Introduction

Midsomer Murders is a British television detective drama series that has been on the air since 1997. The show is set in a fictional English county and follows the investigations of Detective Chief Inspector John Barnaby and his team as they solve various crimes. The show has a loyal fan base and has been praised for its intricate plots, stunning English countryside scenery, and strong performances from its cast.

One of the most popular episodes of the show is "Ghosts of Christmas Past," which first aired in 2018. In this episode, DCI Barnaby and DS Winter investigate the murder of a man who was dressed as Santa Claus at a Christmas-themed park.

The Plot

The episode begins with a group of employees at a Christmas park preparing for the holiday season. However, their festive mood is interrupted when they discover the body of a man dressed as Santa Claus in one of the park's attractions. DCI Barnaby and DS Winter are called to the scene to investigate the murder.

The victim is identified as Tom Barnaby, the cousin of DCI Barnaby. Tom was a former employee of the park and had returned to work there for the holiday season. The investigation quickly uncovers a web of secrets and lies among the park's employees, including Tom's estranged wife and her new boyfriend.

As Barnaby and Winter delve deeper into the case, they begin to unravel a conspiracy involving the park's owner, who is determined to keep the park's profits high at any cost. The detectives must use all of their skills and intuition to solve the case before another victim is claimed.

The Cast

The cast of "Ghosts of Christmas Past" includes familiar faces from previous episodes of Midsomer Murders, as well as some new additions. Neil Dudgeon plays DCI John Barnaby, while Nick Hendrix plays DS Jamie Winter. Other cast members include:

• Fiona Dolman as Sarah Barnaby
• Peter Egan as Gerald Hadleigh
• Emma Campbell-Jones as Zoe Stock
• Barbara Marten as Margaret Hornsby
• John Hodgkinson as Colin Boland

The Location

Midsomer Murders is known for its stunning English countryside scenery, and "Ghosts of Christmas Past" is no exception. The episode was filmed on location in the town of Wallingford in Oxfordshire, England. The town's picturesque streets and historic buildings provide a perfect backdrop for the show's holiday-themed murder mystery.

The Reception

"Ghosts of Christmas Past" was well-received by fans and critics alike. The episode's intricate plot, strong performances, and holiday-themed setting were praised by many. The show's loyal fan base was also pleased to see the return of DCI Barnaby's cousin Tom, who had previously appeared in several episodes of the show.

Conclusion

"Ghosts of Christmas Past" is a standout episode of Midsomer Murders that combines a holiday-themed setting with the show's trademark intricate plotting and strong performances from its cast. Fans of the show will not be disappointed by this festive murder mystery.

Related video of Midsomer Murders: Ghosts of Christmas Past