Death and the Divas

I struggle to agree with the predominantly negative reviews of this episode, I really enjoyed this episode. There have been a few Gothic Midsomer episodes, and this ranks as one of the best. A really good story, involving two sisters fighting for Hollywood, betrayal and family secrets. Two superb performances, Dame Harriet Walter and Sinéad Cusack both excellent, the latter perhaps stealing the show as the embittered Stella. Wonderful production values, great costumes, I loved the horror cutaways, and in fairness some of the films they were imitating really were that corny. The climax was wonderfully theatrical, superbly played out. Some nice lighter touches, Pearce Quigley's character was amusing.

A strong Gothic episode, 8/10

Can't believe the negative comments and low ratings for the brilliant episode. It's a fantastic premise following copycat killings from a horror movie and great connections to Midsomer of the actress who was in that movie. It has great interwoven twists till the big reveal which I think is incredibly satisfying. Only slightly predictable which works because of the reference to horror in the 60s which makes it even better. Don't believe the other reviews look for yourself and you'll have lots of fun doing so.

I guess there's no denying that John Nettles made this show. I'll give Neil Dudgeon props, he's trying, and he's better than he was. But he's not getting any help from the scripts.

The Midsomer Langley Film Society is having a horror film festival and brings a local scream queen, Stella Harris, onto the stage. Unfortunately for Stella, her glam movie star sister Diana Davenport, has returned to the area after 40+ years and brought her film producer husband, Cy.

The same night, Eve Lomax, who is writing a book about Stella, is murdered, her neck punctured as if by a vampire, recreating what was shown in the film.

Stella hadn't wanted the book written and Eve was not popular with the head of the society, Colin Yule, either. He believes Eve stole a photo of Stella.

Eve's life seems to have been a little complicated. Stella's daughter, Emma, Stella's daughter informs Barnaby that Eve's landlord, a married man named Patrick was bothering Eve. Patrick denies this, claiming the two were lovers.

The murders start piling up, and Barnaby is convinced they have something to do with the films as they are replicating the murders in them. He then realizes a family secret is at the root of it all.

This show and the episode before it had something in common - too many murders. It really gets old fast. Also, horror films, movie stars, a family secret, and this is the best they could do?

The episode had two horror stars from Hammer Films, John Carson and Caroline Munro. Caroline Munro - I don't even know why she was there, a chimpanzee could have said her one line. Carson fares a little better, but surely there was a way to weave them into this episode.

In short, disappointing. You can't make up for John Nettles leaving by having a bunch of people murdered in every episode. It becomes mind- numbing.

Magnificent supporting casts throughout the whole series make the weaker plots so good. As in this case. Knocking spots off the "star" . I'm really not a fan of the acting skills of Neil Dugeon as DI John Barnaby. He really would be ok on a soap , not this type of drama. John Nettles is as cream to Dugeons skimmed milk.

The writing has vastly improved. Twists & turns all the way through. Lots of overacting. Great surprise ending. Though, not enough Sarah Barnaby (Fiona Dolman) my only gripe. Last 2 episodes Ben Jones featured more which was very welcome.

Would love to find the name of the song the 60s movie car accident victim is listening to. Seems a mystery.