As has been said by me a number of times, 'Midsomer Murders' is one of my most watched and most re-watched shows. It is nowhere near as good now and the Tom Barnaby-era wasn't alien to average or less episodes, but when it was on form or at its best boy was it good.
Season 10 started off decently with "Dance with the Dead", though that was marred by uneven pacing and padding. "The Animal Within" was an improvement, being very good and highly entertaining. Then there's this episode "King's Crystal". Most of the episode is solid and diverting stuff but it also could have been better, not classic 'Midsomer Murders' but not an average or less episode either.
While the final twist was unexpected and clever, the ending did feel unfinished and ambiguous with more explanation needed for the first murder for example. The Masons angle was an intriguing angle and it tells us more about Jones that could have been better resolved, literally left in the open, and may agreed baffle some.
However, 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.
Meanwhile, the script is smart and thought-provoking with some nice humour, a grimness and with characters that are fun and interesting enough. The story is compelling, with some neat twists and turns without being too simple or complicated. The Hamlet subplot is woven seamlessly with the investigation and even helps solve it.
John Nettles and Jason Hughes are both superb, individually and together (their chemistry, and the chemistry with Daniel Casey and John Hopkins before Hughes, being a huge part of their episodes' charm). And the supporting cast are very strong as to be expected.
In summary, solid and often diverting episode that underwhelmed a little in the final solution. 7/10 Bethany Cox