After Season 8 ended on a whimper with "Midsomer Rhapsody", Season 9 starts with a big bang with "The House in the Woods". It also signals the introduction of Jones, and even in his first episode he proves himself to be a worthy new partner, bringing refreshing wry humour that hits the right note and shares great rapport with Barnaby.
The production values as always are top notch, with to die for scenery (with the house in the woods being like a foreboding character of its own), the idyllic look of it contrasting very well with the story's grimness, and quaint and atmospheric photography. The music fits perfectly, with some lush jauntiness and sometimes an ominous quality, 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 quirky humour, a grimness and with characters that are colourful and eccentric. The story is very absorbing, never simplistic, often creepy in atmosphere, never confusing and the maturity that 'Midsomer Murders' has when on form is more than evident here.
Notable also for a genuinely unexpected and frankly ingenious ending and for one of the show's best ever guest star performance in George Baker. John Nettles is a joy, and Jason Hughes is appealing enough in his debut episode. All the acting is great, with the top plaudits going to Baker.
Overall, wonderful start to Season 9 and one of the better episodes of the mid/later seasons. 10/10 Bethany Cox