Midsomer Murders (TV Series) The Axeman Cometh (2007) User Reviews

This is a big, crazy, all guns blazing episode.

[Sleepin_Dragon · 9/10 · 6 March 2019]

One of the craziest episodes of Midsomer imaginable, there is nothing subtle at all about this episode, the characters are huge, killings are huge, and the ideas, and revelations, even the guest cast are something special, James Cosmo and Suzi Quattro.

What it lacks in subtlety, it makes up for in story and dramatic exuberance. I don't think anyone could make the case for this one being boring. Tom is in great spirits, he's very nostalgic amongst his idols, Philip Madoc is great as his old boss, but the whole episode belongs to James Cosmo, who is absolutely terrific, he commands the screen and exudes charisma, and he's in superb company here.

It had me fooled. 9/10

wild, and Barnaby gets his groove back

[blanche-2 · 8/10 · 21 July 2015]

I really loved this episode, a departure from the usual Midsomer Murders.

A big rock concert is held in Badgers Drift. Among the performers is Hired Gun, Barnaby's favorite group from his youth, and considered influential. Cully and Joyce think he's been taken over by an alien.

These guys and gals are out of control. The lead singer, Mimi (Suzie Quatro), is a major drunk. Gary Cooper (Phil Davis), the group's leader, lives high but believes his business partner in the band, presumed dead, is actually alive and after him. Strange things happen at his house, none of them pleasant, having to do with eviscerated animals. The lead guitarist, Barnaby's idol Jack "Axeman" McKinney (John Cosmo) is a reformed alcoholic, a big, volatile, loud man.

There's a last minute change in the program, a song is changed, and Mimi takes over the mike, where she is basically fried when electrocuted. The coroner says he doesn't know how she walked on stage, her liver and kidneys were so destroyed beforehand. Turns out the wires were tampered with, and Gary, who was supposed to be on mike, is sure it's his unseen nemesis, Ginger Foxton (a guy).

There's a second attempted murder, and then a third one, and that hits its mark. What is the motive? Maybe it is revenge instigated by Foxton after all.

These actors took a page out of the Rolling Stones' playbook, with Cosmo perhaps modeling his character on Dave Crosby. They're all terrific - old and wiped out.

At one point, Barnaby and the Axeman rap together. The manager starts to date Cully, and when Jones finds out that his alibi is that he was with "a friend," Jones takes a look at Cully and panics at telling Barnaby the alibi. Barnaby didn't even want Cully to attend, let alone date anyone involved with the group.

I agree that the episode is padded with a couple of unnecessary subplots, and I didn't like the music either, but I still enjoyed the episode. The show's been on the air for 10 years at this point - gotta mix it up occasionally.

Well....It Ain't Woodstock....But

[Hitchcoc · 8/10 · 9 April 2016]

Barnaby has been shown throughout the series to be a big fan of the blues. Here, there is a rock festival, and our erstwhile constable is there to enjoy the music. He is in awe of a performer known as the Axeman, a great blues guitarist in his day. It isn't long before members of the band begin to get bumped off, beginning with the electrocution of the lead singer, a doped up, middle aged screecher who is actually pretty good. Soon the story begins to revolve around a guy named Ginger who disappeared many years ago, whose story became the stuff of rock legend. We are treated to the decadent lifestyles of these over the hill rockers. They have maintained their disdain for the world and are submerged in self importance and entitlements. Of course, they have secrets. They have a kind of sick relationship with one another. The solution is an interesting one.

and Nettles + Cosmos AMAZING/question

[Shamme4206 · 10/10 · 16 April 2018]

Wonderful exchanges between the Mr Cosmo and Nettles makes for one the best episodes. Question - how did the poor damaged ex-grouple know about all the bad ju ju?

rock 'n roll

[boxyfella · 9/10 · 16 March 2022]

This remains one of my favourite episodes. They've all done stories about old rock bands reforming - Lewis, New Tricks, Taggart, Death in Paradise - and the infighting that ensues, usually about royalties, but this is in my opinion the best example of this particular sub genre.

