Midsomer Murders: 15 Hidden Details Only True Fans Noticed

Summary Midsomer Murders is a popular murder mystery show based on Caroline Graham's books, known for its over-the-top murders and tongue-in-cheek tone.

The show uses close-up shots during outdoor conversations to hide the effects of rain and cold weather during filming.

The show was originally titled Barnaby and is still referred to by that name in some regions. It deviated from the source material in the first episode by featuring additional murders.

The British series Midsomer Murders was first broadcast in 1998 and has since become one of the most popular murder mystery shows on television. More than 25 years later, the series is still going strong and finding even more popularity thanks to new viewers discovering it on streaming platforms. There are the over-the-top (almost comic) murders, the snappy banter between Detective Chief Inspector Barnaby and his sidekick Sergeant, and an idyllic English village setting in fictional Midsomer County. However, part of the fun in the show is the clever details in Midsomer Murders that even die-hard fans might miss.

The series is based on the characters in Caroline Graham's Midsomer Murders books, and the show's tone is very much tongue-in-cheek, with a light humorous edge. Though there are less than a dozen novels in the original series, 140+ episodes have been produced. The best episodes of Midsomer Murders have allowed for some great fleshing out of recurring characters, fascinating mysteries, and, of course, intricately placed details that are more than easy to miss on first viewing — even for the most eagle-eyed Midsomer Murders fans.

Related 15 British Murder Mysteries You Need To Watch Distinctly British shows sometimes don't translate to other audiences, but here are some British murder mystery series that deserve a watch.

15 Draycott Manor In "Ghosts Of Christmas Past"

A Callback To An "Strangler's Wood"

One of the most interesting hidden details noticed by eagle-eyed fans is the naming of the house in season 7, episode 7, "Ghosts of Christmas Past" as Draycott Manor. This is a clever callback to season 2, episode 3, "Strangler’s Wood," where Barnaby learns that the name Draycott is actually derived from Dr. Aycott. In "Strangler’s Wood," Dr. Aycott informs Carla Constanza about her illness caused by smoking. The reuse of the name Draycott is a subtle nod that connects these two episodes, enriching the narrative fabric of Midsomer Murders.

This kind of detail is a testament to the show’s meticulous writing and ability to weave a complex web of interrelated stories and characters. For dedicated fans, spotting these references adds an extra layer of enjoyment and highlights the continuity within the Midsomer universe, making each episode a part of a larger, interconnected story.

14 Colorful Symbolism In "Blue Herrings"

A Clever Use Of Red & Blue

At the end of season 3, episode 2, "Blue Herrings" (Season 3, Episode 2), a favorite among many fans, there is a delightful visual detail involving Aunt Alice and Dr. George Bullard. As they discuss red and blue herrings in a mystery book, Aunt Alice is notably wearing blue while George is dressed in red. This subtle use of color serves as a playful nod to the concept of red and blue herrings, terms often used in mystery genres to denote misleading clues.

The clever wardrobe choice adds a visual pun to the episode, enriching the viewing experience with an additional layer of meaning. This kind of detail exemplifies the thoughtfulness that goes into the production of Midsomer Murders, where even the colors worn by characters can enhance the storytelling and provide fans with hidden gems to discover and appreciate.

13 Crossword Clues In "Death Of The Small Coppers"

The Puzzle Pays Homage To Past Episodes

The 20th-anniversary special of Midsomer Murders, season 20's "Death of the Small Coppers", was filled with Easter eggs and nods to the long-running TV show for eagle-eyed fans of the series to catch. Several of them came in details within crossword puzzles worked on during the episode. One crossword clue, for example, read “A village whose black and white inhabitants migrate,” and the answer is “Badgers Drift,” which is also the very first episode of Midsomer Murders.

