Death's Shadow
- Episode aired Jan 20, 1999
- TV-14
- 1h 41m
IMDb RATING
8.2/10
1.4K
YOUR RATING
The Barnabys plan to renew their wedding vows for their 25th anniversary when Tom is distracted by a murder committed with an Indian sword in Badger's Drift.The Barnabys plan to renew their wedding vows for their 25th anniversary when Tom is distracted by a murder committed with an Indian sword in Badger's Drift.The Barnabys plan to renew their wedding vows for their 25th anniversary when Tom is distracted by a murder committed with an Indian sword in Badger's Drift.
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Storyline
Did you know
- TriviaA coconut shy is a traditional game frequently found as a side-stall at English fun-fairs. The game consists of throwing wooden balls at a row of coconuts balanced on posts. Typically a player buys three balls and wins each coconut successfully dislodged. In some cases other prizes may be won instead of the coconuts. The word "shy" in this context is an English term meaning to toss or throw.
- GoofsWhen the trailer is set on fire and the door blocked, the occupant wakes up soon thereafter. Despite numerous windows being present in the trailer, the occupant fails to break any of them out to escape.
- Quotes
D.C.I. Tom Barnaby: Murder on the Orient Express? Been done.
Featured review
What a way to kick off the second season, considered it an instant favourite on first viewing, still consider it one of the best of the series
"Death's Shadow" couldn't have been a more perfect start to the second season. Season 1 started off 'Midsomer Murders' very promisingly, with only "Death of a Hollow Man" disappointing somewhat. Not only is "Death's Shadow" on par with the likes of "The Killings at Badger's Drift", "Written in Blood" and "Death in Disguise", it's even better.
As always, the production values 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, and the theme tune one of the most memorable and instantly recognisable of the genre. It is especially haunting in the flashback leading up to the first murder in the final solution, really bringing chills up the spine.
Meanwhile, the script is smart, thought-provoking and suitably grim, with even some nice humour. Films or television episodes heavy in exposition can be a problem depending on the execution, that "Death's Shadow" was heavy in exposition was not at all a problem and nothing felt inconsequential, everything had a point, everything intrigued. And yes, the references to past cases were great.
Like as was said with "Death in Disguise", The story is one of the show's most complex, darkest, most mature (actually feeling more grown up than before) most entertaining and most ceaselessly compelling. The ending was especially well done, the motive for the murders one of the most believable while never once condoning the murderer's actions (who can with methods so brutal? While not exactly graphic they are execution-like in style) and the lack of remorse from the murderer is chilling. The climax is one of 'Midsomer Murders' most iconic and one of the best. There is a lot going on without being cluttered or rushed, and that nothing is what it seems, or very few people are who they seem adds to the complexity, while there are no out of kilter scenes.
John Nettles and Daniel Casey sparkle together, with Nettles characteristically superb and Casey a great contrast. Jane Wymark brings some welcome humour, which is very amusing, and one feels sorry for Cully. In support, Richard Briers' outstanding performance is just unforgettable.
In conclusion, one of the best of the series, simply brilliant and couldn't recommend it enough. 10/10 Bethany Cox
As always, the production values 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, and the theme tune one of the most memorable and instantly recognisable of the genre. It is especially haunting in the flashback leading up to the first murder in the final solution, really bringing chills up the spine.
Meanwhile, the script is smart, thought-provoking and suitably grim, with even some nice humour. Films or television episodes heavy in exposition can be a problem depending on the execution, that "Death's Shadow" was heavy in exposition was not at all a problem and nothing felt inconsequential, everything had a point, everything intrigued. And yes, the references to past cases were great.
Like as was said with "Death in Disguise", The story is one of the show's most complex, darkest, most mature (actually feeling more grown up than before) most entertaining and most ceaselessly compelling. The ending was especially well done, the motive for the murders one of the most believable while never once condoning the murderer's actions (who can with methods so brutal? While not exactly graphic they are execution-like in style) and the lack of remorse from the murderer is chilling. The climax is one of 'Midsomer Murders' most iconic and one of the best. There is a lot going on without being cluttered or rushed, and that nothing is what it seems, or very few people are who they seem adds to the complexity, while there are no out of kilter scenes.
John Nettles and Daniel Casey sparkle together, with Nettles characteristically superb and Casey a great contrast. Jane Wymark brings some welcome humour, which is very amusing, and one feels sorry for Cully. In support, Richard Briers' outstanding performance is just unforgettable.
In conclusion, one of the best of the series, simply brilliant and couldn't recommend it enough. 10/10 Bethany Cox
helpful•256
- TheLittleSongbird
- Dec 5, 2016
Details
- Runtime1 hour 41 minutes
- Color
- Aspect ratio
- 4:3
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