Ep 3. Painted in Blood

The episode "Painted in Blood" is the third episode of season six of the long-running British crime drama Midsomer Murders. Set in the fictional county of Midsomer, the series follows DCI Tom Barnaby (played by John Nettles) and his partner DS Gavin Troy (played by Daniel Casey) as they investigate a variety of murders in the picturesque but deadly villages of the area.

In "Painted in Blood," the detectives are called to the village of Midsomer Florey, where a local artist has been found dead. The artist, Emilyn Trent, was known for her controversial and sexually explicit paintings, and her work had recently come under fire from some of the more conservative members of the village.

As Barnaby and Troy investigate, they begin to uncover a web of secrets and lies in the community. It soon becomes evident that many of the villagers had motives for wanting Emilyn dead, and the detectives must sort through a variety of suspects and red herrings in order to identify the killer.

One particularly intriguing aspect of the episode is the way in which it explores the theme of artistic expression and censorship. Emilyn's paintings were certainly not to everyone's taste, and her work had sparked a number of heated debates in the village. As the investigation progresses, Barnaby and Troy find themselves drawn into these debates, and must grapple with the question of where the line should be drawn between artistic freedom and responsibility.

Of course, as is typical of Midsomer Murders, there are plenty of other twists and turns in the episode as well. From a stolen painting to a secret affair, there are a number of subplots that keep the viewer guessing throughout. And as always, the show's setting and atmosphere are a major draw. The quaint, picturesque villages of Midsomer may seem idyllic on the surface, but as Barnaby and Troy well know, appearances can be deceiving.

Overall, "Painted in Blood" is a well-crafted and engaging episode of Midsomer Murders. It showcases the series' strengths in terms of character development, atmosphere, and intricate plotting, while also offering some thought-provoking commentary on issues of censorship and artistic expression. Fans of the show will no doubt enjoy this installment, while newcomers will find it a great introduction to the series.