PIANO PLAYS SOFT TUNE
BIRDS CHIRP
I don't want you to go.
Why do you have to go?
Come on, Anna. We talked about this.
It's Mummy and Daddy's anniversary.
I don't care. I don't want you to go.
We'll be home later.
Don't you want us to have a good time?
No.
Are you off then? We're just going.
You'll be alright with Mrs Foster. You'll have a nice time.
No, I won't.
CAR STARTS
TENSE MUSIC
LOUD SMASH
Oh, you naughty child. You go straight up to your room.
You'll watch no television tonight. I don't care. I hate you.
Oh, you just wait until your parents come home.
Just wait until I tell them.
TV THEME PLAYS
DRAMATIC MUSIC PLAYS ON TELEVISION
EERIE MUSIC
TELEVISION: It was a pleasant enough room
and as he had requested it overlooked the sea.
He liked the sound of the surf, he said.
The cold light of dawn revealed a grim sight.
In addition, it had brought with it a note of tragedy.
The owner of the car had been discovered
and his remains had been found
beneath the debris of a gutted caravan.
Well, there's nothing here to indicate
how the fire started - nothing.
TENSE MUSIC
MUFFLED AUDIO ON TELEVISION
TENSE MUSIC INTENSIFIES
(SCREAMS) No! No! Nooo!
Nooo! (SCREAMS)
CLASSICAL MUSIC
(MOTHER LAUGHS)
What is it?
I don't know.
Mrs Foster?
(SCREAMS)
DRAMATIC MUSIC
Annabel?
Thank God. Thank God.
THEME MUSIC
Come on, Ray, you don't want to be late.
I'll be back in an hour.
I don't know why you're wasting your time going.
They're all snobs.
It's for the village, Jack. That's why I'm going.
LAWN MOWER WHIRRS
Marcus!
It's 10:55. We ought to be on our way.
Rightio.
Marcus!
I'm coming, I'm coming, don't blow a fuse.
Hi, Mum. Where are you going, dear?
I don't know. Just out.
See you.
(DOG PANTS)
There, that's a good boy.
Feels much better.
Is he still limping?
Not really.
We'll keep him on painkillers a bit longer
but I think it's going to be OK.
There's a good boy, Jackie. His name's Lucky.
Right.
If you don't mind removing your hand from that dog's arse,
Gordon darling,
it's time to go.
BEES BUZZ
We come now to the main item on the agenda -
the Perfect Village competition.
As we all know, it's only four days away now.
It's July 10. That's it.
And let's not forget the first prize of £5,000 that's at stake.
We could rebuild the village hall with that.
Absolutely, Ray. So we're leaving nothing to chance. Bella?
Oh, yes. Thank you.
The tent's going up on the green the day before
so lunch will be served at 1:00.
I've got all the food sorted, Mr Devere.
We're going to have sausages, chicken wings and pasties.
I'll do the village proud.
And at the same time,
I'll be serving some of Marcus's home-made wine.
The apricot and elderberry has turned out absolutely tip-top this year.
It'll certainly make an impression. (ALL CHUCKLE)
Entertainment - a musical gala on the green to accompany lunch. Mary?
Nothing to worry about there, Marcus.
I've been working with the village orchestra.
In fact, we've been going at it hammer and tongs.
Well, not literally, I hope. (ALL LAUGH LOUDLY)
It's important to show these judges
that there's still some young blood in Midsomer Mallow. Absolutely.
I don't suppose we know yet who the judges are?
Well, Rosemary Furman, the editor of Country Matters is going to be one
and I think Frank Mannion has agreed to join the panel.
Frank Mannion?
He does that gardening program on television - Along the Garden Path?
That's right.
And I believe Annabel Cross has also been asked to join.
Oh. And there's also a member of the public.
Oh?
Yes, ah, they ran a competition and someone -
I've got her name here somewhere -
anyway, the winner will be asked to join the panel.
She'll probably be the easiest one to impress.
Find her an extra sausage
and her vote will be in the bag.
So you're going to be a judge?
What's the first prize? That WAS the first prize, Tom.
It means a week away from home, first-class travel
and a big dinner at the end.
Away from home for a week.
(CHUCKLES) Don't worry, I've already phoned Cully.
She's coming tomorrow. Is she not working?
She is. She's writing a book.
