Ep 5. Dark Autumn

DCI Barnaby and Sergeant Troy are off to the sleepy hamlet of Goodman's Land for another puzzling case to solve in "Midsomer Murders" season four, episode five, titled "Dark Autumn." The lush autumnal countryside is the perfect backdrop for a story filled with secrets, murder, and betrayal.

The episode focuses on the wealthy residents of Goodman's Land, who are in the midst of a fierce battle over the fate of the village's picturesque forest. When a member of the forest preservation committee is found dead, DCI Barnaby and his team are called in to investigate the murder.

As Barnaby and Troy delve deeper into the case, they quickly discover that the victim, Richard Bayly, was a deeply unpopular man, despised by everyone in the village. With motives galore and suspects aplenty, the detectives have their work cut out for them.

The deeper they dig, the more skeletons they uncover in the town's closets. The victim was involved in several shady business deals, had destroyed many lives, and had a cut-throat approach to any opposition. His wife was also not beyond suspicion, who lives in a state of constant paranoia, treating her home as a fortress.

As the investigation proceeds to unravel the mystery, two more victims are found dead, and the detectives find themselves racing against the clock to catch the perpetrator before they strike again.

The episode is packed with suspense as Barnaby and Troy try to make sense of the puzzling clues. Along the way, there are several quirky and memorable characters, including a flamboyant hairdresser, a sharply-dressed farmer, and a retired army colonel who becomes a person of interest.

As they investigate deep into the forest, they find themselves amidst a thrilling manhunt and face their most significant challenge yet. The detectives must think on their feet to solve what is turning out to be a grueling investigation. Will they be able to solve the case before it's too late?

The show's production value shines as it captures rural life with stunning cinematography. The episode moves at a brisk pace, keeping the viewers engaged throughout the investigations. The suspenseful soundtrack adds to the thrilling vibe of the story, with haunting melodies further enveloping the investigation's mystery.

The episode also manages to interject humor throughout, showcasing the detectives' camaraderie in their quirky interactions while also lightening the darker, tenser moments.

Overall, "Midsomer Murders" season four, episode five, will leave the viewers glued to their seats with its thrilling plot, plot twists, and unexpected turns. The story is cleverly crafted, and the characters are well-portrayed. It is another engaging puzzle for the detectives to solve, with all the hallmarks of a classic murder-mystery thriller that fans of the genre will love.