Despite being a big fan of 'Midsomer Murders' since forever, "Dead in the Water" didn't strike me as a favourite episode of mine and it still isn't. Not a terrible episode and the show has done worse, but somewhat dull and forgettable.
Starting with the good things, the production values are top notch, with to die for scenery (always wonderful to see Henley-on-Thames captured on screen, and the water is captured beautifully on camera and like its own character), the idyllic look of it contrasting very well with the story's darkness, 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 highlight of the script is the humour, which is deliciously wry and hugely entertaining, and Barnaby, Scott, Joyce and Cully all have lovely moments.
John Nettles cannot be faulted as Barnaby, nor can John Hopkins and their spirited chemistry. Jane Wymark and Laura Howard give "Dead in the Water" charm and humour. The supporting cast are all fine, Diana Quick in particular, and the episode does a good job with the regatta atmosphere, being cheerful, exciting though sometimes snobby.
However, there have been more engaging cases than the one in "Dead in the Water". There are moments, with the episode starting well, but the pacing could have been much tighter, there could have been more twists and turns in the main mystery in an episode strangely lacking in them and the story less stretched-feeling, because it did feel like the writers tried to compensate for the decision to only having one murder by padding things out.
The identity of the murderer wasn't a huge shock, will admit actually to strongly suspecting them early on, and the motive was a bit dull. Also could have easily done without the theft subplot, that felt like inconsequential and muddled padding, didn't fit with the rest of the episode or the show in general, was very predictable and the way it was resolved felt like one big anti-climax in the story. Would have liked to have seen more colourful and eccentric characters, there's not an awful lot to the characters here, while much of the script is too by-the-numbers.
In conclusion, watchable but also underwhelming. 5/10 Bethany Cox