Midsomer Murders The Killings At Badger's Drift

Badger's Drift: My Midsomer Murders Hot Take

Okay, folks, let's talk Midsomer Murders. Specifically, let's dive into the deep end with "The Killings at Badger's Drift". It's the very first episode. And, dare I say it... it's maybe a tad overrated?

I know, I know! Sacrilege! Hear me out.

Everyone remembers it fondly. The quaint village! The nosy spinster! The delightfully British murders!

A Bit Slow Out of the Gate?

But re-watching it recently, I found myself... yawning. Just a little.

The pacing feels slower. Even for Midsomer. And trust me, I love a good, slow-burn murder mystery. But this one felt like it was simmering on the back burner for a little too long.

Barnaby hadn't quite found his groove yet. He seemed a bit... bland. Dare I say, almost normal! Where's the Barnaby we know and love? The one who raises an eyebrow at every bizarre hobby and suspiciously strong cup of tea?

The Victim Wasn't Exactly Likeable

Let's be honest. Emily Simpson, the victim, wasn't exactly winning any popularity contests. Okay, she's been murdered and she should be pitied.

Yes, murder is bad. Always. But it's a little harder to feel invested when the victim is portrayed as a right busybody.

She was so intrusive! Maybe someone just wanted a bit of peace and quiet.

The Supporting Characters: A Mixed Bag

The supporting characters? Again, a bit of a mixed bag.

Some were wonderfully eccentric. Others...well, they were just there.

The plot felt a bit convoluted. All those family secrets. All those hidden affairs. It’s very Midsomer-like.

Compared to Later Episodes...

Now, compare this to some of the later Midsomer Murders episodes. The ones with the competitive scarecrow festivals. Or the deadly village fetes. Or the cheese-rolling competitions gone horribly wrong.

Those episodes just have more… pizzazz!

They embraced the absurdity. They went full-on Midsomer madness! "The Killings at Badger's Drift", while a solid start, feels a little too restrained in comparison. There's no unique murder weapon, nor a ludicrous alibi.

Still Good, But...

Don't get me wrong. "The Killings at Badger's Drift" is still a good episode.

It established the tone and the formula that made Midsomer Murders a success.

And it's always fun to see where a show started.

My Unpopular Opinion: It's Just Not the Best

But as far as Midsomer Murders episodes go? I think it's far from the best.

There are many better murders in Midsomer. More memorable characters. More bizarre motives.

So, there you have it. My unpopular Midsomer Murders opinion.

Feel free to disagree! Let me know your favourite episodes in the comments. Maybe you can change my mind.

But deep down, I suspect I'll always believe that Badger's Drift, while charming, is just a little... ordinary.

Don't throw your scones at me!