Another crossword clue in the episode is “Fast choir ails the poisonous flower,” and a character writes in the answer as “Orchis Fatalis,” which is another episode title from the show’s run. All in all, the episode featured four different crossword puzzle clues that called back to earlier episodes of the show. Additionally, the crossword puzzles weren't just there for die-hard fans; they also played a role in the plot. The clues provided hints that helped the characters solve the mystery, seamlessly blending fan service with storytelling.

12 The Return Of Plummers Relish In "Death Of The Small Coppers"

A Tasty Callback To A Previous Midsomer Murders Episode

In the 20th-anniversary episode "Death of the Small Coppers," a sharp-eyed viewer might notice a jar of Plummers Relish on the table, a delightful Easter egg referencing the April 2005 episode "Sauce for the Goose" (season 8, episode 7). In "Sauce for the Goose," DCI Barnaby is called to investigate when the naked body of a business executive from a rival firm is found crushed to death by a forklift truck in the family-run Plummers relish factory.

The intricate plot involves corporate rivalry and old romance, adding layers of intrigue to the murder investigation. By placing a jar of Plummers Relish in the anniversary episode, the showrunners pay homage to the memorable case, rewarding long-time fans with a nostalgic nod to past episodes. This kind of inter-episode referencing enriches the series, making it a treasure trove of hidden connections and callbacks for devoted viewers to enjoy, especially in the 20th-anniversary episode.

11 Why Midsomer Murders Features So Many Close-ups

Inclement Weather Means Production Result In Simpler Shots

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Fans who have been watching the show for years might not notice that Midsomer Murders features a lot of close-ups when groups of characters are in conversation outside instead of using wider angles to get everyone in the shot. There’s a reason for that, and it isn’t because actors are filming at different times. Instead, it has to do with the weather. There are a lot of rainy and cold days when filming Midsomer Murders, especially since each episode can take over a month to film.

In order to keep the effects of the rain, like muddy boots, hidden from the eyes of viewers when an episode doesn’t feature rain, the production team uses a lot of closeup shots so that they don’t have to worry about cleaning up the effects of rain puddles. Rumor has it the cast members will even place ice cubes in their mouths before outdoor takes to lower the temperature so that their breath won’t appear on camera.

10 The Show Was Supposed To Be Called Barnaby

The Original Title Is Still Used In Some Places

A screenshot from Midsomer Murders season 7, episode 1, which featured David Bradley and Henry Cavill.

There have been two DCI Barnabys in the history of the long-running show. John Nettles played Tom, the intelligent TV detective, from the first episode until he and Tom both retired in 2011. Some speculated that his retirement would come at the expense of his wife, Joyce Barnaby's death, but that didn't happen. In that year, Neil Dudgeon became DCI John Barnaby, Tom's cousin.

Before screenwriter Anthony Horowitz suggested they call it Midsomer Murders, producers had gone with the working title, Barnaby. In fact, to this day, in some jurisdictions, the show is named Barnaby. Variations of that title, like Inspecteur Barnaby, are also used in some regions. So, the plot line had to provide another DCI Barnaby to take up the job of running down homicidal maniacs in the countryside. Hence, enter John Barnaby.

Related Midsomer Murders: What Happened To Barnaby's Dog Sykes? DCI John Barnaby’s dog Sykes was one of the most popular characters on Midsomer Murders, but whatever happened to the cute terrier cross?

9 The Killings At Badger's Drift

The Season 1 Episode Showcases A Last-Minute Departure From The Source Material

The very first episode of Midsomer Murders, "The Killings at Badger's Drift," also contains the first time the show deviated from the books by Caroline Graham. Midsomer Murders episode 1 gave the television world Iris and Dennis Rainbird, an odious blackmailing mother and her creepy undertaker son, pulled straight from the novel from which the episode drew its title.

In the episode, they are both brutally murdered because they have discovered the incestuous secret of a brother and his sister. In Graham's book, only the mother is murdered. Some scenes in the television episode refer only to the mother's murder and not the son's, probably indicating that the show originally followed the book's plot line before deciding two brutal murders were better than one. This change from the source material set a precedent for the show’s creative freedom, allowing it to explore more complex and shocking storylines than those in the novels.

