Ep 1. The Killings at Badger's Drift

When Emily Simpson dies of what appears to be natural causes, her dear friend and neighbor, Miss Lucy Bellringer, is suspicious. Emily was in perfect health, and Miss Bellringer cannot shake the feeling that something is not quite right. She shares her concerns with Detective Chief Inspector Tom Barnaby and his partner Sergeant Gavin Troy when they come to pay their respects.

However, soon after Emily's funeral, Miss Bellringer becomes the second victim, throwing the fictional village of Badger's Drift into chaos. Both women were well-liked, and their murders leave the village wondering who could have done such a thing. Barnaby and Troy begin to investigate and quickly realize that nothing is as it seems in the picturesque village.

The team discovers secrets – from blackmail and affairs to hidden inheritances – among the close-knit community of Badger's Drift. With so many characters and motives, Barnaby and Troy must work tirelessly to find out who is responsible for the murders.

Along the way, they receive help from residents who have their theories about who the culprit is. There's Dr. Jane Moore, who was Emily Simpson's doctor and knows more than she lets on, and Laura Hunnings, a wealthy socialite who may have had an affair with one of the victims. Then there's Jack Larkin, who seems to be in love with two different women, and his business partner Dennis Rainbird, who appears to have several secrets of his own.

The investigation takes Barnaby and Troy through the picturesque countryside and small-town events of Badger's Drift, including a cricket game and a flower show. They interrogate suspects, follow leads, and deal with the confusion that comes with a small town full of secrets. All the while, they face the challenge of unraveling a web of lies and uncovering the truth before the killer strikes again.

The Killings at Badger's Drift is the first episode of Midsomer Murders, a popular British crime drama that premiered in 1997. The show is known for its idyllic rural settings and the eccentric characters that populate its world. Each episode follows Barnaby and his partner as they investigate a new case in the charming but deadly county of Midsomer. The show has been on air for over two decades and has aired more than 100 episodes, each with a unique mystery.

The Killings at Badger's Drift sets the tone for the show's combination of mystery, humor, and British quirkiness. The characters are as much a part of the show as the murders, and fans love the interplay between Barnaby and his partners – Troy, Jones, and later, Nelson. The show's longevity is a testament to its engaging plots and quirky charm, making it a must-watch for any fan of British crime dramas.