A book? That's different.
It's something to do with the theatre.
I'm sure she'll tell you all about it.
The Perfect Village competition.
Don't suppose any of the Midsomer villages are through to the final?
There is one, yes. Midsomer Mallow.
Ah.
Tom, don't tell me
you're investigating some grisly murder there.
No, no, no, it's very quiet at the minute.
Apart from one thing.
We've had a spate of burglaries.
(SIGHS) I've got to go.
Oh, Petey, have you?
Yeah. And so have you.
Why? Where are you going?
I've got business.
There's someone else, isn't there?
(LAUGHS) No.
I couldn't bear it if there was.
CAR HORN BEEPS I really couldn't.
You'd better get home.
Your mum and dad would kill you if they knew you were here.
They'd kill you first.
Grayfriar's House.
You sure about this?
You said he was going to be in London, not back until late.
I mean, it's too much, too soon. We're gonna get caught.
You losing your bottle, Jack?
No, it's...
I hope not. Come on.
EERIE MUSIC
SILVERWARE JANGLES
BROKEN GLASS CRUNCHES
TENSE MUSIC
(WHISPERS) What is it?
I thought I heard something.
Leave it!
There's nothing here. Let's go.
You old fart.
TEARING AND SMASHING
Right, let's go.
Piece of cake.
DRAMATIC MUSIC
How many's this? Six?
Seven. Seven?
Seven burglaries in two months, it's an epidemic, Troy.
Who was it this time?
His name's Edward Allardice.
He's a retired actor, lives here alone.
Big house for one man.
And where was he last night?
You can ask him yourself, he's inside.
I had to go to London yesterday, a meeting with my accountant
and I didn't get back until 1:00 in the morning.
It's almost as if they knew.
Did you tell anyone about your travel plans, Mr Allardice?
No. I keep myself to myself.
Oh, I may have mentioned something to Ray.
Dorset - the butcher.
You can't go in there without chatting.
And there was no-one in the house?
My wife died some years ago and I live alone.
But, ah, I may be able to help you.
Sir?
Well, when I was driving home, I saw a white van.
I was quite near the house and it was doing a ton,
that's why I noticed it.
I don't suppose you got a - Registration number?
Well, yes, I got most of it.
M-293, then an F,
or it could have been an E,
something W.
It was going too fast.
That may be very helpful, sir.
If ever I get my hands on the little bastards that did this,
I'll kill them.
It wasn't just what they stole, it was the damage they did.
That portrait was painted by Lucien Blake
and the bowl they smashed, which was given to me by Olivier.
Irreplaceable.
We'll do what we can, sir.
If you don't mind me asking, sir,
how do you know there were two of them?
I'm sorry?
You said "Little bastards", plural.
There could have been just one.
Well, I assumed.
They always come in pairs, don't they?
You don't think he was lying, do you?
About being out of the house?
Those were made last night.
I've checked them, they don't match his car.
They could belong to the white van.
Quite possibly, Troy,
but these tracks are quite clearly turning that way, aren't they?
Surely the London road's over there?
So if Allardice was coming from London...
Couldn't have seen the van.
So he is lying?
Or obfuscating, certainly.
You must be the police officers come to investigate the break-in.
Yes, sir.
You must know a lot about the village, working here.
I suppose I do.
Has there been anyone in here who's new to the area -
someone, perhaps, showing a special interest in other people's movements?
No. No, the last person to come to the village was Mr Allardice.
That was quite recent. Five, six years ago.
No-one more recent than that?
Well, I don't like to point the finger at anyone.
Go on.
You might want to talk to Peter Drinkwater.
He's Mary Drinkwater's nephew, great-nephew.
He came back to live in the village earlier this year.
Lived with her for a while and then he moved into the old farm.
Windy Whistle farm - it's deserted now.
Peter Drinkwater. Young lad.
Bit on the wild side.
Peter Drinkwater. That name rings a bell.
Do you want to go talk to him?
Unless you have other plans.
Why'd you have to do that?
Why'd you have to talk about Peter that way?
I could have said more than I did. He's my friend, Dad.
He's trouble. And he's leading you into trouble.
I wish he'd never come here. Sometimes I want to...
What?
Nothing.
What time is it?
(SIGHS) 12:00.
Gordon will be home soon.
