'Midsomer Murders' has been past its best for a long time now, it was already becoming less consistent with the last few seasons of the Tom Barnaby period but became increasingly hit and miss when John Barnaby took over. Due to a higher number of misses. There have been still a good number of good episodes made during the John Barnaby era, some being very good indeed. This was true with the previous two episodes "The Stitcher Society" and even more so "Happy Families".
"Scarecrow Murders" sadly saw a return to below average disappointment. Actually quite liked the premise, with a setting that sounded very creepy and different. Sadly wasted by over-stuffed, bland and sometimes silly execution. It is not one of the worst episodes of 'Midsomer Murders' and is not as bad as "The Wolf Hunter of Little Worthy" for example, but it is really not a good effort and a good representation of how much inferior 'Midsomer Murders' is now compared to how it was.
There are good things here in "Scarecrow Murders". It's a typically good looking episode (mostly), especially the scenery which the photography clearly loves. The music is pleasant and haunting and who can resist the unforgettable theme tune. Did think that there were moments of genuine dread and a few moments amuse.
Did think as well that the acting was fine. Annette Badland continues to be an absolute joy as Fleur, easily the best pathologist since Bullard (didn't like the other two), and has been one of the best things about 'Midsomer Murders' ever since he was introduced. Nice to see a more light hearted side to Nick Hendrix and Neil Dudgeon has improved quite a lot since his first appearance. Simon Shepherd, Holly Freeman and Jacqueline Botswain stand out.
It could however have been a lot better. While the setting was different, the story execution and what was included certainly weren't. The episode does feel overstuffed, with too many characters that one doesn't to know enough and too many plot points that are not given enough time to be fleshed out. A couple also resolved too quickly. The creepiness and suspense factors are lacking generally, with the surprises being too few and with parts that veered on being silly. Which made the episode feel bland and some pedestrian pacing didn't help. The scarecrows looked on the amateurish.
Moments of humour aside, the dialogue lacks tautness and can be too melodramatic. The ending is very rushed and last minute like, and also tries too hard in making one feel sorry for the responsible with their reasoning for doing what they did (not possible considering how underdeveloped they are). In an episode where the character writing was pretty sketchy.
Concluding, underwhelming. 4/10.