Ep 7. Death in Chorus

Death in Chorus is the seventh episode of the ninth season of the British television series Midsomer Murders. The episode revolves around a choir competition in the village of Midsomer Worthy. As the choirs prepare for the competition, tensions rise and old rivalries reignite. When one of the choir members is found murdered, DCI Barnaby and DS Jones must navigate through the complex web of relationships and secrets to find the killer.

The episode opens with scenes of the picturesque village of Midsomer Worthy, where preparations are underway for the annual choir competition. The choirs are all vying for the coveted trophy, and tensions are high as the day of the competition approaches.

The first half of the episode introduces us to the members of the various choirs and their relationships with each other. We learn about the history between the two main choirs, the Midsomer Worthy Choral Society and the Causton Abbey Choir, and how their rivalry has simmered for decades. The choirs are filled with interesting and varied characters, each with their own secrets and motivations.

As the competition gets underway, it becomes clear that something is amiss. The Midsomer Worthy Choral Society is missing one of its key members, and tension between the two choirs is palpable. When the missing choir member is found dead in the church hall, DCI Barnaby and DS Jones are called in to investigate.

The rest of the episode focuses on the investigation into the murder. Barnaby and Jones interview the choir members and their associates, trying to piece together the events leading up to the murder. As they dig deeper, they uncover secrets and betrayals among the choir members, as well as some unexpected connections between the victim and the killer.

Throughout the investigation, there are several red herrings and twists that keep the viewer guessing. The reveal of the killer and their motive is satisfying and unexpected, with a clever resolution that ties together the various threads of the episode.

In addition to the murder mystery, there are also several subplots that add depth to the episode. Barnaby's relationship with his wife and daughter is explored, as is his friendship with his former colleague, retired detective Gavin Troy. There are also glimpses into the personal lives of the choir members, including a romance between two of the younger members.

Overall, Death in Chorus is a solid episode of Midsomer Murders that delivers on the show's trademark mix of charming English village life and dark, twisted murder mysteries. The choir competition setting adds an interesting angle to the episode, and the characters are well-drawn and engaging. Fans of the series will not be disappointed.