It's his afternoon in surgery, you've got to go.
Alright.
You don't care, do you?
What?
Stay or go, you don't care.
Maybe that's what I like about you, Peter,
that you're so bloody heartless.
You're like an animal. Watch it.
I'm complimenting you.
If Gordon ever found out about you he'd neuter you,
do you know that?
He's good at that.
If you don't like Gordon
why do you talk about him so much?
Good question.
Don't ever change.
I like you just the way you are.
And do you know what I like about you?
What?
Your generosity.
I hadn't forgotten.
You still seeing that girl?
Devere girl - Caroline?
I wonder what she'd say
if she knew about me.
Get lost, Laura. Just piss off, alright?
You start threatening me,
you can look for your 50 quid thrills elsewhere.
Peter. Maybe you should try Jack.
He'd do it for 30.
And he might even enjoy it.
God! You little bastard.
OMINOUS MUSIC
Windy Whistle farm.
If you wanted a place to stash some stolen loot, this'd be it.
All these outbuildings. It's got to be him.
Yes.
Here he is now.
TYRES AND BRAKES SCREECH
You're Peter Drinkwater. And you're police, aren't you?
Detective Sergeant Troy, Causton CID.
This is Detective Chief Inspector Barnaby.
It's the same smell. You can always tell.
Would you mind stepping out of the car?
We'd like to talk about a break-in at Grayfriar's House last night.
Would you? And what if I don't want to talk to you?
I could be back here in a couple of hours
with a warrant to search this entire place.
Search it. I don't give a damn. REVS ENGINE
Charming.
Yes.
Do you want me to take a look around?
No, Troy. We'll do this one by the book.
Let's get the warrant first.
Hi. What's for lunch?
I've been out walking, I'm stivvy starving.
What is it?
Peter Drinkwater.
What?
You're seeing him again, aren't you?
No. Don't lie to me, Caroline.
I found these in your room. Mummy!
Letters, love letters, disgusting letters. How could you?
You shouldn't be searching in my room.
That boy is a snake in the grass.
He is nothing but trouble - and you will listen to me!
No, I won't. I'm 20 years old now. I can do what I like.
Look, maybe I should go and have a talk with him,
just the two of us, mano-a-mano.
No, Daddy, no.
I love Peter more than anyone in the whole world.
We're going to live together
and there's nothing you can do.
Oh, afternoon, Caroline. Is something the matter?
No.
Did you know, I was talking about you only this morning.
I was rather hoping I'd bump into you.
Mrs Brierly...
I was talking to Peter Drinkwater, I know he's a friend of yours,
but perhaps there's something you ought to know about him
and I'm going to tell you.
DRAMATIC MUSIC PLAYS
Sir? Shhh.
Thought I knew that name, Peter Drinkwater.
He's got a record.
Nothing very serious -
two police cautions,
taking and driving away,
shoplifting...
Oh. And a 6-month suspended sentence for assault.
And you think he's graduated to burglary?
What have you got?
The registration number of the van.
Had to go round in circles a bit but I finally got there.
M-923-FBW.
A white Renault Trafic, registered to Ray Dorset in Midsomer Mallow.
Ray Dorset, the butcher?
He has a 21-year-old son, Jack Dorset.
I think it may have been him working in the shop.
And the shop is the centre of gossip in any village.
People tell Ray when they're going to be away for the weekend.
And Jack tells his mate, Peter.
I think so. Who should we go for first?
Oh, Peter. He's an obnoxious little sod.
Let's start with him. Alright.
INSTRUMENTS TUNING
(LOUD TAPPING)
Right, everyone.
Can you calm down please? Thank you.
Now, this is our last rehearsal before judgment day
and you all know how important it is that we make the right impression.
(BLOWS FLAT NOTE) (LAUGHTER)
Thank you, Richard.
I want lots of energy, lots of pizzazz.
Now.
Everyone together now.
One, two, three, one, two, and...
CLASSICAL MUSIC CONTINUES
(CRIES)
(EXHALES DEEPLY)
You finish it. I'm going out.
Where are you going?
Just out.
ENGINES REV
OMINOUS MUSIC
HEAVY BREATHING
OMINOUS MUSIC CONTINUES
LOUD KNOCK AT DOOR
Jack?
KNOCKING CONTINUES
What?
