Not an easy feat to follow one of the show's best episodes, and be just as good, "Strangler's Wood" manages it
"Death's Shadow" was a magnificent way to start Season 2, and is still, even for so early on in the show's run, one of the best 'Midsomer Murders' episodes.
"Strangler's Wood" had a tough task to act upon. It must have been daunting, and no easy picnic, following "Death's Shadow" and be no less inferior. "Strangler's Wood" is just as good, not one of the best of the show, so perhaps a slight step down but that means nothing at all. It still manages to be just as good.
As always, the production values are top notch, with to die for scenery, the idyllic look of it contrasting very well with the story's grimness, and quaint and atmospheric photography. The music fits perfectly, and the theme tune one of the most memorable and instantly recognisable of the genre.
Meanwhile, the script is smart, thought-provoking and suitably grim, with even some nice humour and even some welcome and beautifully done heart with the Barnaby and Cully subplot. Nothing felt inconsequential, everything had a point, everything intrigued. And yes, the references to past cases were great.
The story is not quite as dark or as complex as "Death's Shadow", but is hugely compelling, and never simplistic or over-complicated, nor no less mature. There is a lot going on without being cluttered or rushed, and that nothing is what it seems, or very few people are who they seem adds to the complexity, while there are no out of kilter scenes. The twists and turns keep coming, and never in an obvious or press-the-rewind button.
John Nettles and Daniel Casey sparkle together, with Nettles characteristically superb and Casey a great contrast. Laura Howard brings charm and sympathy to Cully, and Toby Jones excels in a quite unusual kind of role. Phyllis Logan and Peter Eyre are particularly wonderful support, Eyre evokes chills-up-the-spine even.
In conclusion, brilliant follow up episode to one of the show's finest. 10/10 Bethany Cox
"Strangler's Wood" had a tough task to act upon. It must have been daunting, and no easy picnic, following "Death's Shadow" and be no less inferior. "Strangler's Wood" is just as good, not one of the best of the show, so perhaps a slight step down but that means nothing at all. It still manages to be just as good.
As always, the production values are top notch, with to die for scenery, the idyllic look of it contrasting very well with the story's grimness, and quaint and atmospheric photography. The music fits perfectly, and the theme tune one of the most memorable and instantly recognisable of the genre.
Meanwhile, the script is smart, thought-provoking and suitably grim, with even some nice humour and even some welcome and beautifully done heart with the Barnaby and Cully subplot. Nothing felt inconsequential, everything had a point, everything intrigued. And yes, the references to past cases were great.
The story is not quite as dark or as complex as "Death's Shadow", but is hugely compelling, and never simplistic or over-complicated, nor no less mature. There is a lot going on without being cluttered or rushed, and that nothing is what it seems, or very few people are who they seem adds to the complexity, while there are no out of kilter scenes. The twists and turns keep coming, and never in an obvious or press-the-rewind button.
John Nettles and Daniel Casey sparkle together, with Nettles characteristically superb and Casey a great contrast. Laura Howard brings charm and sympathy to Cully, and Toby Jones excels in a quite unusual kind of role. Phyllis Logan and Peter Eyre are particularly wonderful support, Eyre evokes chills-up-the-spine even.
In conclusion, brilliant follow up episode to one of the show's finest. 10/10 Bethany Cox
- TheLittleSongbird
- 8 dic 2016