Midsomer Murders: Unveiling 12 Mind-Blowing Hidden Details That Will Leave True Fans in Awe!

Summary

Midsomer Murders has garnered a tremendous fan base throughout its two-decade span, capturing audiences with its extravagantly portrayed homicides, lively exchanges, and picturesque English countryside locale.

The series cleverly embeds hidden surprises within its episodes, such as crossword puzzle hints that cleverly allude to past installments, much to the delight of its devoted viewers.

To minimize the use of visual effects, the production team utilizes numerous close-up shots during outdoor scenes to conceal the rain and muddy boots.

Having first aired in 1998, the British series Midsomer Murders has garnered a massive following thanks in part to the Inspecteur Barnaby reviews. In present times, the show has become immensely popular worldwide through various streaming platforms. Surviving in the television industry for over two decades is truly an impressive feat. So what sets this show apart? Well, there's the exaggerated, almost comical murders, the witty banter shared between Detective Chief Inspector Barnaby and his partner Sergeant, and the picturesque English village backdrop of fictional Midsomer County.

Despite the cozy mystery element of Midsomer Murders, multiple murders are a common occurrence throughout most episodes. The show, which is based on Caroline Graham's Midsomer Murders books, has a tongue-in-cheek tone and a light humorous edge. While the original series consists of less than a dozen novels, the 140+ episodes of Midsomer Murders have provided ample opportunity to delve into the lives of recurring characters, present captivating mysteries, and cleverly embed intricate details for avid fans to uncover.

12 Crossword Clues In Death Of The Small Coppers

The Midsomer Murders 20th-anniversary extravaganza presented a plethora of hidden surprises that keen-eyed enthusiasts of the show could relish. Among these delights were numerous subtle nods concealed within crossword puzzles ingeniously incorporated into the episode.

11 Why Midsomer Murders Features So Many Close-ups

One crossword clue, for instance, states "A village where its residents, both black and white, migrate," with the response being "Badgers Drift," which coincidentally is the very first installment of the series. Another crossword clue within the episode is "A quick-paced choir causes harm to the toxic flower," and one of the characters fills in the answer as "Orchis Fatalis," which also happens to be the title of another episode from the show's lineup. In total, the episode showcases four different crossword puzzle clues that make reference to earlier episodes of the series.

Longtime viewers of the show may have overlooked the fact that Midsomer Murders frequently employs close-up shots during outdoor conversations instead of using wider angles to capture all the characters in the scene. Contrary to popular belief, this is not due to actors filming at separate times. Rather, it is a strategic decision influenced by the weather.

10 The Show Was Supposed To Be Called Barnaby

Filming Midsomer Murders often involves numerous days of rain and cold weather, making the production challenging. Since each episode requires a substantial amount of time to shoot, sometimes exceeding a month, the team encounters many rainy days. To avert the need to clean up rain-related effects, such as muddy boots, during episodes without rain, the production crew heavily relies on closeup shots. This approach effectively conceals any visible signs of rain puddles. Interestingly, there is a rumor that the cast members go to great lengths to maintain the authenticity of outdoor scenes. They supposedly put ice cubes in their mouths before shooting to lower their breath temperature. This clever trick eliminates the need for extensive visual effects work.

The show has had two DCI Barnabys throughout its history. From Episode 1 until their joint retirement in 2011, Tom Barnaby was portrayed by John Nettles. Some speculated that his retirement would be accompanied by the death of his wife, Joyce Barnaby, but that turned out to be untrue. In the same year, Neil Dudgeon took on the role of DCI John Barnaby, who, interestingly enough, happens to be Tom's cousin.

Before screenwriter Anthony Horowitz suggested they call it Midsomer Murders, the producers had originally chosen the working title Barnaby. Interestingly, in certain jurisdictions even today, the show goes by the name Barnaby. Similarly, variations of this title such as Inspecteur Barnaby are also utilized in some regions. Consequently, the plotline required the introduction of another DCI Barnaby to continue the pursuit of homicidal maniacs in the countryside. As a result, we are introduced to John Barnaby.

9 The Killings At Badger's Drift - Series 1

Ranked among the finest chapters within the Midsomer Murders series, "The Killings at Badger's Drift" marked its inauguration. This episode brought forth Iris and Dennis Rainbird, a repugnant maternal figure skillful in extortion and her unnerving offspring, an undertaker by profession.

8 Blood Wedding - Series 11

Both characters meet a gruesome end in the episode, as they stumble upon the shocking secret of a brother and sister engaged in an incestuous relationship. Interestingly, in Graham's book, only the mother falls victim to murder. Certain scenes in the television episode focus solely on the mother's demise, suggesting that the initial narrative followed the book's trajectory before opting for the intensity of two savage killings over one.

Tom Barnaby, portrayed by Jane Wymark, shares a blissful marital relationship with his wife Joyce. Their honeymoon in Cully, Switzerland resulted in the conception of their daughter, named Cully. In the 2008 episode titled "Blood Wedding," Tom is confronted with the untimely demise of a bridesmaid at an elegant wedding, all while managing the preparations for Cully's forthcoming marriage.

True fans will be familiar with

7 The Theme Music Mystery

the fact that the wedding ceremony was attended by 34 members of the British press who cleverly disguised themselves as wedding guests. Additionally, the executive producers, along with their spouse and children, were also part of this unique congregation. In essence, it resembled a journalistic field trip. Following Cully's wedding, her husband Simon mysteriously vanished from the show, leaving viewers intrigued and desperate for answers in this gripping mystery crime drama.