8 Cully's Wedding Guests

The Season 11 Wedding Episode Chose Some Notable Extras

Tom Barnaby is happily married to housewife Joyce, played by Jane Wymark. They have a daughter named Cully, who, by the way, was conceived on their honeymoon in Cully, Switzerland. In an episode called "Blood Wedding," first aired in 2008, Tom is called in to deal with the death of a bridesmaid at a posh wedding while simultaneously dealing with Cully's pending nuptials. Most TV wedding episodes are special events in the show and Midsomer Murders is no different.

It was such a big moment that members of the British press were invited and appeared in the scene as guests, while members of the production and their families appeared at the wedding party. However, once it was over, Cully's husband, Simon, disappeared from the show. The presence of familiar faces from the press and production team created a buzz and highlighted the occasion's significance within the series. However, the disappearance of Simon after the wedding also underscored a recurring theme in Midsomer Murders, where characters often vanish without explanation, leaving viewers to ponder their fates.

7 The Theme Music Mystery

The Unusual Instrument May Sound Familiar

Die-hard fans will know that the haunting waltz-tempo Midsomer Murders theme music is played on a Theremin. Sitcom fans will also know Sheldon Cooper plays the instrument in The Big Bang Theory, though it's not a widely played instrument. It's an electronic metal instrument with two antennas invented by Russian physicist Leon Theremin in the early 20th century. The choice of the Theremin for the show's theme music adds a distinctive and eerie quality that perfectly complements the series' atmosphere of suspense and intrigue.

The Theremin is an instrument that isn't touched; rather, it's "played" by moving one's hands around it and above it to control sound and volume. The sound is sent to an amplifier. The best description is that it resembles a human's low whistle. Though there are some fans who will have a hard time separating the sound from Sheldon Cooper, it is a fitting theme for a British murder mystery.

Related Midsomer Murders: 10 Most Outrageous Murders From The Show Midsomer Murders definitely gets a little creative with death, and these are some of the best kills over the years.

6 The Return Of The Pitchfork

A Memorable Murder Weapon Makes A Return Cameo

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Midsomer Murders has cast a lot of budding A-list actors, including a very young Orlando Bloom. In 2000, Series 3, Bloom was a womanizing thief in "Judgement Day." In typical Midsomer Murders fashion, he was dispatched by being skewered on a pitchfork, one of the most outrageous murders in Midsomer Murders. In the 20th anniversary special "Death of the Small Coppers," there is an Easter egg real fans will have spotted. In the foreground of one shot, there is a pitchfork innocently leaning up against a caravan in a nod to Bloom's episode.

This subtle homage to one of the show's most infamous murder weapons highlights the series' penchant for playful self-referencing and attention to detail. Such nods not only delight long-time viewers who catch these inside jokes but also enrich the viewing experience by creating a sense of continuity and nostalgia. The return of the pitchfork serves as a testament to the show's legacy of creative and memorable storytelling. It also underscores the importance of even the smallest props in creating the unique and darkly humorous world of Midsomer Murders.

5 The Only Murderless Episode

Season 18 Made A First For The Series

A shot of DS Ben Jones (Jason Hughes) and DCI Tom Barnaby (John Nettles) in Midsomer Murders.

Series 18 kicked off with "Habeas Corpus." which became a controversial episode due to the fact that it was the first to not have any murders. It was also the episode that introduced the new (humorless) medical examiner Kam Karimore (Majinder Virk). There have been around 330 murders since the show began over twenty years ago. On average, there are around two or three per episode. Drama, serial killing, and great scenery make up every episode, so the lack of one of those things was a surprise that not all fans appreciated.

The decision to have a murderless episode was a bold move that demonstrated the show's willingness to experiment and break its own mold. While the absence of a murder may have disappointed some viewers expecting the usual body count, it allowed the series to explore character development and plot complexity in a different light. This episode also highlighted the versatility of Midsomer Murders, proving that it could still deliver suspense and intrigue without relying solely on its traditional elements.

