The Killings at Badger's Drift

Nineteen years on from when it first started, 'Midsomer Murders' has always been a favourite and is never missed when it's on. Some episodes are better than others (for example, the show's stories did become silly and not as interesting once John Nettles left and Neil Dudgeon took over), but when the show was good, goodness wasn't it great.

"The Killings at Badgers Drift" was the episode that started it all back in 1997. As of now, it is still one of the best episodes of the show. John Nettles is superb as Barnaby, giving the role humour, intelligence and methodical thoughtfulness. Daniel Casey is a great contrasting partner as Troy, the two work wonders together. As does Jane Wymark, whose Joyce is strongly characterised with humour and sympathy. Laura Howard is good enough, as is Barry Jackson in the medical examiner role.

Of the strong supporting cast, Elizabeth Spriggs in particular has an absolute ball, with Richard Cant sharing a very entertaining rapport. Jonathan Firth, Julian Glover, Emily Mortimer and Selina Cadell fare strongly also.

It's an incredibly well-made episode, beautifully photographed with gorgeously idyllic scenery that contrasts very well with the grimness of the story. The music fits perfectly, and the theme tune one of the most memorable and instantly recognisable of the genre. The script is smart, thought-provoking and suitably grim, with even some nice humour (mainly revolved around Joyce's experimental cooking).

Regarding the mystery, it's one of the most compelling, complex and fun of all the episodes on 'Midsomer Murders', complete with a disturbing atmosphere. The Rainbirds' murders are unforgettably brutal, while the ending and final solution is one of the show's most shocking.

In summary, a brilliant start to an at its best terrific show. 10/10 Bethany Cox

I have known about Midsomer for over 20 years, and I have watched the odd episode every now and then and really enjoyed it. it was purely coincidence that I came across this first episode and series link it so I could watch every episode in order. This first episode is great, really good introduction to all the characters and a great storyline. I am now looking forward to watching each episode in order over the summer months

Midsomer Murders is one of my favorite detective shows, it's just great in virtually everything. I love it for its color, rustic atmosphere, bright characters, humor, intriguing stories, originality, creepy music and wonderful main characters. "The Killings at Badger's Drift" is a good episode and one of the best starts in the detective genre. Most TV series and, consequently, their pilots, do not do without a finding-its-feet feel, but not Midsomer Murders and not "The Killings at Badgers Drift". The plot of this episode is quite intriguing, quite twisted, although it does not do without a few nonsense and stretch. In this episode, a whole host of colorful characters, namely: Iris and Dennis Rainbird, Lucy Bellringer and Phyllis Cadell, all brilliantly played and superbly written. The atmosphere is great, creating a truly classic episode of such a great show. The music is perfect, both the main theme and the rustic composition at the beginning. However, even such a seemingly exceptional episode is not without its drawbacks. I frankly did not like one of the final moves, which was quite unpleasant, and there are a lot of plot stretches and nonsense. However, I can't say that this episode is annoying or objectionable, because there are too many great things in it. I also love the last few minutes of the series so much, when Barnaby is in the theater, it's really great, and it gave me goosebumps. All in all, a great, if not perfect episode, and one of the best starts that can be. 9/10

The Killings at Badgers drift is a brilliant pilot episode. The locations used for filming have that old nostalgic feel as though you've stepped back in time a little, country cottages, country mansions, suspects including the local doctor, gamekeeper, etc. Barnaby is shown to be a fairly realistic depiction of a detective, a loving husband and father who doesn't drink himself silly or get into exciting car chases or anything. Troy is also a good sidekick for him. The range of slightly Eccentric characters is well done without pushing it and it's all really well and nicely acted. There is a slightly dark undertone to the plot but it's nicely balanced. The story has just the right amount of pacing that it never feels rushed or like it's dragging. The formula they established here would go on to serve them well.

I can't believe this was done back in 1997, how young to Barnaby and Troy look!!

In brief (without giving the game away) Emily Simpson is found murdered at her Cottage after witnessing something going on in the woods whilst searching for rare flowers. DCI Tom Barnaby, and his young Sergeant, Troy are called in to investigate, there is no shortage of suspects in the neighbourhood.

We get to know more about Tom Barnaby, we meet his wife and wannabe cook Joyce, and their daughter Cully.

Overall this is an excellent episode, some of these earlier episodes were so gloriously written, the characterisations were big, and somehow easily recognisable.

Renee Asherson although only a small part for her is excellent as Emily Simpson, as is fellow old lady Lucy Bellringer played by Rosalie Crutchley, who sadly died soon after this went out.

The Rainbirds are a great double act, Richard Cant and Elizabeth Spriggs bring some welcome humour, they bounce of each other brilliantly, no wonder they would both return in 2006's Dead Letters. I've mentioned a few cast members already, but there is a host of acting talent here, Jessica Hynes, Emily Mortimer, Jonathan Firth, Selina Cadell. It's a wonderful cast.

Midsomer Murders boasts one of the best theme tunes of all time, it's haunting melody is perfect for a Murder mystery.

Clearly The Killings at Badger's Drift worked, at now in 2015 the series is still going strong. It stands up to the tests of time very well, only Daniel Casey's curtains really give the game away.

I applaud the Killings at Badger's drift, it's a dark and macabre tale, gloriously acted. The duo work extremely well, and would for years to come.

9/10