The Parlor PI's discussion

As we're at different places in this film, just note Spoiler when there are serious reveals in the story. Thanks.

This installment opens the series and what a great way to start it off. This is one of my favorite Midsomers. Having Tom Barnaby, Troy and the original cast truly makes it for me.

What a plot. Helps to have all this fine talent in telling the story. The villages, cottages, roads and all are important to the tale. Love the undertaker and his mum.

Why do the married couples, who hate each other, stay in miserable relationships? And usually both spouses are seeing other people. That's one thing that is a recurring thread throughout many village stories. Divorce already!! LOL

Tina wrote: "As we're at different places in this film, just note Spoiler when there are serious reveals in the story. Thanks.

This installment opens the series and what a great way to start it off. This is on..."

To me, Tom Barnaby and Troy is what makes Midsomer Murders the series it is. I don't really care much for the new episodes that are coming out. Can't beat the older episodes! Tina, have you read "The Killings At Badger's Drift"?

Hear, hear, LM. I'm wondering if Midsomer (TV) will run much longer given the direction they're taking it. Hope PTB come to their senses and work back to what made the series popular.

Just found this in Acorn newsletter: https://acorn.tv/midsomeranniversary/...

Favorite scene in Badger's Drift, film version?

So many for me but Barnaby taking tea at undertaker's w/mum stands out. Nice ride the son had. Blackmailing or unlawful gains never bodes well for the participants esp. in fiction. Not sure in real life. Not something I care to find out.

No, I haven't read Killings/Badger's Drift, LM. Did you? If so, was it true to the film adaptation?

I've read the book, fairly recently, though I saw the TV version a long time ago. Probably a few times!

Mark Pghfan wrote: "I've read the book, fairly recently, though I saw the TV version a long time ago. Probably a few times!"

Can't get enough of the good stuff, Pghfan. No one like Tom Barnaby!

Tina wrote: "Hear, hear, LM. I'm wondering if Midsomer (TV) will run much longer given the direction they're taking it. Hope PTB come to their senses and work back to what made the series popular.

Just found t..."

Well on the subject of blackmailing someone, I don't think I would want to find out either. I know that it sure doesn't lead to anywhere pretty. Of course in stories it always ends up in murder, especially with the Agatha Christie book that I'm reading currently where a blackmailer ends up dead! And I watched enough real-crime shows where nothing good happens to a blackmailer!

I haven't read all of The Killings At Badger's Drift but one thing that I striked me while reading it was the well-written prose and it's definitely something not all contemporary mystery writers have. Too bad Caroline Graham, the author of the series, hasn't written more Inspector Barnaby books.

Wish she did too, LM. What did you think of the cast in the TV version?

Hey, we might be tackling a classic in July. Join in on vote if so inclined. Maybe we'll see you in The Parlor for another discussion.

Tina wrote: "Wish she did too, LM. What did you think of the cast in the TV version?

Hey, we might be tackling a classic in July. Join in on vote if so inclined. Maybe we'll see you in The Parlor for another ..."

I feel the cast in the TV version was perfect -- nothing to improve upon!

Unfortunately, I might not be able to participate in the July discussion but I will definitely join in on one of your discussions very soon ;) But you will definitely see my face up here a bit more often; I'm not going anywhere!

I've just finished the third episode - Death of a Hollow Man. It's funny because I recently watched another show in which The Scottish Play was mentioned (an episode of Queens of Mystery) and read a book in which it was mentioned as well (Speak Now by Margaret Dumas) so I had a little chuckle when the actor who quoted the play had to go outside and turn around three times before reentering. ;-)

The only problem that I have is that the episodes are so long it takes me a few days to watch each one because I primarily watch tv before bed and then I get drowsy and then I lose track and therefore sometimes have to rewind a little lol.

Ok since it’s been about 100 years since I’ve seen this episode (and I’m on vacation) maybe I’ll watch it tonight!! 😂

Nicole wrote: "I've just finished the third episode - Death of a Hollow Man. It's funny because I recently watched another show in which The Scottish Play was mentioned (an episode of Queens of Mystery) and read ..."

I might have this one recorded.

Wasn't too keen on the cult commune eppy (think it's three on season 1). Just not my favorite theme in mysteries.

LovesMysteries wrote: "Tina wrote: "Wish she did too, LM. What did you think of the cast in the TV version?

Hey, we might be tackling a classic in July. Join in on vote if so inclined. Maybe we'll see you in The Parlor..."

Sounds good, LM.

I'm so glad I watched this episode again. I binge watched all the episodes when they first came onto Netflix so that was a while ago. Troy made me chuckle a few times.
The Rainbirds were so entertaining! I loved Denny's tea cart (the idea, not the disgusting sounding sandwiches) and just their overall creepiness.
Has anyone joined this Facebook group? It's a lot of fun! https://www.facebook.com/groups/Offic...
Someone mentioned in the group that the Rainbirds come back as different characters in a later episode so if anyone comes across them please let me know!

Yeah, love a good revisit, NicoleG. This is definitely one!

I don't recall the Rainbirds as different characters in another episode but would love to see it. Yes, please post if anyone comes across it.