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Midsomer Murders Season 1 Episodes
Season 1 Episode Guide
5 Episodes 1997 - 1998
Episode 1
The Killings at Badger's Drift
Sun, Jul 5, 1998120 mins
When Emilyn Simpson is found dead in her house, DCI Barnaby's instincts all lead him to suspect murder. Although she was elderly and everyone seems to have liked her, it seems she may have seen something in the woods that she shouldn't have. There are numerous suspects: the local doctor who lies about his alibi, Iris Rainbird, the local busybody who seems to live beyond her means or her son Dennis, who is the local undertaker. Barnaby also receives information that a death the previous year may not have been an accident. When two other residents of Badger's Drift are murdered, Barnaby uncovers an illicit love affair that the protagonists must keep secret.
Episode 2
Written in Blood
Sun, Jul 5, 1998102 mins
The Midsomer Worthy Writers Circle invites well-known author Max Jennings to one of their monthly meetings. The group's secretary, Gerald Hadleigh is opposed to to the invitation, but is outvoted. It becomes apparent that Jennings and Hadleigh knew one another at one time. When Hadleigh is found dead the next day, Barnaby and Troy begin looking into the backgrounds of the various Circle members and try to locate Jennings. When they do find him he is, as they say, incapable of assisting them with their inquiries. A second murder adds to the puzzle but in the end, the solution rests on learning of long ago events and a hidden family secret. At home, the Barnaby's agree to care for daughter Cully's Russian Blue cat Killmouskie, with interesting results for Tom.
Episode 3
Death of a Hollow Man
102 mins
Barnaby and Troy investigate the death of Agnes Gray, a middle-aged resident of Ferne Basset whose body is found floating in the river. The autopsy reveals that she was suffering from advanced cancer, but she was beaten to death with a metal bar. The police find her home ransacked and her clothes shredded. They also learn that she lived quite frugally and gave most of her money to charities. When Agnes' cousin Esslyn Carmichael dies on stage during a performance of the local theatrical society, Barnaby must determine what hidden secret has driven someone to murder.
Episode 4
Faithful unto Death
102 mins
When the residents of Morton Fendle learn that the local mill is to be shut, many also realize that they will lose their investments in the place. Alan Hollingsworth had encouraged the locals to invest but he is now bankrupt and refuses to explain what has happened to the money. Feelings are running high and Gray Patterson in particular, Hollingsworth's one time partner, seems ready to do something about it. When Hollingsworth's wife disappears, Barnaby concludes that she has been kidnapped and that may account for the missing money. But who exactly are the kidnappers and why have they targeted Mrs. Hollingsworth in particular? A hidden romance and eventual betrayal allows Barnaby to bring the culprits to justice.
Episode 5
Death in Disguise
100 mins
Ian Craigie is the "master" of a New-Age commune. He founded the center with a partner, Bill Carter, to scam the rich, but over time he came to believe in the objectives and the good work they did. When Carter is found dead at the bottom of a staircase, the question is whether he fell or was pushed. Barnaby and Troy encounter an eclectic group of commune residents: Ken and Heather Beavers, whom Barnaby discovers had a very interesting past; Sylvie Gamelin, who has just announced that she is donating the several-million-pound inheritance she received on her 18th birthday; her father Guy who who is absolutely opposed to the donation, and her dipsomaniac mother Felicity; and Christopher Wainwright who could also be hiding something from his past. When another murder is committed, it is left to Barnaby to sift through the backgrounds of the various individuals to find the motive behind the two murders.
