Midsomer Murders (TV Series) The Curse of the Ninth (2017) User Reviews

Murder among musicians

[blanche-2 · 8/10 · 13 June 2017]

When a young violinist wins an important prize, it's mayhem for Barnaby and Winter in "Curse of the Ninth," from 2017.

The award is controversial, many feeling it should have gone to another student. Then the winner is found murdered and his prize Stradivarius stolen.

"The Curse of the Ninth" is a superstition connected with the history of classical music. In essence, it is the belief that a "ninth symphony" is destined to be a composer's last; the composer will die after writing it, or before completing a "tenth".

This episode follows the usual Midsomer Murders lines - an old situation entering into the new, an identity problem, father-son conflict, and, in this episode, a chance at romance for Winter with the return of Kam. She has some news of her own, it turns out.

Very good, straightforward episode, with Sarah Barnaby posting chapters of her book online for critical review, though she won't let Barnaby read them.

It's amazing anyone in Midsomer is still alive, but as long as they are, I guess we'll enjoy these mysteries from across the pond.

Classic Whodunnit

[lbowdls · 8/10 · 14 May 2019]

Can't believe some of the negative reviews of this episode and other shows in this season. It's a classic whodunnit with a myriad of suspects, red herrings, secrets stolen merchandise. I really love all the Midsomer episodes that feature music. They always seem to be the most intriguing. Reminds me if other great mystery shows like 'Morse. From memory I certainly didn't work out the murderer here and looking forward to having another look at this episode.

A string of murders

[coltras35 · 7/10 · 9 July 2022]

When a prize-winning violinist is killed with his Stradivarius stolen, Barnaby must sort through a myriad of suspects and motives to find the real killer.

More MM mayhem featuring wacky murders, red herrings, father-son conflict, eccentric characters and a curse - this is a fun episode centred around classical music. Not the best episode but entertaining enough.

Far-fetched fun when a violinist is murdered

[Tweekums · 8/10 · 21 May 2018]

We don't have to wait long for the first murder in this episode; shortly after controversially winning a violin prize, at a local music festival, a young musician is found murdered. Shortly afterwards it emerges that his violin, a Stradivarius, is missing. As Barnaby and Winter start investigating they find the world of classical music is full of big egos and petty jealousy. The orchestra's leader is determined that the festival must go on as he is to premier his ninth symphony; there is also the question of who will take over as lead violin player. Local tensions aren't just limited to the musicians; the owner of the local pub is upset that she lost the refreshment contract to a new artisan gin producer; the gin producer is upset that the conductor has called in a loan and one of their employees is upset when this leads to him losing his job. Before the case is solved there will be another death, more motives will emerge and some other crimes will be committed.

I can understand why some viewers won't be too keen on this instalment; mostly because the ultimate resolution is a bit far-fetched even by the standards of 'Midsomer Murders'... the motive doesn't emerge till quite near the end and relies on an unlikely case of mistaken identity. I still enjoyed it though; just about everybody seemed to be guilty of something whether it is actual crimes or something more petty. At some point or another I suspected just about everybody apart from the actual killer! The cast is on fine form was some great guest performances; Simon Callow was delightfully over-the-top as a viola player who like a drink or three and James Fleet is solid as the arrogant composer/conductor. Away from the case the story about Sarah Barnaby's book writing was a bit of a distraction and the potential relationship between Winters and pathologist Dr Kam Karimore was a little disappointing... perhaps because it didn't turn out as I'd hoped! Overall I really enjoyed this episode despite its unlikely moments... I hope we don't have to wait too long before the next series airs.

Absinthe goof

[tony-dudman1 · 8/10 · 10 February 2019]

Whilst interviewing Hamish Rafferty (Robert Daws) DS Winter remarks that he thought absinthe was illegal, to which the reply was given that it was for a short time. In fact, while the quantity of wormwood allowed within the drink is now restricted, the distillation and serving of absinthe has never been illegal in the UK. There has never been a need as, unlike the European mainland, absinthe has never been popular in the UK.

Overall a very satisfying mystery.

