Ep 3. Electric Vendetta

John Nettles stars as Detective Inspector Tom Barnaby in Midsomer Murders, a British television crime drama series where he attempts to solve the mysteries surrounding the murder cases which occur in Midsomer County. Season 4 episode 3 is titled "Electric Vendetta", and it premieres with a murder case that takes place in the peaceful village of Martyr Warren.

The episode opens with two small explosions taking place in a local garage leading to the death of a mechanic. Around the same time, an animal rights activist named Marcus Lowry (Nicholas Farrell) begins a campaign against the development of a supermarket giant, Excel, in Martyr Warren. The campaign faces some resistance from the local businesses and government authorities.

With the help of his sergeant, Dan Scott (John Hopkins), Detective Barnaby arrives in the village to look into the matter only to find himself immersed in the tensions between the locals and the protesters. The conflict is further fueled when one of Excel's executives, Paul Rockett (Hugo Speer), is found dead in the same garage as the first victim.

The investigation into the murders uncovers a complex web of secrets, blackmail, and betrayals. It leads Barnaby and Scott to a number of suspects, including the animal rights activist Lowry, who had been seen having an argument with Rockett before his death. Other suspects include the garage owner, a security guard and several Excel staff members, including Rockett's wife, who seems to have been hiding something.

As the detectives get closer to solving the case, they discover that the motive for the murders might have been far different than what they had initially believed. Their investigation leads them to uncover the dark secrets of the village, including a covert affair, an overlooked criminal past and a family's secret feud, which had been buried deep beneath the surface.

Throughout the episode, there are plenty of plot twists, cliffhangers, and engaging dialogue that keep the audience on their toes. The story develops into a complex web of inter-connected events, which provides a unique twist on the typical crime drama. The picturesque settings of the English countryside coupled with the eerie theme music create a fitting atmosphere for the dark events that unfold.

The characters' dynamic and vibrant personalities are one of the highlights of the episode, which could be something a viewer only just tuning into the series can appreciate. From the eccentric and self-made garage owner to the passionate animal rights activist, the excellence of the casting and the actors' performances is apparent. John Nettles' performance is particularly striking, as he portrays Detective Barnaby with the right blend of wit, humor, and a no-nonsense attitude.

The conclusion of the episode is satisfying and satisfyingly thought-provoking. Typical of the series, there's a twist or two which should leave fans of this well-loved show excited for the next episode, and viewers new to the series may find themselves interested in watching more. The show's creators have done an impressive job of crafting a story that offers more than just a mystery to be solved but instead presents us with intertwined characters and emotions to keep us engaged beyond mere plot devices.

Overall, "Electric Vendetta" is an excellent example of what makes Midsomer Murders a beloved classic to fans of the crime drama genre. The episode is engaging, entertaining, and thought-provoking – a perfect combination for any lover of television. Anyone with an interest in mystery stories, plot twists, and character development will surely appreciate this episode, and the Midsomer Murders series as a whole.