From a rowing regatta to a flower club, the focus here is on the orchid. A pair of enthusiasts go to Borneo and come up with the rares orchid in the world. They smuggle it to England, ready to make a massive killing. However, the only killing that happens is to the lady upon her return. We learn all kinds of things about these amazing flowers. The problem is that the purity of the plant is no match for the impurities of the people. The orchid in question is worth over a couple hundred thousand pounds and when you are holding the title to this, greedy fingers begin to go into action. This is a reasonable satisfying episode which teaches us about a hobby that has huge implications, including three murders.
13 Reviews
Addiction, Obsession, mania... A good episode.
Sleepin_Dragon25 February 2019
Orchis Fatalis is a pretty good episode, it's not entirely memorable, nothing particularly stands out, but it is a decent watch. I like the story, and I get the mania that the characters have for rare orchids.
Dan cements his place as possibly Barnaby's most irritating colleague, cocky, overbearing, even willing to tease poor Cully to get what he wants.
Matt Bardock is good, Harriet Walter is very good, although she would be better served in a future episode, Death and the Divas.
The opening scenes look pretty good, although clearly not set far afield, a decent attempt is made to look the jungle look real. It ends pretty well, with a fairly dramatic conclusion.
Decent watch, nothing memorable. 7/10
Dan cements his place as possibly Barnaby's most irritating colleague, cocky, overbearing, even willing to tease poor Cully to get what he wants.
Matt Bardock is good, Harriet Walter is very good, although she would be better served in a future episode, Death and the Divas.
The opening scenes look pretty good, although clearly not set far afield, a decent attempt is made to look the jungle look real. It ends pretty well, with a fairly dramatic conclusion.
Decent watch, nothing memorable. 7/10
"It wasn't just her flowerbed you were planting seeds in..." Good Midsomer Murders mystery.
poolandrews20 July 2007
Warning: Spoilers
Midsomer Murders: Orchis Fatalis starts at Mount Kinabalu, Borneo as Madeline Villiers (Marty Cruikshank) & Jimmy Wong (Sai-Kit Yung as Stuart Ong) find an Orchid called the Yellow Roth which happens to be the only one in existence... Jump forward 'Twelve Months Later' to the Midsomer Malham flower show where several local collectors are vying for first prize, Munro Hilliard (John Nettleton) wins it & Henry Plummer (Richard Attlee) comes a lowly & frankly disappointing third. The next morning & Madeline Villiers is found dead, poisoned with hemlock. DCI Tom Barnaby (John Nettles) & Sgt. Dan Scott (John Hopkins) are on the case, then shortly after Henry Plummer is found hanged. As Barnaby & Scott investigate everything leads back to the valuable Yellow Roth which Madeline smuggled into Midsomer & has left nothing but death in it's wake...
Episode 3 from season 8 this Midsomer Murders mystery was directed by Peter Smith & is one of the better later stories. The script by Terry Hodgkinson has a more international flavour than usual, it goes beyond the innocent sleepy county of Midsomer to Borneo & feature rare exotic Orchids from all around the world & a suspicious Chinese businessman so Orchis Fatalis feels a bit different to the usual Midsomer Murders episode in that regard. This is a good thing & while there aren't as many suspects or red herring as I'd have liked the succession of twists & turns at the end save it, you would really have to be an armchair detective of your convictions to not change your mind about the identity of the killer at least once during the last half an hour or so. As a story I liked the Orchid angle & thought it was a neat premise to center a triple murder plot around, these Midsomer Murders mysteries are getting sillier & sillier anyway so just sit back & enjoy the good ones that work within themselves. At almost two hours with commercials one has to stick with it & pay attention even though sometimes they may seem slow going, Orchis Fatalis definitely comes together at the end with a satisfying & unexpected climax.
This episode of Midsomer Murders actually has a bit of style, there are several flashback scenes which are in black and white except whenever the Yellow Roth Orchid is on screen which is left it's bright yellow colour & makes an interesting visual contrast against the rest of the picture which is black and white, it's a cool effect which works very well & comes across as pretty stylish for what it is. Otherwise it's business as usual with crisp clean photography & some more unmistakably English locations, Greys Court near Henley was used as the monastery while the University of Oxford botanic garden was used for the Orchid house where Margaret & Jonathan work. This is very well made with high production values as usual & the acting is very good from all involved as expected.
