Ep 5. Death in Disguise

In "Death in Disguise," the fifth episode of the first season of Midsomer Murders, Detective Chief Inspector Tom Barnaby and his partner Sergeant Troy are called to investigate the death of a member of the local amateur theatrical society in Midsomer Worthy. Liz Francis, a wealthy resident of the town who was well-known for her financial support of the performing arts, has been found dead in her home after an evening of rehearsals for the group's upcoming production of "Amadeus."

Barnaby and Troy soon discover that Liz was not well-liked by many of the members of the theatrical society, and that several of them had motives for wanting her out of the picture. For starters, her husband, successful businessman Robert Francis, had been having an affair with one of the actresses in the group, and Liz had recently found out about it. Two other actresses, Geraldine and Lorna, were also harboring grudges against Liz for various reasons.

But as the detectives dig deeper into the case, they realize that Liz's murder may be connected to a much older mystery in Midsomer Worthy. Years earlier, a local woman named Muriel Harrap had disappeared without a trace, and her body had never been found. Liz's death seems to have reignited interest in the cold case, leading Barnaby and Troy to question a number of townspeople who may have information about Muriel's disappearance.

Meanwhile, Barnaby is also grappling with personal issues as he deals with his wife Joyce's desire to move out of Midsomer and his own unease about an upcoming meeting with his superior officer. Throughout the episode, the tension between Barnaby and Troy grows as they struggle to solve the case amidst personal and professional obstacles.

As the investigation progresses, Barnaby and Troy face several false leads and red herrings before finally uncovering the truth behind Liz's murder and Muriel's disappearance. The resolution of the case is satisfying and surprising, tying together several disparate threads into a cohesive and captivating narrative.

Overall, "Death in Disguise" is a standout episode of Midsomer Murders that showcases the series' strengths in intricate plotting, memorable characters, and an evocative sense of place. Fans of the show will find much to enjoy in this episode, which combines the classic elements of a whodunit with a deep dive into the dark history of a small town.