Ep 1. Tainted Fruit

In "Midsomer Murders" season 5 episode 1 titled "Tainted Fruit," the idyllic countryside of Midsomer County is disrupted by a string of bizarre murders. The episode opens with the mysterious death of a young woman who had been bathing in a secluded lake. Detective Chief Inspector Tom Barnaby (John Nettles) and Detective Sergeant Gavin Troy (Daniel Casey) are called to investigate the murder. The young woman, believed to be the daughter of a wealthy fruit-farming family, may have been poisoned by tainted fruit from their orchard.

As the investigation unfolds, Barnaby and Troy discover that the fruit farm is at the center of a bitter family feud. The patriarch of the family, Robert Cavendish (Donald Sinden), is a domineering figure who rules over his wife, children, and grandchildren with an iron fist. His children, Sarah (Alice Patten) and Edward (Nicholas Farrell), resent their father's control and are eager to take over the running of the family business. Sarah's husband, Patrick Morgan (Simon Shepherd), is also involved in the business and has his own grievances with the Cavendish family.

The detectives soon uncover a web of secrets and lies within the family. Robert Cavendish had an affair with his daughter-in-law, Caroline, and Patrick Morgan may have been involved in shady business dealings. Meanwhile, the family's loyal employees and neighbors are drawn into the investigation, with some harboring long-held grudges against the Cavendish family.

As the body count rises, Barnaby and Troy must work quickly to solve the case and bring the killer to justice. Along the way, they face unexpected obstacles and surprising twists that keep them guessing until the very end.

"Tainted Fruit" is a classic episode of "Midsomer Murders" that showcases the show's signature blend of charming countryside scenery and dark, twisted mysteries. It is an engrossing whodunit that will keep viewers on the edge of their seats until the very end.