The captivating waltz tempo of the Midsomer Murders theme music is well recognized by die-hard fans, as it is played on a unique instrument called the Theremin. The instrument itself may also ring a bell for fans of the sitcom The Big Bang Theory, as Sheldon Cooper showcases his mastery of this electronic metal instrument. However, despite its appearances in popular culture, the Theremin remains relatively uncommon. Originally invented by Russian physicist Leon Theremin in the early 20th century, this extraordinary instrument features two antennas and operates on electronic principles.

6 Death Of The Small Coppers - The Pitchfork

Why is the theremin such a big deal? Unlike traditional instruments, it is operated without physical touch; instead, it is "played" by manipulating hand movements in its proximity to control both the sound and volume. The resulting audio is then sent to an amplifier. How would you describe its unique tone? The closest comparison would be to a deep human whistle, evoking an eerie quality. This deliberate haunting sound makes it an ideal choice for television shows like Midsomer Murders, where multiple deaths occur in each episode.

The cast of Midsomer Murders has featured numerous up-and-coming actors, among them was a youthful Orlando Bloom. In the year 2000, during Series 3, Bloom portrayed a charming thief in the episode "Judgement Day." True to the distinctive style of Midsomer Murders, his character met a gruesome demise, impaled on a pitchfork. This murder stands out as one of the most audacious in the history of Midsomer Murders.

In the 20th anniversary special "Death of the Small Coppers," astute fans would have noticed an Easter egg. In a particular shot, there is a pitchfork casually propped against a caravan, paying homage to Bloom's episode. Interestingly, this episode is aptly filled with twenty scattered Easter eggs.

5 The Only Murderless Episode

In 2016, an unexpected uproar arose among fans when Series 18 commenced with "Habeas Corpus" without a single murder. Sergeant Nelson (Gwilym Lee), John Barnaby's trusted sidekick, felt compelled to express his regrets on social media for this glaring omission.

4 Death Of The Small Coppers - Series 20

The introduction of Kam Karimore (Majinder Virk) as the new (humorless) medical examiner in this episode was a notable addition. With over twenty years of the show's existence, there have been approximately 330 murders, averaging two or three per episode. Each episode offers a compelling mix of drama, serial killing, and stunning scenery, so the absence of any of these elements was quite surprising. Midsomer Murders truly stands as an iconic British murder mystery that deserves your attention.

Henry Cavill, a British actor who would later rise to fame as Superman, made his first appearance on television in 2003's Green Man episode, albeit in a relatively minor role. The episode revolves around the discovery of a body from the 1960s in a collapsed tunnel, with the Green Man Pub also featuring prominently, showcasing its commitment to eco-friendly endeavors. Fast forward to Midsomer Murders' 20th anniversary Easter egg special in 2016, where a cyclist is seen passing by a sign for none other than the Green Man Public House. It's remarkable to see how far Henry Cavill has come since his humble beginnings in 2003, now assuming the iconic role of Superman.

3 Garden Of Death - Series 4

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Despite some actors being relatively unknown to fans of Midsomer Murders, Neil Dudgeon, who later played DCI John Barnaby, was actually part of the show before his iconic role. In Series 4's "Garden of Death," Dudgeon portrayed Daniel Bolt, a somewhat dubious and lustful gardener who not only had an affair with his female boss but also briefly flirted with Joyce, Tom Barnaby's wife. Adding to his questionable behavior, Bolt even made advances towards the boss's daughter after she was poisoned by lethal pesto.

Neil Dudgeon, who eventually became Inspector Barnaby, humorously claimed that Bolt was his distant cousin in order to justify their resemblance. Interestingly, Dudgeon's experience is not uncommon among local actors who have participated in the show's extensive run due to reused filming locations. This practice is not exclusive to Midsomer Murders, as other shows like Law & Order have also featured up-and-coming actors taking on multiple roles throughout the span of several years.

2 The Case Of The In-Joke

Midsomer Murders is brimming with inside jokes. Joyce, Tom Barnaby's wife, has gained a reputation for being a less-than-stellar cook. In response to being questioned about her past enrollment in a Cordon Bleu cooking class, Tom half-heartedly mutters "vividly." Another of Tom's associates, Troy, had a tendency to drive carelessly, almost recklessly. When Tom points out that Troy had momentarily veered onto the wrong side of the road, Troy nonchalantly replies, "only for a second, sir."

Meanwhile, another sidekick, Jones, possesses a level of political incorrectness that pushes the boundaries. Devoted fans can regale tales of Troy narrowly avoiding a collision with a truck carrying pine straw or Joyce's unfortunate blunders in her attempts at making jam. These ongoing jokes inject a charming, lighthearted humor into the show. It is precisely this sort of consistency that captivates the audience and contributes to the immense popularity of the series.

1 Death Of The Small Coppers - Series 20

In the 20th-anniversary episode of Midsomer Murders, titled "Death of the Small Coppers", an Easter egg referencing the episode "A Vintage Murder" from 2015 was included. The story takes place at Midsomer Vinae Winery, where a vintage launch party turns disastrous when slug poison contaminates the wine.

This episode features a number of intriguing murders, including the death of an unpleasant, intoxicated wine critic due to carbon monoxide poisoning, as well as the demise of a love-stricken hotel owner who is pushed out of a window. As part of the anniversary episode, there is a subtle joke for fans: a chalkboard sign advertising Midsomer Vinae at a whopping $50, implying that the wine is overpriced and not worth the expense. It is these hidden details that add to the enjoyment of Midsomer Murders for long-time viewers who have been following the series since its beginning.