1. A TALENT FOR LIFE
In Malham Bridge, former socialite and feisty pensioner Isobel Hewitt is accused
of assault by fellow fly fisher Margaret Seagrove. When Barnaby and Troy
investigate the allegations they discover that all is not well on the Midsomer
riverbanks. The investigation takes a more serious turn when two bodies are
discovered in the river. Are they the victims of a chance attack by poachers or
was there a more sinister motive?
Guest Stars Honor Blackman, Peter Cellier and Jonathan Cullen.
Screenplay by David Hoskins. Directed by Sarah Hellings.
2. DEATH AND DREAMS
The quiet of Midsomer Worthy is shattered by the suicide of Martin Wroath.
A gambler, drinker and depressive, the complex nature of his death attracts
Barnaby's attention. Wroath had received treatment from the local psychiatric
hospital under the supervision of Dr Jane Moore. The Doctor is a widow who
juggles her career with being a mother to her three children. Her Care in the
Community' approach does not meet with the approval of many of the
villagers.
Guest Stars Isla Blair, Stuart Bunce and Jan Ravens.
Screenplay by Peter J Hammond. Directed by Peter Smith.
3. PAINTED IN BLOOD
Joyce Barnaby has enrolled in an art class that takes her to the village green
in Midsomer Florey. The village is also under surveillance by Barnaby and Troy
who are busy with Operation Pondlife', an initiative designed to combat street
crime. When Joyce finds the body of one of her fellow painters the two
detectives start to investigate and uncover more than they had expected. With
his wife as star witness, Barnaby is taken off the case and Troy continues the
investigation alongside the National Intelligence Squad.
Guest Stars John Sessions, Leslie Phillips and Denise Black.
Screenplay by Andrew Payne. Directed by Sarah Hellings.
4. A TALE OF TWO HAMLETS
The Smythe-Websters are a rich family whose wealth and power dominate the two
local villages of Upper and Lower Warden Manor. The Head of the Manor's nephew,
Larry, is killed in an explosion which appears to be related to the recent
making of a horror movie based on the village's history. Larry's Uncle was
producing the film and sees the death as good publicity. Barnaby and Troy begin
to wonder just how far the Smythe-Websters would go for more money
and power?
Guest Stars Beth Goddard, Christopher Good and Jonathan Hyde.
Screenplay by Alan Plater. Directed by Peter Smith.
5. BIRDS OF PREY
Troy and PC Sarah Pearce are in Midsomer Magna investigating a wildlife crime
while Barnaby follows up on the discovery of the car and body of Julian Shepherd
in the river. Elsewhere Mallory Edmonton is keeping her husband Charles, who
suffers from Alzheimer's Disease, sedated and under lock and key in the
attic. It transpires that Julian had money worries after investigating in
Charles Edmonton's secret invention. Charles dies the two detectives must act
fast if they are to uncover what really happened.
Guest Stars Kate Buffery, David Calder and Rosalind Knight.
Screenplay by Michael Russell. Directed Jeremy Silberston.