There is so much to enjoy with some fine performances - especially by Phil Davis, and David Horovitch and Robin Weaver as the creepy servants, and Philip Madoc, but they are outshone by James Cosmo who puts in a superb performance.

Good to see the first appearance of Simon who hits it off with Cully, much to her dad's displeasure. Also good to see Barnaby reliving his youth and jamming with his heroes. The motives for the killer are totally believable. Even the music is OK (if you like that sort of thing).

One very tiny gripe - it would have been nice to see Rachel Davies in a meatier role, she was under-used and her character didn't really do much.

Cosmic performance.

[robt02 · 6/10 · 2 February 2007]

James Cosmo is one of those actors who never seems to turn in a bad performance. Here he steals the limelight from other good actors like Phil Davis in his portrayal of a middle-aged axeman (lead guitar player) returning to the stage. Perhaps he's seen Dave Crosby, perhaps it's all in his own head but it's a great performance that lifts this episode of what can be a rather slow series. Just watch him strut his stuff on stage. Great, although it lasts less than a minute. A totally believable performance by a fine actor. He steals your attention every moment he's on screen as you watch his character go through so many emotions.

What a cast!!

[marklaw-37806 · 8/10 · 19 November 2020]

Phil Davies AND Suzi Quattro! Together with Rupert Vanistartt!

(Spoilt only by the appearance of that stain Michael Reid).

Far out man

[vitoscotti · 6/10 · 1 January 2020]

A very painful first 1/3 of the story with the band overacting to the hilt. Then the interesting part of the story kicked in. Less of the band hamming it up and more investigation. I thought this was unsalvageable but the final 2/3 were great with a surprise ending. Music was bad. Fun to see Barnaby expressing his love of music. Lots of a rebellious Cully is a joy. Vito S 1-1-20.

Midsomer Rock ...err....

[rikv56 · 6/10 · 8 August 2014]

I love the Midsomer series for the acting, and the production values, great camera work, and particularly superb sound! IMHO the story lines and the script writing aren't always as good as the execution. The acting is nearly always great, I wish they would apply all this skill to less infantile and improbable stories..... This episode deals with something close to my heart, live music :) So many things about the motivation of the musician actors are just so unlikely...... I fear most people will never realize real musicians actually LOVE MUSIC, and all the other sh*t around that becomes secondary.... Anyhow, nice to see Suzi Quatro in an acting part!

I liked it, but did not love it.

[harrykivi · 6/10 · 20 May 2021]

The tenth season of "Midsomer Murders" is not one of my particular favorites, I have said it numerous times. "Dance with the Dead" I think is fine and so is "King's Crystal". "The Animal Within" is the only very good episode in the tenth season as I remember (I have re-watch the other ones). "The Axeman Cometh" is also a decent entry to the series, though it could have been, agreed, far better.

Let's start with the good aspects, shall we?

. The production values of the episode are great as usual. "The Axeman Cometh" is well- directed, the music, while heavy on rock tunes, fits to the scenery as well. The acting is very good overall. John Nettles and Jason Hughes are amazing as they are in every single episode. Phil Davis gives a solid performance and so does Rachel Davies. The real show-stealer though is James Cosmo, who is just brilliant in every scene he's in. Cosmo gives, in my opinion, one of the best guest star performance in "Midsomer Murders". His role is balanced and charismatic.

. The murder mystery is intriguing once it gets going. There are some good red herrings, humor and the ending (with the Axeman turning out to be the killer) is very satisfying. The murders are creative too ( especially the one regarding electrocution).

But....

. The episode does drag, especially in the beginning. It takes about 40 minutes before a murder happens. I understand there has to be a set up to the murder, but 40 minutes is a lot of time for just a set-up. The time spent on "setting things up" could have been used for something more interesting.

. The characters and some of the subplots could have been developed in a more effective way. The one regarding a missing rock-band member was interesting, but it was glossed over way too quickly. Another one with a woman, who likes to sleep around and finds joy seducing her "brother", was gross and did not go to anywhere at all. In terms of the characters, the most interesting is the Axeman. All of the other characters needed a bit more meat to their bones and felt a bit over-the top to me.

Overall, liked it, but didn't love it.

6,5/10 HK.