MUSIC SWELLS
(GASPS IN PAIN)
MUSIC RACES
That was the van. M-923-FBW.
Do you want me to go after it?
No, that was the butcher, Ray Dorset, driving.
We'll catch up with him later.
MUSIC CONTINUES
Get yourselves around the back. Don't want him getting away.
Sir!
There was a computer on the inventory
taken from the Allardice house.
Oh, I wish they were all as easy as this.
Now all we need to do is find Mr Drinkwater.
Hello?
Oh, for heaven's sake.
RADIO CHATTER
Nasty way to go.
Yes.
Quick, though.
One of the prongs cracked a rib and went straight into the heart.
Must have taken quite a lot of strength.
Are you saying it was a man?
Or a very strong woman.
Skewered him like a spud on Guy Fawkes night.
I wouldn't be surprised if it shattered the spleen
and the kidney, too.
Right.
Certainly one for the books, though.
Death by pitchfork.
Personally, I've never seen anything like it.
How long ago did it happen?
Well, the body's still warm to the touch,
no sign of rigor mortis - half an hour to an hour, tops.
Shame you didn't get here a bit sooner.
Well, yes.
What did you want him for? Burglary.
Well, I suppose that's rough justice then,
breaking and entering, that's what someone did to him.
You mind if I take him?
Yeah, you go ahead. Right. Uh, Cyril?
Whoa, wait a minute. What's that, Troy?
Credit card, sir. Oh, so it is.
Name of Gordon Brierly.
Suppose it must've been stolen.
Do you think this has got anything to do with the break-in, sir?
Hard to say.
We need to know more about the late Peter Drinkwater, don't we?
He had an aunt living in the village.
He also had an accomplice.
We have an eyewitness who places your father's van
at the scene of at least one of the houses broken into.
We've also recovered several of the missing items from Windy Whistle farm
and I must warn you, we're gonna have those checked for fingerprints.
They were using my van? Yes.
OK, I'll tell you what you wanna know, but on my own.
If you wouldn't mind, sir.
Jack? It's alright, Dad.
(SIGHS) We were at school together, Pete and me.
The break-ins was his idea.
But you had a good job with your father.
Why'd you get involved with him?
I hate the bloody job.
bowing and scraping behind the bloody meat counter.
That's no life.
How many were there? What?
Burglaries.
Oh, too many. I told him that but he wouldn't listen.
What, you argued?
No. No, you couldn't argue with him, he wouldn't listen.
Would you say he had any enemies?
Who hated Peter Drinkwater?
(SCOFFS) Be easier to ask who didn't.
You had no idea what he was up to?
Of course not. If I'd known, I'd have...
What?
..I'd have stopped him.
I'm sorry, sir, but I'm afraid I'm going to have to charge your son
with various offences connected with the break-ins.
Wasn't his fault. He didn't know what he was doing.
It was that other one. Peter Drinkwater?
You think Peter Drinkwater led your son astray?
That why you went to see him this afternoon?
What?
We saw you just before three o'clock.
We were driving up to Windy Whistle farm.
You passed us on the road.
I wasn't up at the farm. No, I was making my deliveries.
I was on my way to Causton.
So you drove past the entrance to the farm?
Yeah, but I didn't stop. You didn't see anything?
There was a car coming out of the yard.
A Renault, bright red. One of the newer models.
I don't suppose you got a number? No.
I didn't see who was driving either, had tinted windows.
Mr Devere has got a Renault.
It's bright red, it's got tinted windows.
Perhaps you should be talking to him.
MUSIC RACES
Screamy.
Now, that's 1, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 10, 14 -
plus 15, 16, 17, 18, 21,
and 50 for using all my letters - 71.
That's jolly good.
It's not actually a word, though, is it? Screamy.
What? You could have scream.
It is a word.
Some...films are screamy, it's in the dictionary.
If you say so.
Have you heard? What?
He's been killed. Peter.
Everyone's talking about it in the village.
The police are up at the farm. They say he was stabbed.
What? Caroline.
I thought I loved him, but I didn't.
And now he's dead and I don't care,
but you got what you wanted, both of you, so I hope you're glad.
DOOR SLAMS
Hello, Dad.
Hello, you.
What news, then, of the judging?
They've booked us into the Castle Hotel at Wisden
and the first meeting's on Friday.