Orchis Fatalis is one of the better episodes of Midsomer Murder from it's latter seasons, it's certainly well worth a watch if your a fan or if you like a good murder mystery with a bit of class.
Episode 3 from season 8 this Midsomer Murders mystery was directed by Peter Smith & is one of the better later stories. The script by Terry Hodgkinson has a more international flavour than usual, it goes beyond the innocent sleepy county of Midsomer to Borneo & feature rare exotic Orchids from all around the world & a suspicious Chinese businessman so Orchis Fatalis feels a bit different to the usual Midsomer Murders episode in that regard. This is a good thing & while there aren't as many suspects or red herring as I'd have liked the succession of twists & turns at the end save it, you would really have to be an armchair detective of your convictions to not change your mind about the identity of the killer at least once during the last half an hour or so. As a story I liked the Orchid angle & thought it was a neat premise to center a triple murder plot around, these Midsomer Murders mysteries are getting sillier & sillier anyway so just sit back & enjoy the good ones that work within themselves. At almost two hours with commercials one has to stick with it & pay attention even though sometimes they may seem slow going, Orchis Fatalis definitely comes together at the end with a satisfying & unexpected climax.
This episode of Midsomer Murders actually has a bit of style, there are several flashback scenes which are in black and white except whenever the Yellow Roth Orchid is on screen which is left it's bright yellow colour & makes an interesting visual contrast against the rest of the picture which is black and white, it's a cool effect which works very well & comes across as pretty stylish for what it is. Otherwise it's business as usual with crisp clean photography & some more unmistakably English locations, Greys Court near Henley was used as the monastery while the University of Oxford botanic garden was used for the Orchid house where Margaret & Jonathan work. This is very well made with high production values as usual & the acting is very good from all involved as expected.
Orchis Fatalis is one of the better episodes of Midsomer Murder from it's latter seasons, it's certainly well worth a watch if your a fan or if you like a good murder mystery with a bit of class.
The case of the rare and fatal orchid
TheLittleSongbird31 January 2017
On very first viewing, "Orchis Fatalis" struck me as an episode that didn't really stand out. On re-watch, while still not one of my favourite episodes, it is a much better episode than remembered and one of the better 8th season episodes, much improved over the previous episode "Dead in the Water".
The very end with Barnaby and his family is rather cheesy and like a clumsy nod to the character of Jimmy Fong. More could have been done with the Latin diary of the first murder victim, that was an intriguing angle and actually would have made for a more believable motive for murder but wasn't really used to its full potential at all.
On the other hand, John Nettles is superb as Barnaby, and is supported with enthusiasm and intensity by John Hopkins. The two share a very spirited chemistry together. Also love the loving chemistry between Nettles and Jane Wymark as Joyce, one can tell that they love each other dearly but that she is frustrated at how much his work gets in the way. The guest supporting turns are very good, Matt Bardock and Harriet Walter being the most familiar to me and both stand out.
Production values are top notch, with to die for scenery, 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.
Meanwhile, the script is smart and thought-provoking with some nice and genuinely funny humour (who can forget the reaction to Scott accidentally treading on the orchid), a suitable dark grimness, intriguing jealous back-biting and good characters. The story is compelling, and doesn't make either mistake of being simplistic or convoluted, while the characters are suitably eccentric. The identity of the killer is a big surprise, the murders are hardly tame (the pitchfork one is pretty grisly actually) and while the motive is over-the-top it just about passes the plausibility test.
Overall, a good and better-than-remembered episode if still not a favourite. 8/10 Bethany Cox
The very end with Barnaby and his family is rather cheesy and like a clumsy nod to the character of Jimmy Fong. More could have been done with the Latin diary of the first murder victim, that was an intriguing angle and actually would have made for a more believable motive for murder but wasn't really used to its full potential at all.
On the other hand, John Nettles is superb as Barnaby, and is supported with enthusiasm and intensity by John Hopkins. The two share a very spirited chemistry together. Also love the loving chemistry between Nettles and Jane Wymark as Joyce, one can tell that they love each other dearly but that she is frustrated at how much his work gets in the way. The guest supporting turns are very good, Matt Bardock and Harriet Walter being the most familiar to me and both stand out.
