Till Death Do Us Part

For a British mystery an oddity of a strong first three quarters, then a weak ending. An intriguing script early that held its own until a strained climax littered with overacting by the uncomfortable actors. Huge positive was increased screen time of stunning Sarah Barnaby (Fiona Dolman) tied in to university pretty redhead friend Hazel Webster (Fenella Woolgar). The Noel character seemed to pop up out of nowhere having impactful importance in the ending but previously only a tiny mention. His tie in wove the motives together but he was "boom there he is" his mention out of the blue. Cute final scene with Neil Dudgeon and Betty roleplaying the tortoise and the hare help smooth over an only ok episode.

For a while, 'Midsomer Murders' was a personal favourite. The Tom Barnaby-era was not without its misfires (i.e. "Blood on the Saddle", "Second Sight", "The Electric Vendetta"), but when at its best like with gems like "The Killings at Badger's Drift", "Death's Shadow", "The Green Man" and "Hidden Depths" it was brilliant. Without him the show has not felt the same since, there are some surprisingly good episodes from the John Barnaby era, but a fair share of average or less episodes too.

"Til Death Do Us Part" is not one of the best 'Midsomer Murders' episodes. Nor is it one of the worst. As far as the John Barnaby episodes go, it's somewhere around high middle of the era overall and among the better faring recent ones. Is it a great episode? No. Is it worth a look? Yes. The things consistently good in the show, even in the misfires don't disappoint and there have been improvements here compared to when John first took over.

Will start with "Til Death Do Us Part's" good things. The scenery is truly beautiful, both picturesque and atmospheric, complemented beautifully by the photography. The music fits brilliantly and is great music on its own, the main theme is one of the classic main themes of all detective/mystery shows. The writing is not simplistic or too complicated and is quite thought-provoking with touches of gentle but not too cheesy humour. Mostly from Fleur, and it is agreed that hearing how the Barnabys first met was a nice amusing touch.

Story has plenty of twists and turns that didn't confuse and for me it was compelling. The subplots intrigue and even though not by any stretch original ideas they aren't indifferently handled. The characters are written quite well and Fleur continues to be an absolute joy, me saying that she is the show's best pathologist since Bullard is being said with no doubt (she's the only one of his replacements to have done anything for me). Sarah is much more interesting than she tends to be and the chemistry between her and John doesn't seem as cold here, felt for her at times too. The cast do very well, Neil Dudgeon has improved since he first took over and Annette Badland brings welcome levity timed well. Liz Fraser and Fennella Woolgar stand out of the cast.

On the other hand, the murders are agreed pretty ordinary and parts could have done with more suspense and a tightening up.

Found myself a bit mixed on the final solution, leaning towards the "ehh". The identity of the murderer was a surprise and it is not as ridiculous or as last minute feeling as those of previous John Barnaby era episodes. It did feel rushed however and introduced a little too abruptly. The motives are not as "they killed for that" as with other John Barnaby era episodes but they come out of nowhere and revolve around a plot point that could have done with more development. A further twist is included but it felt like a shoe-horned in attempt at making the situation more tragic and succeeded more at making the motives for the murders more trivial.

All in all, pretty decent but not a complete winner. 7/10

As this episode opens DCI John Barnaby and his wife, Sarah, are attending a wedding. In the evening Sarah goes looking for the bride and finds her dead in her suite. The killer has tied a ribbon around her tongue and it appears she was killed by the deliberate over-tightening of her corset. As the investigation gets underway several suspects quickly emerge... the woman who was previously jilted by the victim's husband of a few hours; the victim's father in law who has recently been released from prison, her co-worker at the local radio station and even the groom who lied about his movements on the night. Before the case is over there will be more deaths and secrets and other crimes will be uncovered before the killer is exposed.

This is a solid enough episode. We don't have to wait too long for the first murder and once it happens there are more than enough suspects to keep the viewer guessing right up to the final reveal. The story itself is typical Midsomer with a couple of 'creative' murders and plenty of more light hearted moments. One of these light hearted moments includes an entertaining anecdote about how John and Sarah got together while at university. The cast; both regulars and guests, do a solid job. Overall a fun episode... it is just a shame we had to wait so long for ITV to air it!

Barnaby is dragged to a wedding when the son (Michael Fox) of Sara's friend (Fenella Woolgar) is getting married. Shortly after the wedding, the bride (Kelly Brook) is found dead after someone literally crushed her to death by yanking her corset extra tight. Leave it to Midsomer.

The bride, Laurel, was a radio shock jock with plenty of enemies. One was Serena (Camilla Arfwedson) a bridal dress designer who was left at the altar by the groom. The wedding planner who found her impossible to deal with was another. Her radio partner (Colin McFarlane) was another possibility.

As these things tend to go, one murder was hardly enough - there were two more - and the killer was a surprise.

Good humor provided by Barnaby in a tortoise costume and Fleur, revealing more about her colorful past.

When a show has run as long as Midsomer Murders you need to find ways to make it fresh. Much like the long running Doctor Who that has recast the Doctor several times, new faces give a show a much needed shot in the arm. Neil Dungeon has run his course portraying the lead detective. Time for him to retire and either promote Winter or bring in a younger new guy. Neil has done a decent job, but just replacing his partner is not enough.