Average Midsomer Murders episode.

[poolandrews · 5/10 · 21 May 2009]

Midsomer Murders: The Axeman Cometh starts in the small village of Badger's Drift where the Midsomer Rock Music Festival is being held & the star attraction is the reunion of a band called Hired Gun thirty years after they split, hey if it's good enough for Take That & The Spice Girls then it's good enough for Midsomer's own Hired Gun. Former members Gary Cooper (Phil Davis), Nicky Harding (Michael Angelis) & Jack 'Axeman' McKinley (James Cosmo) reunite & their first gig is awaited with great anticipation. However tragedy strikes & backing singer Mimi Clifton (Suzie Quatro) is electrocuted on stage, DCI Tom Barnaby (John Nettles) has yet another murder to solve & it's not long before another band member is killed off. Could it have anything to do with Ginger Foxton the long missing fifth member or is it down to just plain Rock'N'Roll?

Episode 4 from season 10 this Midsomer Murders mystery was directed by Renny Rye & is a fairly average episode livened up by a nice performance from James Cosmo as the 'Axeman' & a script which manages to generate a little sympathy for the killer. For a start The Axeman Cometh is pretty slow going, it's forty minutes before the first murder happens which is just too long, I mean it's not as if those first forty odd minutes are action packed either. The Axeman Cometh has a pretty good ending with some stronger than usual motives for the killer, could probably actually understand & maybe even sympathise with the killer in this one. As usual it's very exposition heavy although not all of it bears fruit as it were & a lot of the sub plots that are started go absolutely nowhere & aren't rounded off like the affair Gary & that posh MILF bird Finola Hardcourt or the relationship that is set-up between Simon 'Dickhead' Dixon & Barnaby's daughter Cully to name but two. There are one or two interesting sub plots though with the mystery surrounding the long lost fifth member, the sinister butler & several skinned animals left about the place. All in all The Axeman Cometh could have been pared down to a decent episode that lasted an hour but as it stands it feels far too padded at nearer two hours & that's how I felt.

The Axeman Cometh definitely proves Midsomer Murders & rock do not mix in any way whatsoever, the juxtaposition of the usual mellow music & the grating guitar riffs used here is terrible in my opinion. Then again I hate rock music anyway so maybe it's just me. Apparently Barnaby is a bit of a rock lover & was once in a band & has a quick jam with Jack 'Axeman' McKinley of Hired Gun on the guitar & seems to to get a kick out of it. There are only two murders in this episode with neither being gory or imaginative although there is an autopsy scene in which Bullard reveals dishes containing a heart & liver & a gutted Pig & skinned Rabbit are also seen. Former female rocker Suzie Quatro turns up here in an inspired casting choice as a former female rocker while prolific Scottish actor James Cosmo turns in a great performance that is funny, sad & tough at the same time. Rupert Vansittart is better known as Lord Ashfordly in the retro drama series Heartbeat (1992-2009) & the regular cast are as good as ever.

The Axeman Cometh is a decent enough episode that feels padded out, with the excess fat & unwanted sub plots trimmed off The Axeman Cometh would have made for a great hour long murder mystery but as a near two hour long murder mystery it's harder to recommend & comes in as average all day long in my opinion.

Rock and Roll in Badger's Drift

[sherondalewis-20531 · 7/10 · 13 June 2022]

I kinda liked this episode of Midsomer. This shows me that Tom has an eclectic taste in music as he is reliving his love for the rock band Hired Gun, who is having a rock performance in Badger's Drift. To the shock and confusement of Cully (whom she once called "The Old Man" in the episode, Dead in the Water-DS Scott years) and to the amusement or so of Joyce. While Tom is getting to see the band from the late 60s, early 70s gear up, we see the band members lead by Axeman Jack McKinnley, and the new manager that has taken over for his late father, Simon Dixon, to talk about the upcoming performance.

At the same time, Tom and Jones bumps into retired DCI Jenkins, whom Tom was a DS with years before HE became a DCI (or DI). Jenkins is there for a reason (we find out later that he is still investigating the cold case of the disappearance of one of the guitarist from said band years earlier).

