The Debt of Lies

Elaine Bennet is set to retire from The Force and move into Challis Court, a regal home for retired members of Thr Force, but the night of her leaving party, she crashed headfirst into a tree, dying instantly, but was it an accident or murder?

I've read several criticisms on X about this episode, claiming it's slow and dated, nonsensical comments in my opinion, this one truly felt like one from years gone by, it's almost vintage, from the storyline and characters, right down to Barnaby's Volvo saloon.

Best for a while, a million times better than the ludicrous Blacktrees Prophecy, it's the first one for years that I'd be happy to sit down and watch again.

Lots of well known faces, a truly excellent performance from the wonderful Tom Conti stood out, a deliberate nod to Captain Tom Moore, a true COVID 19 hero.

We've waited ages, but this time it was worth it, and another episode next week, thank you ITV.

9/10.

Well, this was a real treat.

What a fabulous story, so easy to follow and wonderful characters. Each with a great backstory and very well written.

The beautiful locations are a joy to behold and the direction and cinematography are magical, so good to see the house previously used as Draycott Manor in Ghosts of Christmas Past having been given its makeover that's mentioned in Ghosts!

The acting is so well done and in parts very subtle and the humour is very evident here.

Music fits the story and it's cleverly used here.

I really liked how all the stories were interwoven together and I could not have guessed as to who the culprit was,even though there's individual stories to keep focused as always.

Overall a great mystery and addition that I'm happy to add to my collection. 10/10. If you haven't yet seen it. Enjoy when you do!

This episode opens at the retirement party of a senior police officer. It is clear that she had ruffled a few feathers in her time. Shortly after moving to Challis Court, a community of retired police officers, she is killed when her car crashes into a tree. Barnaby and Winter are soon on the case and it becomes apparent that the crash was no accident. Just because the offence took place in a community of retired police officers doesn't mean they will get much help with their inquiries. Inquiries that will uncover other crimes and provide plenty of suspects.

I thought this was a really solid episode; certainly better than many. 'Midsomer Murders' was never too serious but does occasionally get a bit too silly; this episode managed to avoid silliness. We are provided with enough suspects and motives to keep us guessing to the end and just because certain characters aren't guilty of murders it doesn't mean they haven't committed other crimes. The cast, both regulars and guests, most notably Tom Conti, does a fine job and as expected the settings are appealing. Overall a fine episode that I'm sure most fans of the series will enjoy.

I don't know if it's because I'll have to take a hiatus from the series seeing all the episodes soon, but I've rated this my sixth ten* episode in a row. Very heavy PC woke casting from the start. But, as usually occurs the actors were superb. The bad cop premise makes for intriguing stories. The brilliant acting of Tom Conti as ex copper Sebastian Cabot battling wits with John Barnaby (Neil Dudgeon) was a highlight even when it's quite obvious he's dirty.. A big hint was the use of a special needs character I thought would play a role in the mystery. Curious Barnaby would allow stunning wife Sarah (Fiona Dolman) to associate with possible murder suspects. Though her added screen time was welcome. Betty (Isabel Shaw) is really getting tall. They seem perplexed what to do with her character rarely speaking. Fun, suspenseful satisfying episode. Though, very reminiscent of "A Touch of Frost" episode from years back.

The highlight of this episode was watching poor Winter get slammed with wet sponges in the stocks. Poor dude!!

This episode involved people at a police retirement village. The place where they retired is the same home used in Ghosts of Christmas Past , only spiffed up.

Barnaby and Sarah go to a retirement party for a Superintendent. The next day she is found with her car in a tree. WHODUNNIT?

The Killer is a huge surprise and the reason for killing was a great one. I fully support him and hope he gets a light sentence. The victim was a really despicable person. Sometimes I really root for the killer to get off lightly. Is that bad? Some murders are so justified!!