Judgement Day
- Episode aired Jan 29, 2000
- TV-14
- 1h 39m
IMDb RATING
8.1/10
1.4K
YOUR RATING
When a local thief and womanizer is killed with a pitchfork, the residents of Midsomer Mallow fear for their chances in the Perfect Village Competition.When a local thief and womanizer is killed with a pitchfork, the residents of Midsomer Mallow fear for their chances in the Perfect Village Competition.When a local thief and womanizer is killed with a pitchfork, the residents of Midsomer Mallow fear for their chances in the Perfect Village Competition.
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- Production, box office & more at IMDbPro
Storyline
Did you know
- TriviaWhen the gardening expert is shown filming his TV show, the crew in the background are actually the real Midsomer Murders production crew, including the director hunching over his monitor.
- GoofsAbout 5 minutes in, they discover the fatally-stabbed Mrs. Foster slumped in her chair, but her chest movements from breathing are visible.
- Quotes
Samantha Johnstone: Oh, would you like to join me?
Joyce Barnaby: Oh yes, all right.
Samantha Johnstone: I'm so pleased to meet you. I don't know what's happened to the others.
[pause]
Samantha Johnstone: Barman, two large whiskeys, please. What are you going to have?
Featured review
Season 3 returns to form in its best episode
"Dead Man's Eleven" was classic 'Midsomer Murders'. "Death of a Stranger" was very good, if slightly convoluted in places. Meanwhile, "Blue Herrings" was a step down and the weakest 'Midsomer Murders' at this point of the show, though still a decent episode (far worse episodes).
As said in the review title, Season 3 returns to form with "Judgement Day" and, for me, the best episode of the season. Also up there with the best 'Midsomer Murders' episodes along with the likes of "The Killings at Badgers Drift", "Written in Blood", "Death's Shadow" and "Dead Man's Eleven" at this particular point in the show.
Sure "Judgement Day" is very dialogue heavy, so it does require perhaps more attention than usual to completely understand the final solution which is ingenious but somewhat complicated for a first time viewer (have seen the episode a fair few times so it wasn't a problem really for me, just forewarning).
However, 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. This may look like reiterating exactly what was said about what was so good about the previous episodes, but only because when 'Midsomer Murders' was in its prime its strengths were the same and with similar impact.
Meanwhile, the script is smart, thought-provoking and suitably grim, the humour also being a breath of fresh air. Nothing felt inconsequential, everything had a point, everything intrigued and it was explained and cleared up well, though not quite overcoming the tendency towards the end of convolution.
The story is hugely compelling, and never simplistic and never losing any of the maturity of the previous episodes. There is a lot going on mostly 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. The twists, red herrings and turns keep coming, and rarely in an obvious or press-the-rewind button. The characters are colourful.
John Nettles and Daniel Casey sparkle together, with Nettles characteristically superb and Casey a great contrast. Jane Wymark charms too, and love the loving chemistry between her and Nettles. Timothy West and Hannah Gordon are particularly excellent in support, and "Judgment Day" is notable for Orlando Bloom somewhat cast against type and proving that he is more than just a heart-throb or an actor in heroic or romantic roles.
In summary, a wonderful episode and what 'Midsomer Murders' is all about. 10/10 Bethany Cox
As said in the review title, Season 3 returns to form with "Judgement Day" and, for me, the best episode of the season. Also up there with the best 'Midsomer Murders' episodes along with the likes of "The Killings at Badgers Drift", "Written in Blood", "Death's Shadow" and "Dead Man's Eleven" at this particular point in the show.
Sure "Judgement Day" is very dialogue heavy, so it does require perhaps more attention than usual to completely understand the final solution which is ingenious but somewhat complicated for a first time viewer (have seen the episode a fair few times so it wasn't a problem really for me, just forewarning).
However, 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. This may look like reiterating exactly what was said about what was so good about the previous episodes, but only because when 'Midsomer Murders' was in its prime its strengths were the same and with similar impact.
Meanwhile, the script is smart, thought-provoking and suitably grim, the humour also being a breath of fresh air. Nothing felt inconsequential, everything had a point, everything intrigued and it was explained and cleared up well, though not quite overcoming the tendency towards the end of convolution.
The story is hugely compelling, and never simplistic and never losing any of the maturity of the previous episodes. There is a lot going on mostly 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. The twists, red herrings and turns keep coming, and rarely in an obvious or press-the-rewind button. The characters are colourful.
John Nettles and Daniel Casey sparkle together, with Nettles characteristically superb and Casey a great contrast. Jane Wymark charms too, and love the loving chemistry between her and Nettles. Timothy West and Hannah Gordon are particularly excellent in support, and "Judgment Day" is notable for Orlando Bloom somewhat cast against type and proving that he is more than just a heart-throb or an actor in heroic or romantic roles.
In summary, a wonderful episode and what 'Midsomer Murders' is all about. 10/10 Bethany Cox
helpful•172
- TheLittleSongbird
- Jan 1, 2017
Details
- Runtime1 hour 39 minutes
- Color
- Aspect ratio
- 4:3
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