"The Killings at Badgers Drift" couldn't have been a more perfect beginning to a great (in its prime that is) show. "Written in Blood" continued this exceptional standard, and both still rank among the best 'Midsomer Murders' episodes.
"Death of a Hollow Man" by all means is not a bad episode, it's fun and intriguing enough and it's decent. It's just that it is a quite big step down from the previous two episodes, and 'Midsomer Murders' has shown many times that it can do episodes more than decent. There have been worse episodes of course, but anybody expecting "Death of a Hollow Man" to be as good as "The Killings at Badgers Drift" and "Written in Blood" will be disappointed.
Most of the problems, as has been said already in previous reviews (of which there's not much more to add to what has been written about the episode's strengths and flaws) are story-related. After starting the episode in a very atmospheric fashion, it was a shame that the first murder was completely neglected for most of the episode that it comes as a shock to the viewer when reminded quite suddenly very close to the end that there was one at all. It was almost as if it had been completely forgotten about when writing the script/story and then suddenly remembered.
Some of the pacing lacks tightness, making the episode drag in places. Also, the final solution was very underwhelming, it was thinly sketched, underdeveloped, rushed and the motive is not just the most vague one of the first season but also high up on the list of the most vague motives of the whole of 'Midsomer Murders', got who it was but everything else was a confusing head-scratcher.
However, "Death of a Hollow Man" is as ever a beautifully made episode, with to die for scenery, the idyllic look of it contrasting very well with the story's grimness, and quaint and atmospheric photography. 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.
As aforementioned, the story is less than perfect in execution but it is mostly intriguing and fun with some great references to 'Amadeus', and kept afloat by the colourful characters.
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 and it was nice to see Troy congratulated. As does Jane Wymark in another strong characterisation. The supporting cast do very well, especially Bernard Hepton, who relishes his role with glee. Angela Pleasance and Nicholas LePrevost also register strongly.
In conclusion, disappointing but still decent. 7/10 Bethany Cox
"Death of a Hollow Man" by all means is not a bad episode, it's fun and intriguing enough and it's decent. It's just that it is a quite big step down from the previous two episodes, and 'Midsomer Murders' has shown many times that it can do episodes more than decent. There have been worse episodes of course, but anybody expecting "Death of a Hollow Man" to be as good as "The Killings at Badgers Drift" and "Written in Blood" will be disappointed.
Most of the problems, as has been said already in previous reviews (of which there's not much more to add to what has been written about the episode's strengths and flaws) are story-related. After starting the episode in a very atmospheric fashion, it was a shame that the first murder was completely neglected for most of the episode that it comes as a shock to the viewer when reminded quite suddenly very close to the end that there was one at all. It was almost as if it had been completely forgotten about when writing the script/story and then suddenly remembered.
Some of the pacing lacks tightness, making the episode drag in places. Also, the final solution was very underwhelming, it was thinly sketched, underdeveloped, rushed and the motive is not just the most vague one of the first season but also high up on the list of the most vague motives of the whole of 'Midsomer Murders', got who it was but everything else was a confusing head-scratcher.
However, "Death of a Hollow Man" is as ever a beautifully made episode, with to die for scenery, the idyllic look of it contrasting very well with the story's grimness, and quaint and atmospheric photography. 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.
As aforementioned, the story is less than perfect in execution but it is mostly intriguing and fun with some great references to 'Amadeus', and kept afloat by the colourful characters.
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 and it was nice to see Troy congratulated. As does Jane Wymark in another strong characterisation. The supporting cast do very well, especially Bernard Hepton, who relishes his role with glee. Angela Pleasance and Nicholas LePrevost also register strongly.
In conclusion, disappointing but still decent. 7/10 Bethany Cox