When in its prime (a vast majority of Seasons 1-9), 'Midsomer Murders' was a great show and one that is watched and re-watched frequently. Seasons 10-13 became more uneven, with three of the show's worst episodes coming from Seasons 11 and 13, but there were a few solid episodes and "Blood Wedding" and especially "Master Class" were gems.
After John Nettles retired and Neil Dudgeon and the new character of John Barnaby took over, 'Midsomer Murders' just hasn't been the same, if anybody's read my reviews for the Season 14 episodes the reasons are detailed in those. After a mostly disappointing Season 14, with three decent-and-more episodes out of eight ("The Oblong Murders" and "A Sacred Trust" faring best, while "The Night of the Stag" and "Echoes of the Dead" are especially bad), Season 15 started off promisingly, with "The Dark Rider" and "Murder of Innocence" being surprisingly good, before jumping the shark with "Written in the Stars". Unfortunately, "Death and the Divas" despite an inspired premise is little improvement and neither is "The Sicilian Defence".
Of course there are things that make "The Sicilian Defence" watchable still. As ever, most of the production values in "The Sicilian Defence" cannot be faulted as usual. It's beautifully and atmospherically shot with suitably picturesque scenery. The music fits perfectly, with some lush jauntiness and sometimes an ominous quality, and the haunting theme tune is one of the most memorable and instantly recognisable of the genre.
Neil Dudgeon and Jason Hughes do their best, Dudgeon doesn't come over as overly-smug or disdainful and he doesn't treat Jones anywhere near as demeaningly as in "Death in the Slow Lane" and "Echoes of the Dead", while Jones isn't written as much as a dumbed down idiot while still lacking spark. Sykes steals every scene he's in, such a cute and amusing dog, and the supporting cast are competent.
However, Fiona Dolman and Tamsin Malleson do nothing with their characters, not helped that Sarah and Kate have always been not very well written, Kate being bland without much personality and Sarah being rather condescending and lacking warmth. Her chemistry with Dudgeon still doesn't convince, one doesn't even get the sense that they're in love let alone husband and wife.
The story is the season's strangest, as well as one of the most bizarre ones of any episode from the John Barnaby-era. The love story is just too contrived and underdeveloped, and the case itself is too melodramatic and convoluted with bizarre character behaviour and with too much going on and it not being explained enough. The final solution isn't as obvious as the previous two episodes but amps up the overwrought-ness to an uncomfortable degree. Script-wise the tone feels far too heavy and serious, the gentle humour is sorely missed, and the pacing never really ignites.
Overall, bizarre episode and not in a good way. 5/10 Bethany Cox
