User Reviews

This episode opens five hundred years in the past with the execution of a monk in Causton Abbey; as he is about to die he curses the place. Back in the present the Abbey is now home to a craft brewery. A party is taking place to celebrate the launch of a new beer, which is due to be available in supermarkets. This being Midsomer it is not surprising that the next morning a body is found... a man was boiled to death in the brewery. The first suspects are the local real ale society, whose beer festival was overshadowed by the event but more suspects emerge when it is learnt that the dead man was a writer who had helped locals ghost write autobiographies... including an old East End gangster.

We may have been kept waiting for this batch of episodes but if this one is anything to go by the wit will have been worth it. The story is classic Midsomer; ancient curses; multiple suspects/motives and plenty of familiar faces amongst the guest cast. One might think that the idea of a brewery in a five hundred year old abbey where somebody was executed is unlikely but my local pub is in part of a thirteenth century priory which was used as the condemned man's cell! The story progresses nicely with new suspects being introduced and a few nice twists along the way. This episode also introduces new pathologist Fleur Perkins; on the strength of this episode this character, played by Annette Badland, will be a welcome addition. The cast give a solid performance throughout. Overall a fine episode that fans of the series should enjoy.

It has been stated many times regarding my love for mystery/detective dramas and shows, ever since being introduced to 'Inspector Morse' and Agatha Christie during my early secondary school years and watching the episodes and adaptations (and of course reading the books) over and over. There is a wide range of types of mystery shows/series/dramas, "intellectual", gritty, light-hearted, a mix of comedy and grit, foreign-language, not-for-the-faint-hearted, full-on-suspense you name it and there are classic examples of all.

When in its prime, 'Midsomer Murders' was one of my favourite examples of the mix of light-hearted and not always for the faint hearted. It was for a while a near-consistently very good to great show and a personal favourite, especially Seasons 1-9 before as far as the Tom Barnaby era goes. Before becoming more uneven but generally still more than watchable and at its best great. Since Tom left though, it has in my mind not been the same and there is a vast personal preference to Tom than to John. The general standard of the John Barnaby era episodes in my mind has been somewhat disappointing but watchable to above average without being classic, although a few of the show's worst ever episodes are from this era ("Night of the Stag" being a particular low-point).

Enough of that, lets talk about how the start of Season 20 "The Ghost of Causton Abbey" fares. On the most part, not too shabbily. Far from a 'Midsomer Murders' classic or one of the best episodes, but at the same time it's lightyears away from being a low-point and is a vast improvement over the disappointments that were "Death By Persuasion" and especially "Curse of the Ninth". As far as the John Barnaby episodes go, it's in the better half.

There are flaws. Some of the characters and subplots could have been much better explored or followed all the way through, suffering from being neglected prematurely (especially Kwame, an immediately forgettable character) and feeling incomplete to the point of basically nothing. That way you question their presence in the first place. Would have liked more development to Sylvia too, but Elaine Paige in a rare television appearance in recent years has such a presence as the character that it doesn't matter as much.

Also was mixed on the final solution. Liked how it was shot and staged, quite unique for 'Midsomer Murders', and the identity of the murderer was a surprise and just about buyable. Less convincing was the motive, which was far-fetched and last minute-like. Also felt that the pacing was on the rushed side in this scene, if slowed down the viewer could properly digest what was being said, my mind was in a whirlwind admittedly.

On the other hand, "The Ghost of Causton Abbey" has much to recommend, starting off very promisingly in one of the most grisly opening scenes in 'Midsomer Murders' history that really sticks in the mind for a while. 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. The atmosphere was a mix of picturesque and unnerving, which is appropriate and suits the tone of the show very well.

For me, the writing while patchy was an improvement on the writing for most John Barnaby era episodes, with a nice mix of thought provoking and amusing like 'Midsomer Murders' at its best was. The story mostly did engage, with a diverting and suitably keeping-one-guessing mystery, with lots of twists and turns and enough suspects to not make things too obvious, making up for some subplots and characters being under-explored. The chemistry between the actors is more natural and warmer than before, while the acting is generally good. Didn't have as big a problem with John as have done in previous episodes and he works well with Winter. Michael Byrne gives the best guest supporting turn, he clearly was having fun, and Annette Badland is a surprising joy as Fleur, by far the best pathologist of the show since Bullard. Love her deadpan and lively personality and sense of humour, she is far from bland or condescending.