[vitoscotti · 10/10 · 3 April 2023]

At first when many young people appear to be brainwashed to pursue a same life dream I was thinking "oh no". Not a redo of the dreadful bicycling "Breaking the Chains". Not the case. The story like most British mysteries was very plodding well towards into the middle. But, the viewing intensity and enjoyment accelerated making for a very fine episode. Actors all were excellent. Simon Callow as Vernon De Harthog was a highlight playing an intriguing highly emotional shady character. Colin Michael Carmichael as creepy music shop owner Ivo Baxter did a masterful job at playing a very weird oddball. The politically correct casting didn't burden the quality of the episode. Nice end scene with Betty getting a play toy musical instrument much to Paddy the dog's displeasure.

This made last week's look like Pride and Prejudice.

[Sleepin_Dragon · 4/10 · 20 May 2018]

I hate having to slate Midsomer Murders, indeed for many years it was the best thing on TV, but the show has become a shadow of its former self. This really was excruciating to watch. The worst episode to date has to be Night of the Stag, which was vulgar, but at least it wasn't dull, Curse of the Ninth was one of the most boring things I've sat through for ages. The plot was all over the place, it was muddled, confusing, made absolutely no sense. The forced dynamic between Cam and Winter was poor, as the pair had zero chemistry, and the characters were generally loathsome. I will praise James Fleet, he was very good, and had a command I've not seen from him before, Callow as always was a joy to watch, a shame his character wasn't given a more prominent part. Even the production seemed a bit off, last week's wasn't good, but at least was well produced.

I think the irritation by the announcer that this was the last in the series didn't help. ITV two sub standard episodes of a once great show does not make a series.

Dear Caroline Graham, if you're reading please write ITV a script, before your great creation becomes a joke.

Poor 4/10

I have to win this prize!

[harrykivi · 3/10 · 30 March 2018]

The curse of the ninth is an episode that didn't work for me. It is about how Jacob Wheeler,who is fantastic violinist,dies after winning a hugh prize at competition. The characters are okay and not badly acted. And the idea that there is a serial killer killing Wheeler and leaving composer's music sheet who died after writing they're 9.symphony is interesting. And script has love interests, and also some illegal businesses, which are okay subplots.

But the script is extremly underwhelming, because the story is not compelling and convoluted. There is a twist at the end of this mystery, where turns out SPOILERS! that Jacob Wheeler was another guy, a computer programmer. Which made the episode lot more messy, because how could the programmer play violin so well. Also the solution comes out of nowhere and is rushed. Motive is not spoken and feels thought over at the last minute. Sublots are cliched and not interesting as well, even though violin stealing is an interesting one, but it is not much. Yes, I'm sorry. I did not enjoy this one. Weakest of the 19.season for many reasons. 3/10 Wainting for 20.season.

Ode to murder

[TheLittleSongbird · 4/10 · 21 May 2018]

When in its prime (a vast majority of Seasons 1-9), 'Midsomer Murders' was a great show and one that is watched and re-watched frequently. Seasons 10-13 became more uneven, with three of the show's worst episodes coming from Seasons 11 and 13, but there were a few solid episodes and "Blood Wedding" and especially "Master Class" were gems.

After John Nettles retired and Neil Dudgeon and the new character of John Barnaby took over, 'Midsomer Murders' just hasn't been the same on the most part. For every odd good episode, there were also bad ones with particular low-points being "Echoes of the Dead" and "Night of the Stag". Season 19 on the most part has generally been one of the better John Barnaby-era seasons, but after starting off very well and continuing that standard for 4 of its 6 episodes the last two episodes were disappointing.

Especially this one, "The Curse of the Ninth". A shame because it actually had the more interesting premise, but it makes all of "Death By Persuasion's" faults and amplifies them. Winter is far less likeable here and he has no chemistry with Kam, as cold fish and condescending as ever (especially in the scene discussing how strychnine was administered), which makes their distracting subplot very hard to endear to. Neither were there in "Death By Persuasion", which was enough to make it a marginally superior episode.

There is enough like about "The Curse of the Ninth" still certainly. The production values cannot be faulted as usual. It's beautifully and atmospherically shot with suitably picturesque scenery. The music fits perfectly, with some lush jauntiness and sometimes an ominous quality, and the haunting theme tune is one of the most memorable and instantly recognisable of the genre.

