycafe.com/2018/05/annette-badland-exclusive-interview/