Production values are top notch, with to die for scenery, 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.
Meanwhile, the script is smart and thought-provoking with some nice and genuinely funny humour (who can forget the reaction to Scott accidentally treading on the orchid), a suitable dark grimness, intriguing jealous back-biting and good characters. The story is compelling, and doesn't make either mistake of being simplistic or convoluted, while the characters are suitably eccentric. The identity of the killer is a big surprise, the murders are hardly tame (the pitchfork one is pretty grisly actually) and while the motive is over-the-top it just about passes the plausibility test.
Overall, a good and better-than-remembered episode if still not a favourite. 8/10 Bethany Cox
The 8th season gets back on track.
harrykivi20 April 2020
Warning: Spoilers
After "Dead in the Water" being very dull, it was nice to see an episode, which is much more interesting. Before reviewing, must add: I was quite afraid to watch "Orchis Fatalis", because it is written by Terry Hodgkinson, who wrote "The Electric Vendetta"- my least favorite "Midsomer murders" of all time. To my surprise the episode is actually pretty good.
Let's start with good.
. The production values are usually wonderful with great direction and beautiful music in the background. The cast's also very good. Really liked Harriet Walter in her spicy role.
. The murders are brutal. Especially the third one, which is one of the grisliest in the series. The characters are colorful enough and the story of "Orchis Fatalis" has clever twists and turns (the final 30 minutes is agreed full of them), which boosted the case, because there are not loads of suspects in this mystery.
. The solution I found satisfying and the murderer very surprising. Enough though to kill people for a single orchid is kind of silly...
But...
. There are moments in the script, where humor doesn't work and feels cheesy. Agreed, the sunshine-ending was too nice for "Midsomer Murders".
. Also some red herrings regarding the diary subplot didn't feel necessary and felt put in just for the sake of it.
Overall, pretty good if not great "Midsomer Murders".
8/10 HK
Let's start with good.
. The production values are usually wonderful with great direction and beautiful music in the background. The cast's also very good. Really liked Harriet Walter in her spicy role.
. The murders are brutal. Especially the third one, which is one of the grisliest in the series. The characters are colorful enough and the story of "Orchis Fatalis" has clever twists and turns (the final 30 minutes is agreed full of them), which boosted the case, because there are not loads of suspects in this mystery.
. The solution I found satisfying and the murderer very surprising. Enough though to kill people for a single orchid is kind of silly...
But...
. There are moments in the script, where humor doesn't work and feels cheesy. Agreed, the sunshine-ending was too nice for "Midsomer Murders".
. Also some red herrings regarding the diary subplot didn't feel necessary and felt put in just for the sake of it.
Overall, pretty good if not great "Midsomer Murders".
8/10 HK
okay it's not perfect
blanche-231 May 2015
One of the comments here will tell you what's technically wrong with this episode.
As someone without the info provided by that viewer, I thought this was pretty good. And I'm surprised I like Scott as much as I do.
When an elderly member of the Midsomer Malham Orchid Society is murdered, Barnaby and Scott are on the case. She may have looked like an elderly woman, but Madeline Villiers, the victim, had quite a sex life according to her journal, and it looks as though she was selling very rare orchids for beaucoup bucks.
Then someone else from the society dies, and his entire orchid collection is ruined. His wife explains to Barnaby and Scott that orchid growing is an expensive and addictive hobby. So, it seems, is murder. There are many people to be investigated, including a mysterious man from China who was in some way involved with Villiers.
I enjoyed this episode and got a kick out of the relationship between Barnaby and Scott, which is much more relaxed than it was originally, and Scott seems to be liking the job more.
As someone without the info provided by that viewer, I thought this was pretty good. And I'm surprised I like Scott as much as I do.
When an elderly member of the Midsomer Malham Orchid Society is murdered, Barnaby and Scott are on the case. She may have looked like an elderly woman, but Madeline Villiers, the victim, had quite a sex life according to her journal, and it looks as though she was selling very rare orchids for beaucoup bucks.
Then someone else from the society dies, and his entire orchid collection is ruined. His wife explains to Barnaby and Scott that orchid growing is an expensive and addictive hobby. So, it seems, is murder. There are many people to be investigated, including a mysterious man from China who was in some way involved with Villiers.
