Ep 3. Death of a Hollow Man

The third episode of Midsomer Murders' first season is titled "Death of a Hollow Man." In this episode, the peaceful village of Ferne Bassett is shook when its amateur theatrical production is not just the talk of the town, but also the setting for a murder investigation.

Members of the local theater group and the town's social elite gather for the performance of the play "Amadeus." As the show begins, its lead actor, Simon Fletcher, drops dead - not from the stress of the performance, but from a dose of poison. DCI Barnaby and DS Troy are quickly on the scene to investigate what happened.

As they dig deeper, they learn that Fletcher had made plenty of enemies, especially among the theater group members. He was known for being arrogant and belittling his fellow performers, making allies out of almost none. It seems like many people had a motive to kill the actor, but who would have gone through with it?

The detectives quickly realise there is no shortage of suspects. The theater's director, Jonathan sees his chance to finally grab the spotlight. Gerald Hadleigh, the local millionaire, is a serious patron of the arts, but is he involved in more nefarious activities than just simply funding the shows he likes? And what of the Cornish couple who have made their home in Ferne Basset, Llewellyn and Marlene? They are known for their odd behaviour and vague origins, but is there more to them than meets the eye?

As the case unfolds, the detectives begin to unravel a complex web of relationships, secrets, and motives. They will have to call upon all their skills to piece the clues together and solve the crime before the murderer strikes again.

The stunning English countryside, with its rolling hills and lush greenery, serves as a picturesque backdrop. The costume design is also a standout, with plenty of garish theatrical costumes serving to contrast with the otherwise idyllic surroundings. Meanwhile, the score, composed by Jim Parker, sets a perfect tone for the series, with its haunting acoustic melodies.

"Death of a Hollow Man" is a classic example of the Midsomer Murders formula: a seemingly tranquil and affluent community is revealed to be hiding dark secrets, all while Barnaby and Troy expertly piece together the clues to solve the crime. Fans of the mystery genre will undoubtedly be pleased with this episode's clever twists and turns, with a healthy dose of red herrings and misdirection in the mix.

Overall, "Death of a Hollow Man" is a fantastic episode from the first season of Midsomer Murders. Its engaging plot, strong performances, and picturesque scenery make for a great viewing experience. Anyone who loves a good mystery or is a fan of British television should definitely check it out.