Ep 1. The Dagger Club

In Midsomer Murders season 17 episode 1, entitled "The Dagger Club," DCI John Barnaby and his team investigate the death of a member of a prestigious local club, The Dagger Club. The club, which is made up of wealthy and influential individuals, is devoted to the study of blades and weaponry.

The victim, Alan Jenkins, a retired army major who was also a member of the club, is found dead in his home with a dagger plunged into his chest. As the investigation unfolds, it becomes clear that Jenkins was a divisive figure within the club, with many of its members having reasons to want him dead.

The list of suspects includes Jenkins' widow, who wants to sell their home and move on from the club; the club's treasurer, who is facing financial difficulties and may have embezzled funds; and the club's president, who has a personal vendetta against Jenkins.

As the team delves deeper into the case, they discover that there is more at stake than just the murder of one man. Secrets and rivalries abound in the club, and the investigation leads the team to uncover a web of deception and betrayal that threatens to tear the club apart.

Meanwhile, DCI Barnaby has his own personal struggles to contend with. His wife, Sarah, is facing health issues that are taking a toll on both of them, and he is struggling to balance his job with his role as a caregiver.

As the investigation draws to a close, DCI Barnaby must confront the killer and bring justice to the victim's family. Along the way, he must also come to terms with his own mortality, and the fragility of life.

In "The Dagger Club," Midsomer Murders continues to deliver the compelling storytelling and intriguing characters that have made it a beloved fixture of British television for more than two decades. With its signature blend of mystery, drama, and dry wit, this episode is a thrilling addition to the series, and a must-watch for fans both old and new.