I enjoyed this episode and got a kick out of the relationship between Barnaby and Scott, which is much more relaxed than it was originally, and Scott seems to be liking the job more.
Very Good Episode
wjspears13 December 2020
Warning: Spoilers
I have methodically watched season after season of Midsomer Murders, starting several months ago. Reviewers, early on, noted that the later episodes were not as good as the earlier ones. I am pleased to say that this has not happened yet. Both this episode and the previous one, "Dead in the Water" in Series 8, have been stellar in my book.
What, for me, makes "Orchis Fatalis" such an entertaining episode were two things.
First, the subject of orchids and orchid growers and collectors, was an ideal one for introducing eccentric, but seemingly harmless folks who suddenly become suspects. In this case, three orchid collectors end up dead by the end of this episode--the last one in a particularly grisly manner.
The second "plus" was the bafflement of Barnaby and Scott, The detectives' suspicious gaze fall on one person after another, seemingly at the start of each new day. But each suspect ends up being dismissed as unlikely and implausible. As viewers, I think we find everyone suspicious, and that makes us as puzzled and baffled as the Barnaby and Scott are.
Meanwhile, the body count continues to rise, presumably because there is a priceless orchid on the loose somewhere, that is causing all this mayhem!
Orchids and their growers have an illustrious history in crime fiction. Rex Stout's Nero Wolfe was an avid orchid grower. Wolfe often seemed more concerned with the well-being of his orchids than he was with his clients'.
In Raymond Chandler's "The Big Sleep". Philip Marlowe meets his elderly, wheelchair bound client, for the first time. General Sternwood is in his hot and humid rooftop greenhouse.
General Greenwood asks Marlowe if he likes orchids. Marlowe replies, "Not particularly", as he wipes the sweat off his face and neck. Greenwood nods, "Nasty things. Their flesh is too much like the flesh of men, and their perfume has the rotten sweetness of corruption."
A host of orchid chasers, ranging from a wealthy, prissy collector, to a Chinese orchid smuggler, to a whiny wannabe collector going broke in the process, and finally to a 60 something year old woman who seems intent on using her money and charm to bed as many young studs before she marries, as she can. Add to that list of suspects and victims, several hangers-on who exclaim "You can get How Much for just a flower?!!", and you have got a pretty rich cast of characters.
What, for me, makes "Orchis Fatalis" such an entertaining episode were two things.
First, the subject of orchids and orchid growers and collectors, was an ideal one for introducing eccentric, but seemingly harmless folks who suddenly become suspects. In this case, three orchid collectors end up dead by the end of this episode--the last one in a particularly grisly manner.
The second "plus" was the bafflement of Barnaby and Scott, The detectives' suspicious gaze fall on one person after another, seemingly at the start of each new day. But each suspect ends up being dismissed as unlikely and implausible. As viewers, I think we find everyone suspicious, and that makes us as puzzled and baffled as the Barnaby and Scott are.
Meanwhile, the body count continues to rise, presumably because there is a priceless orchid on the loose somewhere, that is causing all this mayhem!
Orchids and their growers have an illustrious history in crime fiction. Rex Stout's Nero Wolfe was an avid orchid grower. Wolfe often seemed more concerned with the well-being of his orchids than he was with his clients'.
In Raymond Chandler's "The Big Sleep". Philip Marlowe meets his elderly, wheelchair bound client, for the first time. General Sternwood is in his hot and humid rooftop greenhouse.
General Greenwood asks Marlowe if he likes orchids. Marlowe replies, "Not particularly", as he wipes the sweat off his face and neck. Greenwood nods, "Nasty things. Their flesh is too much like the flesh of men, and their perfume has the rotten sweetness of corruption."
A host of orchid chasers, ranging from a wealthy, prissy collector, to a Chinese orchid smuggler, to a whiny wannabe collector going broke in the process, and finally to a 60 something year old woman who seems intent on using her money and charm to bed as many young studs before she marries, as she can. Add to that list of suspects and victims, several hangers-on who exclaim "You can get How Much for just a flower?!!", and you have got a pretty rich cast of characters.
