Season 9 got off to a brilliant start with "The House in the Woods" while all the episodes in between ranged from decent to very good and "Country Matters" was great and one of the best episodes of the season.
"Death in Chorus" is also a very good episode and in the top end of Season 9. It is let down only really by a couple of parts that could have had more explanation, or at least a clearer one, like the significance of the pig's heart and the whole business with the photos and a somewhat strange second murder. However, it is interesting stuff, especially to see Jones have such a great voice.
The production values as always are top notch, 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, with some lush jauntiness and sometimes an ominous quality, and the theme tune one of the most memorable and instantly recognisable of the genre. The choral stuff is a great addition.
Meanwhile, the script is smart and thought-provoking with some nice quirky and often hilarious humour, a grimness and with characters that are colourful and eccentric. The story is absorbing, never simplistic, sometimes creepy in atmosphere, never dull, never confusing despite a lot happening and the maturity that 'Midsomer Murders' has when on form is more than evident here. It's all tautly paced and the ending is satisfying and ties things up nicely.
John Nettles is a joy and Jason Hughes brings appeal and nice wry humour to Jones. The two work extremely well together, and the rest of the cast (which include charming Jane Wymark and Barry Jackson and Peter Capaldi enjoying himself as the dictatorial conductor) are uniformly strong.
All in all, very good episode. 8/10 Bethany Cox