4 The Green Man Pub

A Hint To An Earlier Episode With A Famous Guest Star

The 2003 Green Man episode of Midsomer Murders is notable for many fans as it features an early role from Henry Cavill. In that episode, a body from the 1960s is found in a collapsed tunnel. The episode also features the Green Man Pub, complete with echoes of eco-friendly pursuits. Perhaps due to the notoriety of the particular episode, when Midsomer Murders did the 20th anniversary Easter egg special, they decided to have a cyclist ride by a sign for none other than the Green Man Public House.

This nod to a fan-favorite episode underscores the show's dedication to acknowledging its rich history and the memorable moments that have shaped its legacy. By including the Green Man Pub sign, the creators not only paid tribute to an episode that featured a now-famous actor but also delighted long-time fans with a subtle and meaningful reference.

Related Midsomer Murders: 10 Actors You Had No Idea Were On The Show Keep on reading to find out about 10 actors and actresses you probably had no idea were on Midsomer Murders.

3 Actor Neil Dudgeon Appeared In An Earlier Role

The Future John Barnaby First Appeared In Season 4

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Long before he played DCI John Barnaby, Neil Dudgeon appeared in Series 4's "Garden of Death." He was Daniel Bolt, a seedy, lecherous gardener who was not only carrying on with his female boss but who also had a brief flirtation with Tom Barnaby's wife. Bolt even tried something with the boss's daughter, after the lady was poisoned with lethal pesto. Dudgeon has joked that Bolt was only a cousin of his to explain the resemblance. His experience isn't that unique though. Several local actors have played multiple roles in the show's long run because of reused filming locations.

The practice isn't exclusive to Midsomer Murders either. Shows like Law & Order have seen up-and-coming actors play multiple roles over the course of a decade. Neil Dudgeon's early appearance adds an extra layer of enjoyment for dedicated fans who recognize him in his pre-DCI Barnaby role. It also reflects a broader trend in long-running TV series where familiar faces reappear in different guises, creating a sense of community and continuity within the show's universe.

2 The Case Of The In-Joke

The Show Features Running Gags About Various Characters' Shortcomings

Midsomer Murders is full of inside jokes. Tom Barnaby's wife Joyce is a very bad cook. When Tom is asked if he remembers when she took a Cordon Bleu cooking class, he mumbles "vividly." Tom's first sidekick, Troy (Daniel Casey), was a careless, almost reckless driver. When Tom tells him he is on the wrong side of the road, he replies, "Only for a second, sir."

Another sidekick, Jones (Jason Hughes), is about as politically incorrect as possible. Dedicated fans can tell stories of Troy almost running into a truck full of pine straw or Joyce's failed attempt at making jam. The running jokes are an endearing, light-handed comic touch. It's one of the reasons the show is so popular and provides consistency in the series that fans love. This clever use of humor balances the show's darker elements, making Midsomer Murders a unique blend of suspense and comedy.

1 Midsomer Vinae Winery Makes A Comeback

The Deadly Wine Resurfaces In The Anniversary Episode

When Midsomer Murders did the 20th-anniversary episode "Death of the Small Coppers", they included an Easter egg that referred to 2015's "A Vintage Murder". That episode is set in Midsomer Vinae Winery, where a vintage launch party is totally wrecked when the Midsomer Vinae is laced with slug poison. In the anniversary episode, a chalkboard sign offers Midsomer Vinae at around $50, a truly exorbitant price.

The joke for fans was that it wasn't very good win, and not worth that price. The reference to Midsomer Vinae not only brings a smile to the faces of long-time fans but also serves as a reminder of the show's whimsical and darkly humorous nature. These subtle callbacks help maintain a sense of continuity and engagement, ensuring that each new episode feels like a part of a larger, beloved narrative. It's hidden details like this that make Midsomer Murders such a fun watch for those who have enjoyed the series since the start.