Midsomer Murders (TV Series)

The Maid in Splendour (2004)

William Gaunt: Michael Bannerman

Quotes 

• Sergeant Dan Scott : The... ah... the Maid in Splendor, what's that about?

  Michael Bannerman : Oh, that's a local legend! A young knight goes off to the Crusades before he can marry his beloved. And she vows to wait for him, but by the time he gets back, he's old, broken by war. She's still as beautiful as ever. Hasn't aged a day. So, to free her from her obligation, he dives into Lake Splendour and drowns.

  DCI Tom Barnaby : Lake splendour?

  Michael Bannerman : Eh, that's a stagnant pond out by Hunter's Wood. The name's ironic, at least is these days.

  Sergeant Dan Scott : So the knight chucks himself in the pond, end of story?

  Michael Bannerman : No, no... no, the maid was broken-hearted. She still loved him, you see? Despite his age and infirmity. So she threw herself in the lake after him. Hence the Maid in Splendor.

  Sergeant Dan Scott : That's what I like: happy ending!

• [first lines] 

  Michael Bannerman : Come in.

  Audrey Monday : Sorry, Michael. The extractor fan in the dining room has packed up again.

  Michael Bannerman : Well, you should speak to Stephen.

  Audrey Monday : I did. Yesterday.

  Michael Bannerman : All right, Audrey, I'll have a word.

  [pours himself a whiskey] 

  Audrey Monday : It's not good for you, you know.

  Michael Bannerman : Oh, it's only a small one. Don't tell Stephen.

  Audrey Monday : I meant sitting in this room, looking at those photographs. It's three years, Michael. It's time you got on with your life.

• DCI Tom Barnaby : You also handed the pub over.

  Michael Bannerman : Yes, yes, yes... shown the red card.