Some of the atmosphere at times is suitably creepy, it starts off on a stylish note, classical music fans will be in heaven with the references and most of the acting is good.

Betty is adorable as is the dog (although no Sykes, who is missed). Fiona Dolman has been growing on me since her and Barnaby's relationship was made warmer, though their subplot is still on the clichéd side. The supporting performances are generally good, particularly from James Fleet and Simon Callow.

On the other hand, things do get far-fetched, confused and dull too early after a promising set up. The writing lacks tightness and can get awkward and not developed enough. Neil Dudgeon fails to generate much warmth or engagement as Barnaby and can come over as wooden.

Furthermore, the story is mostly a convoluted mess of too many hard to follow elements, too much going on, clichéd subplots that are in some cases thrown in, loose ends, under-explained and incomplete-feeling crucial plot points, a lot of vulgar strangeness and ridiculousness. Like "Death By Persuasion" but worse, because that episode didn't make the mistake of being dull.

Much of it doesn't make much sense and my comprehension tends to be fine watching 'Midsomer Murders' but too much of "The Curse of the Ninth" confused me. Very like "Death By Persuasion", except even worse, the denouement is far too rushed, crammed in with just ten minutes to go with no signs of how the conclusion was gotten to, with the identity of the killer and motive feeling like they were thrown in at last minute as an afterthought with little thought as to whether they made sense and properly explored (neither of which the case). Especially when it felt like there were other suspects that were more plausible and had stronger motives.

In summary, disappointing and lacking in too many areas, namely that again it's convoluted, over-stuffed and dull with a far too rushed ending. 4/10 Bethany Cox

Stringing Us Along

[balldave · 5/10 · 31 August 2020]

Producers of Midsommer we're getting decidedly lazy; rehashing old formulas about the competitiveness of classical music academies. And the old trope of an accidental death and the guilty 'panicking and not knowing what to do!' And of course the autocratic father and put upon son ...but worse by far is wanting us to believe that a 125 pound young girl could strangle a 6 foot twenty something male with a violin string .. ai yi yi !!

Flat as a poorly tuned Violin

[colinrogers1 · 2/10 · 12 September 2019]

In the great annals of Midsomer episodes I tried but failed to really find one so turgid and dull as this. The cast is mostly exemplary but the plot, thick with ham and am dram script was awful. It was so convoluted it felt as smug as a tea time drama not prime time. The Barnaby's are now so smug and John Barnaby has now taken to either pouting whilst listening to a suspect or an impersonation of Stan Laurel when being light hearted, does not help the pretty wooden acting. Sorry I've droned on but he's not a lead actor and it hasn't improved. The attempts to get the couple as amenable as Tom and Joyce is cringeworthy . However those critiques are not important when the story and script is strong. I think MM needs to close the curtains now. 20 series is enough, now we are being treated to this fayre.

String Me Up

[ummajon2003 · 3/10 · 12 June 2021]

There was once another piano/music competition themed Midsomer episode which was very boring to me, and this one is no different. It's just not my cup of tea. The guest actors here are a bit cartoonish so it all felt as such. Younger characters rarely hit the mark in creating that cozy Midsomer atmosphere that I love. There's the lovely church, and nighttime graveyard murder, but that's it for atmosphere. Sarah's still working on her writing, but I just don't see her as a novelist. Dr. Kam is back--for now. The 2nd method of murder is unique, so there's that. Jamie shows some sadness, quite convincingly. Oh, I just did not care for the main plot. In my opinion, music should be heard, but not seen.

What's All This About Violins on TV?

[info-42423 · 3/10 · 13 January 2024]

This is a clumsy episode. Breathtakingly melodramatic characters, with egos that wouldn't survive 10 minutes in a real-world orchestra. Actors ineptly pretending to play instruments they've never even touched before. Lush orchestral sound purportedly emanating from a tiny clutch of players, which, more than once, is threatened with further shrinkage by rage-fueled expulsions by the conductor. And all this dragged through a dense, gluey plot. The best thing is the actor playing the owner of the music store. He delivers a creepy, reptilian, half-mad character in the grand tradition of Dwight Frye and Peter Lorre. Hugely entertaining!