It takes a while before things really kick off. By the 40 minute mark, you got Cully being introduced (accidentally) to Simon (love at first sight for him) and got Cully to work for the crew. You got Tom being told off (per se) by Axeman Jack, (in front of Jones, no less), and got to see some of the bandmates and their quirks. The deaf drummer. The alcoholic singer...pretty much standard in the who's who of characters in a rock and roll band and then the lead, Axeman Jack, his special needs out there daughter, and a woman who is in a home and lost the plot (yes ago). What do all of this have to do with the story?

Well, revenge, of course! Without giving too much away, we see who and know the why one person got electrocuted (in front of an audience), one drugged and drowned, one found out to be a fraud, a solved mystery of a disappearance, a match made, a blown up motorcycle....and some great singing performances! There really wasn't any cons in this particular episode. Since I think a lot when it comes to characters and storylines, this here made me think these things: A, Cully has a type (dark haired guys, like Troy, Scott...and Simon, who looks a little like Ben). B, Tom's taste in music (and how he happens to mentioned he was in a little band himself once upon a time). C, we got to see whom Tom was under as a DS. D, that even Tom can get knocked down a peg or two (which was sad and awkward). I wish Joyce was in this more to share her love for this music (maybe she is more into Motown, lol). But, worth watching.

Murderous consequences at the Midsomer Rock Festival

[TheLittleSongbird · 6/10 · 11 February 2017]

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. "King's Crystal" was mostly solid and diverting but expected the final solution to be much stronger than the rather too ambiguous and incomplete one in the episode.

"The Axeman Cometh" was another example of an episode that could have been much better. Nowhere near one of the show's best episodes but still has enough to make it more than an average or less episode, certainly better than the likes of "Second Sight", "The Electric Vendetta" and "The Straw Woman", "Blood on the Saddle", "Night of the Stag" and "The Incident at Coopers Hill" need re-watches but remember being very unimpressed by those too.

Was expecting a stronger story than the one here. Certainly not terrible, the murders are good (the first murder is one of the show's cleverest), the final solution is interesting and more satisfying than that of the previous episode "King's Crystal" and the mystery aspects are very intriguing.

It is marred though by pacing that has a tendency to ramble and drag, too many subplots that are unresolved and some don't hold much relevance and a few too many characters, some more interesting than others.

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 melancholic air and a dark grimness.

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). Can't fault the supporting cast either, with James Cosmo standing out in a great performance, has this man ever given a bad performance? Haven't seen them all, but of the ones seen the answer is no.

All in all, decent but also rather disappointing. 6/10 Bethany Cox

Boomer Fun

[balldave · 6/10 · 3 May 2020]

Barnaby acting like a schoolgirl reliving his 70s music crush.. okay episode with maybe too many obnoxious characters and one glaring error of Barnaby noting that the Eagles made it big in 1972 with Desperado..they were big before and Desperado was 73 ....

Didn't work for me at all

[depaysement · 4/10 · 23 April 2020]

I lasted half an hour and gave up from sheer boredom. I've had enough of the cliched Old Rockers, whether played seriously (Lewis) or mockingly (New Tricks, this). Drunks and stoners sitting around complaining about their lack of money, or laughing at other people, just had me wishing whoever was going to commit the murder(s) would get on with it. The only good moments were Barnaby doing air-guitar, and in a later scene Jones, when Barnaby asked "How old do you think I am??" replying "I don't know, I've done speed dating, not carbon dating."

Warning: Skip this episode if you are sensitive to watching heavily bleeding dead animal remains!

[cdvh-34408 · 1/10 · 18 January 2022]

I stopped watching this episode after the first few minutes. For me personally watching a heavily bleeding torn apart animal is not what I consider entertainment. I understand that suspension and a storyline filled with mystery and strange characters are part of the deal when you are a viewer of the Midsomer Murder show but I found the animal opening scene nauseating,and that is where I draw the line.

A reunion with murderous consequences

[coltras35 · 5/10 · 19 June 2022]

Badger's Drift plays host to the Midsomer Rock Festival - with murderous consequences. An average episode though it's quite amusing with some far-out characters. The infighting between the band members is well done.