Concluding, pretty good episode. 7/10

It's been a long time coming, but finally Midsomer Murders returned to Sunday nights, I will of course miss Vera and Endeavour, but on this form, Midsomer will do just as well. One of the best episodes for a while, it had a terrific opening, great story, and a terrific set of characters.

It didn't rely on anything outrageous, no bonkers killings, just a great, straightforward character driven murder mystery, reminiscent of its earlier years.

I've been critical of the Morticians since George Bullard, I felt neither Kate nor Kam had much in the way of character, that all changes with Fleur, she was terrific, sassy and funny, a huge character and welcome addition. Annette Badland did a great job.

It was the mature cast that shone through, Anita Harris, Elaine Paige and Michael Byrne all terrific. Both Harris and Paige need more roles on screen.

I'm a bit miffed it's taken so long to finally see it, considering it's been seen in many countries, ITV that's not on.

Well worth the wait, this was excellent. 9/10

An otherwise intricate story, quite engaging, spoiled by the periodic presence of the new forensic lead: Annette Badland. Obnoxious par excellence. And frankly, difficult to believe her in this role. She's a distraction not a healthy addition!

Superb writing with non-stop intriguing twists and turns. For me, not a fan of new American television and movie actors it reinforced the superior quality of British actors today. These are somewhat recent but the quality is reminiscent of the classic British mysteries. It was impossible to predict what would happen next which can diminish a story's entertainment value. I especially enjoyed the work of three sctors. Michael Byrne as broken down old gangster wannabe Keith Grundy was outstanding. Brilliant twist to have him as a big bag of wind only being a babysitter in reality. Stunning sisters Amber Aga as Emani Taylor and Anjli Mohindra as Faiza Jindal were enchanting. Glad they weren't killed off early. Poor Paddy the dog escapes pruning. I'm undecided on crusty Annette Badland as Fleur Perkins. She may grow on me.

Claire Badland's character adds as much to Midsomer Murders as fingernails scraping across a blackboard add to education. At best she is an annoyance, at worst she can drive one to abandon the show, the series. I truly hope that Dr. Ballard, may he rest in peace, is not spinning in his grave because of the pompous distraction that DI Barnaby's new pathologist is. Surely, such a self-absorbed character cannot be retained beyond this initial entry. Unfortunately, I looked beyond this episode and am extremely sad and perplexed to see that this character survived at least for three seasons beyond this one.

Thankfully my remote allows me to fast-forward until she is out if frame. Yikes, is the creation of her character essentially a cancellation-wish by the writers, producer, etal.,?

A lot of people compare the original pathologist George Bullard (played by the late Barry Jackson), to Fleur Perkins (played by Annette Badland). There is no comparison. Bullard had some attitude, but he was always professional and could provide information and estimated cause of death at the scene of the crime.

Perkins is just plain rude, and she refuses to provide most meaningful information until she is at the lab. Perkins makes like she is doing everyone a favor, or that they are bothering her. Working with anyone like that is a chore. Perkins is not a professional whose focus is on solving crime.

The story was pretty good. The supporting cast was good. Amber Aga and Anjli Mohindra were convincing in their roles. Like usual, Barnaby's wife is a big zero. Why two people that are in their fifties had a baby on a murder show is beyond me.

I really enjoyed this episode! It had my attention the entire time. There were excellent performances by Annette Badland, Michael Byrne, and Elaine Page, each with very interesting characters. The setting of the old Abbey created an intriguing atmosphere. Lovely exterior buildings and interiors as well. @omae.zing.

Box ticking and lack of comedy has taken this show down a cul de sac that they will never get out of. Most diverse villages in history....more like Central London. Story dreadful and has lost its way. Middle England has never been so boring but wonderfully diverse.