May December Overload
ummajon200320 April 2016
Warning: Spoilers
My memory may be off, but it seems like several episodes include a much older woman character having a bit of an intimate relationship with a younger man. It was unique at first but now it seems to go on so often that it's bothering me, unless it's some sort of running gag, I don't know. Anyway, this episode included an actual ethnic actor and character within the plot line which was quite refreshing in its own way. Again, it may just be me, but there have been times when a couple of the English men characters looked so much alike I got confused, so diversity can be a good thing in more than one way I'd say! This plot was rather more plausible than most from MM, rich collectors and savvy poachers and then the unlikely (therefore very likely) character who is looking to get his own behaving in a murderous manner! The death by pitchfork was very grisly and gruesome though. I definitely turn my eyes away from the scenes with dead bodies and murder flashbacks. But then at the end, when the camera pans wide and the view of the peaceful green rolling hills emerge, it makes it all worth the watch again!
Unpredictable ending, Midsomer and a Chinese restaurant
safenoe24 February 2016
Warning: Spoilers
This was an engaging episode even though I'm not interested in orchids. There was an international flavor to it, with the opening being set in Borneo, and this sets the stage for an intriguing Midsomer episode involving orchids.
There were three murders and all gruesome. I wouldn't have predicted the culprit, and it was a surprise. Matt Bardock as Harry Rose deserves special commendation for his role as the recently released prisoner, and because he was the most obvious suspect, I knew he couldn't have done it.
Barnaby's sidekick Dan Scott really displayed his un-PC attitudes by referring to Jimmy Fong as the "Chinaman" although I guess this became okay when Mr Fong himself referred to himself as "Chinaman" in the police interview, so that was okay I guess. Whilst the character of Dan only featured in two series, he should have been given his own show (a la Frasier) where he's promoted to Detective Chief Inspector in the East End, who passes hard edge, salty, politically incorrect comments on anything with the words "pride" and "festival". Dan could be part be partnered with a soft liberal female PC who is PC. That would satisfy the Midsomer fans who continually bemoan the departure of Brian True-May (for those wondering why Chinaman is not offensive, may I ask if anyone refers to a French citizen as "Franceman" or a Briton as "Englandman"?)
The ending of Orchis Fatalis was a bit cheesy, with DCI Barnaby saying he will treat his wife, daughter and the un-PC PC Scott to lunch at a Chinese restaurant, being a sly reference to Jimmy Fong pretending to be a delivery guy earlier on in the episode. I'm surprised the credits didn't roll with Monty Python's "I like Chinese".
There were three murders and all gruesome. I wouldn't have predicted the culprit, and it was a surprise. Matt Bardock as Harry Rose deserves special commendation for his role as the recently released prisoner, and because he was the most obvious suspect, I knew he couldn't have done it.
Barnaby's sidekick Dan Scott really displayed his un-PC attitudes by referring to Jimmy Fong as the "Chinaman" although I guess this became okay when Mr Fong himself referred to himself as "Chinaman" in the police interview, so that was okay I guess. Whilst the character of Dan only featured in two series, he should have been given his own show (a la Frasier) where he's promoted to Detective Chief Inspector in the East End, who passes hard edge, salty, politically incorrect comments on anything with the words "pride" and "festival". Dan could be part be partnered with a soft liberal female PC who is PC. That would satisfy the Midsomer fans who continually bemoan the departure of Brian True-May (for those wondering why Chinaman is not offensive, may I ask if anyone refers to a French citizen as "Franceman" or a Briton as "Englandman"?)
The ending of Orchis Fatalis was a bit cheesy, with DCI Barnaby saying he will treat his wife, daughter and the un-PC PC Scott to lunch at a Chinese restaurant, being a sly reference to Jimmy Fong pretending to be a delivery guy earlier on in the episode. I'm surprised the credits didn't roll with Monty Python's "I like Chinese".
Murder from regatta, now orchid world
vitoscotti30 October 2019
I was almost going to move on from MM to another Brit crime detective mystery series a season sgo. I thought it was getting too preposterous. But, I hung in there. I'm glad I did. I've grown to embrace the unusual crime scenarios in unusual settings. The Barnabys make most every episode so far a pure joy. Not a lot of 8,9, 10 ratings for me, but enjoyable 6 and 7s. The tension of the suprise villian revealing at the end is very well played out.
