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 on the most part. Season 14 was a disappointment outside of "The Oblong Murders" and "A Sacred Trust", with "Echoes of the Dead" and "The Night of the Stag" being show low-points. Season 15 was inconsistent, being a case of starting promisingly and then took a three-episodes-in-a-row strange turn with "Written in the Stars" before finishing on a good note. Season 16 was mostly good, especially "Wild Harvest", with the only disappointment being "Let Us Prey". Season 17 was a mixed bag, with the first two episodes being watchable but uneven and the other two, particularly "A Vintage Murder", faring better.
Season 18 was mostly unimpressive, with "Breaking the Chain" faring weakest and "Saints and Sinners" and "The Incident at Cooper Hill" not faring much better. The season did have two good episodes, the best being "A Dying Art" and "Harvest of Souls" being a close second.
For me, Season 19 has been the best and most consistent season of the John Barnaby-era. Of the four Season 19 episodes seen and aired, all four episodes have been very enjoyable while never up to classic 'Midsomer Murders' level.
Kam once again, and people are probably going to find this criticism rather old, does nothing for me. Dr Bullard is very much missed and while Kate was bland Kam lacks even more personality and still comes across as a condescending know-it-all. Her chemistry with Winter is quite good, but that's it.
Other than that, there is not actually a whole lot wrong with "Red in Tooth and Claw". Things do get a little confusing when trying to digest so much given to us in a short space of time, especially towards the end, so maybe things could have slowed down a tad and there could have been a touch less going on. While all loose ends are pretty much tied up, a couple are perhaps done so a little too neatly.
However, the production values however 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.
Writing is thought-provoking and some of the quirky and gentle humour juxtaposes well with the dark murder theme and the twists and turns, the episode not feeling overly serious or heavy like some John Barnaby-era episodes as a result. The story is never simplistic, and rarely on the most part is it convoluted. The murders are pretty inventive without being over-the-top, and, after some quite ingenious misdirection, the identity of the killer and their motives are a complete shock here.
Barnaby's family scenes don't come over as too corny, in fact they're pretty playful and sweet, bringing some welcome light distraction. One definitely misses Sykes, but Paddy is not a bad replacement at all, far from it. Winter is settling in quite well, and his chemistry with Barnaby is getting stronger with each episode though it still has even more room to grow.
Neil Dudgeon took a while to get used to when he first took over, but Season 19 has proved that he looks comfortable as Barnaby and doesn't play the character as heavily and somnambulist like he did initially and in some of his latter episodes. Support acting is very good, particularly loved Susan Hampshire. The diversity didn't bother me like it did, and for other fans, when the show first started to introduce it.
In conclusion, very enjoyable episode yet again. 8/10 Bethany Cox
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