Midsomer Murder fans were delighted to see the ITV series return to their screens last night after the second episode of the 23rd series was delayed due to Euro 2024.
Viewers tuned in to watch DCI John Barnaby (played by Neil Dudgeon) and DS Jamie Winter (Nick Hendrix) investigate the mysterious death of a retired police officer.
The synopsis for the episode read: “Gated estate Challis Court is a tight-knit community for retired police officers, but when a new arrival is found dead, the other residents regard the murder as both an affront and a challenge.
“Barnaby investigates and realises that the killer is likely to be an ex-police officer too.”
While plenty of fans were thrilled to have the show back on their screens, some eagle-eyed viewers couldn’t help but notice how much time – narratively – had passed between seasons 22 and 23.
One character in particular sparked the discussion amongst viewers, as they noticed that Barnaby’s daughter Betty (Isabel Shaw) had grown a lot since she last appeared in the previous season.
Eagle-eyed Midsomer Murders fans noticed that Betty Barnaby had aged a significant amount
ITV
An avid viewer penned: “If ever I needed proof that there’s always such a gap between episodes of #MidsomerMurders, it’s seeing how Barnaby’s daughter has gone from literal toddler to schoolgirl in a matter of no episodes at all.”
“Betty has grown up so fast,” another noted before a third said: “Betty must be the fastest-growing child in human history.”
A fourth added: “I get the feeling a lot of time has passed (narratively) since the last #MidsomerMurders. 5-10 years, in fact. Everyone looks much older including Betty!”
It wasn’t just the aging which sparked a conversation among viewers, as many shared their disappointment with the “boring” episode and begged the show writers to go back to the “early days” of the series.
Fans of the show also noticed that a few other of the characters seemed older than they did in previous episodes
ITV
One fumed: “This isn’t doing it for me. I prefer the early, funny ones. But the tweets are great! #MidsomerMurders.”
“Terrible acting. Terrible casting. Terrible script. Just terrible. #MidsomerMurders,” a second added before another agreed: “It’s always the most famous actor on #MidsomerMurders that did it! Fail-safe conclusion every time!”
Not all viewers were left unsatisfied with the episode as many were thrilled to see the team back together, including one who praised: “New Midsomer Murders, just what the doctor ordered #MidsomerMurders.” (sic)
The backlash of the latest series doesn’t bode well as rumours have begun to swirl that the programme could soon be coming to an end.
Some fans were left disappointed with the latest episode and branded it boring
ITV
According to Bookmakers betideas.com, the current odds for the drama to end soon are at 8/11 and prompted spokesperson Lee Astley to say: “The new series of Midsomer Murders was met with a mixed reception and with no confirmed date for its second episode, it appears ITV could be losing patience with its long-running drama.
“Series 23, whenever it does resume, could well be the last one to hit our screens, with the show now just 8/11 to be canned after the latest season is aired.
“Meanwhile, ITV bosses could look to keep hold of the show but instead give it a major revamp to appeal to new viewers, including a new cast, with Midsomer Murders 6/4 to receive a significant rebrand.”