Remarkably stupid in so many ways
rch42715 October 2012
Warning: Spoilers
For those who never question what's presented to them, "Orchis Fatalis" may not raise an eyebrow. To anyone else, it's chock-a-block with stupidity. Here is just a partial list:
When discovering the "totally unique" specimen of orchid, what do the two orchid experts do? Snip the flowering spike off, then pull up the rhizome. News to everyone else: this would almost certainly kill the plant.
When Barnaby and Jones enter the greenhouse where orchids are grown, Jones begins sneezing as if he's allergic to orchids. News to everyone else: orchids don't produce pollen that causes allergic reactions.
When the killer forces hemlock down the throat of one of the victims, she's dead within a few seconds. News to everyone else: hemlock takes a minimum of 30 minutes to prove fatal.
This episode is full of ridiculous nonsense such as this that left this modestly educated viewer rolling his eyes. It's a shame, because Barnaby is likable and "Midsomer" can be lovely, but the plots are so contrived, the characters so unbelievable and the dialogue so nonsensical, I'm about ready to give up on the series.
When discovering the "totally unique" specimen of orchid, what do the two orchid experts do? Snip the flowering spike off, then pull up the rhizome. News to everyone else: this would almost certainly kill the plant.
When Barnaby and Jones enter the greenhouse where orchids are grown, Jones begins sneezing as if he's allergic to orchids. News to everyone else: orchids don't produce pollen that causes allergic reactions.
When the killer forces hemlock down the throat of one of the victims, she's dead within a few seconds. News to everyone else: hemlock takes a minimum of 30 minutes to prove fatal.
This episode is full of ridiculous nonsense such as this that left this modestly educated viewer rolling his eyes. It's a shame, because Barnaby is likable and "Midsomer" can be lovely, but the plots are so contrived, the characters so unbelievable and the dialogue so nonsensical, I'm about ready to give up on the series.
Orchids and murder
coltras359 July 2022
The world of botany is explored when Barnaby and Scott search for the killer of a retired teacher found dead shortly after smuggling a rare orchid out of Borneo. Two more bodies is proof that the murderer will stop at nothing to get hold of the coveted plant, and the key to the mystery may lie in a Latin notebook.
Deliciously engaging entry with an interesting subject of orchids. Apart from that, there's some good suspects, good detecting and some dramatic kills. John Nettles does his squinting, heavy breathing Barnaby as usual and his sidekick runs around like usual.
Deliciously engaging entry with an interesting subject of orchids. Apart from that, there's some good suspects, good detecting and some dramatic kills. John Nettles does his squinting, heavy breathing Barnaby as usual and his sidekick runs around like usual.
A typical tv-movie
blumdeluxe1 May 2018
Warning: Spoilers
"Orchis Fatalis" tells the story of an elderly teacher, who smuggles rare plants and flowers into the United Kingdom, leading to her murder. Investigators are facing a scene of flower-fanatics with many dark and private secrets.
The movie is pretty much your average tv crime piece, entertaining enough to keep you watching but not cruel or shocking enough to keep any housewives from giving it a go. I like that the plot is not one-dimensional, even though I have to say that in the end it seemed a bit too constructed and wanted and a little less plausible. This was the first episode of the series I've seen, however I think it is not dramatic since you can watch them quite independently. Sadly, I'm not really triggered, but I should really try out some more episodes before judging the series.
All in all this is entertaining enough to distract you for an evening but it is nowhere near a great crime movie. If you simply want to free your mind of a hectic day, there's nothing wrong with this one, if you're looking for something more remarkable, this is not your go-to-film.
The movie is pretty much your average tv crime piece, entertaining enough to keep you watching but not cruel or shocking enough to keep any housewives from giving it a go. I like that the plot is not one-dimensional, even though I have to say that in the end it seemed a bit too constructed and wanted and a little less plausible. This was the first episode of the series I've seen, however I think it is not dramatic since you can watch them quite independently. Sadly, I'm not really triggered, but I should really try out some more episodes before judging the series.
All in all this is entertaining enough to distract you for an evening but it is nowhere near a great crime movie. If you simply want to free your mind of a hectic day, there's nothing wrong with this one, if you're looking for something more remarkable, this is not your go-to-film.
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