"Midsomer Murders" is one of my favorite series, but the 12th season is not one of show's best. It is not bad, just fine. "The Black Book" is a decent episode, which is not that bad place to be in.
Let's start with the good aspects, shall we?
. The production values of the episode are great as usual. The direction's solid and so is the music. The acting is pretty good too. John Nettles and Jason Hughes are wonderful in the leads, so charming. Out of the guest stars Sarah Badel and especially Susannah Harker fare the best.
. The story of "The Black Book" has some good twists, turns and humor here and there. The murders are very brutal and the characters are interesting for the most part.
But...
. The solution to the mystery is quite mediocre. The identity of the killer (Patricia) was not a shock and the motives felt dull at best.
. There is also a quite a bit of infodumping here and there (especially towards the middle), which is not that compelling to be honest. It is safe to say: The writing could have been stronger.
Overall, a fine episode.
6/10 HK.
Let's start with the good aspects, shall we?
. The production values of the episode are great as usual. The direction's solid and so is the music. The acting is pretty good too. John Nettles and Jason Hughes are wonderful in the leads, so charming. Out of the guest stars Sarah Badel and especially Susannah Harker fare the best.
. The story of "The Black Book" has some good twists, turns and humor here and there. The murders are very brutal and the characters are interesting for the most part.
But...
. The solution to the mystery is quite mediocre. The identity of the killer (Patricia) was not a shock and the motives felt dull at best.
. There is also a quite a bit of infodumping here and there (especially towards the middle), which is not that compelling to be honest. It is safe to say: The writing could have been stronger.
Overall, a fine episode.
6/10 HK.