Midsomer Murders - My Favourite Episodes - Series One

Spoiler warning – there will be some spoilers here, so read on with caution if you have not seen all the episodes.

Caroline Graham wrote seven novels featuring Chief Inspector Tom Barnaby and Detective Sergeant Gavin Troy. Five of these were adapted for TV in the 1990s. Midsomer Murders has been entertaining people since 1997.

I will be posting my favourite episode(s) from each of the 23 series that have aired to date in the UK. Once I have seen further series, I will add to this. 

Here is my choice for series one. 

There's only one contender for this series, “The Killings at Badger's Drift”. It sets the tone from the fantastic theme tune onwards. I think that Midsomer Murders is the British version of Twin Peaks. We are treated to an idyllic country scene with all the things you'd expect: a lavish country pile, a big event and enough emotional and sexual repression to keep any psychiatrist busy. 

We are introduced to the sane and stable Chief Inspector Tom Barnaby and his right-hand man, Detective Sergeant Gavin Troy. They allow us to see the seedy, depraved and murderous underbelly of this picturesque village. Along with them, we are also introduced to my favourite pathologist, George Bullard (played with grace, humour and a hint of Midsomer eccentricity by Barry Jackson).

Elizabeth Spriggs and Richard Cant brought the startling and creepy Rainbirds to life in all their ghastly glory. There are parts that, even now, having watched the episode many times, make my skin crawl. This is how good their performances are. 

Right from the beginning, you can see why John Nettles was picked to play Tom Barnaby. He's a reliable actor who'll do a great job playing a solid, reliable copper. John doesn't give us a carbon cut out of a copper. Barnaby has a mostly happy family life; he hasn't become jaded, corrupt or bitter despite all he's seen. This is not to say that the character is flat; he certainly isn't, and we do see some of the deeper, more flawed aspects of Barnaby as the series goes on. 

Daniel Casey's portrayal of Gavin was a skilful balance between the character in the books and someone who was a bit more three-dimensional and endearing to the audience. Having a sidekick that the audience hates does not generally bode well and can become tedious as it does not allow for character development. 

Once the plot gets going, it keeps a good pace. I'm glad that ITV decided to use this episode as the pilot. What a way to start a series!