Do we know the other judges?
There's Rosemary Furman and Frank Mannion.
Along the Garden Path?
And they were going to have Annabel Cross,
but at the last minute she's let them down.
They've managed to get Samantha Johnstone to step in.
She writes the Sister Claire Chronicles.
Life in an English village through the eyes of a retired nun.
How long are you going to be away? Only a week.
We're in somewhere called Little Kirkbridge the day after tomorrow,
and then Midsomer Mallow the day after that.
Midsomer Mallow? I was there myself today.
Another burglary? No, I think we found the burglar.
Have you made an arrest yet? No.
But I thought you just said that you got the burglar.
Yes, well, I'm afraid he didn't have very much to say.
Morning, sir.
Morning, Troy.
That looks like the red Renault Ray Dorset was telling us about.
Oh, Lothlorian. That's Lord of the Rings, that.
Huh? JR Tolkien.
Oh, I never read it. I started The Hobbit once.
And? Well, it's all dwarves and fairies.
I like books that are a bit more...you know.
I can imagine.
Peter Drinkwater. Of course I knew him.
Everyone in the village knew him. They probably wish they didn't.
I can't imagine why you would wish to talk to us about him.
Well, I'd be very interested to know,
when was the last time you saw Peter Drinkwater, Mrs Devere?
The last time?
Oh, I couldn't tell you. A week ago?
I saw him lounging outside the cricket billet.
It had to have been last Thursday.
I didn't speak to him, though.
So neither of you have seen him in the last 24 hours?
No.
Then how would you explain the fact that your car was seen
leaving Windy Whistle farm
just before three o'clock yesterday afternoon?
Exactly the same time Drinkwater was killed.
What?
Don't suppose anyone else drives your car - oh, your daughter?
She doesn't drive.
Then it must've been one of you.
Yes, it was.
Actually, it was me.
Marcus?
Who was it who actually saw me?
Just out of interest.
Ray Dorset, the butcher.
He was on his way to Causton. Ah.
Landed me in it, hasn't he? (CHUCKLES FAINTLY)
It's not like Ray.
So, you did see Peter Drinkwater?
No. No, I didn't.
I did go to see him but he wasn't there,
at least, I tooted, you know?
There was no answer so I drove away.
May I ask, why did you go to see him?
Well, it's a bit personal, really.
The fact is, he's been carrying on with Caroline.
Our daughter.
I wanted to know what his intentions were.
So I thought we would have a chat, mano-a-mano.
Those were my exact words, weren't they?
Do you remember what time you left home?
It'd be about half two.
You'd just gone up for your nap.
She always dozes off in the afternoon and that's when I went.
It was half past two, yes.
But you didn't see anyone at the farm?
Only Ray. Yes, he drove past.
You're certain it was Ray driving the van?
Yes, he had the window down. He was smoking a cigarette.
(CHUCKLES) Ray smokes all the time.
You can't really think
my husband had anything to do with what happened, Mr Barnaby.
He was with the National Westminster for 37 years.
Yes, I worked in the city.
This your daughter, Caroline? Yes.
That was taken on her 18th birthday. Oh, it's very nice.
I wonder, would it be possible to have a word with her?
Do you know where she is now?
Well, she has a summer job at the Causton nursery.
Children? Hmm? Oh, flowers.
(CHUCKLES)
You're not looking very happy today, are you? No.
Never going to go to a nice home if you don't cheer up a bit.
I always talk to the plants. You know, like Prince Charles.
It helps them grow.
When did you last see Peter Drinkwater?
Peter? Mmm.
I don't know. Suppose it was the day before yesterday.
Were the two of you, um, in a relationship?
I suppose Jack told you. Peter told Jack everything.
Well, we were in a relationship, but it was over.
I ended it.
Why did you do that?
Because of Laura Brierly. Brierly?
Yes. Laura told me lots of things about Peter.
Private things.
But I knew she was telling the truth and I didn't want to see him again.
Were you angry with him? I could have killed him.
But I didn't have to because somebody did it for me.
Looks like the Brierlys are out, sir.
Oh, we'll catch up with them later on.
In the meantime, Troy, has it occured to you
that someone actually threatened to kill Peter Drinkwater
while we were actually there?
"If I ever get my hands on the little bastards who did this,
"I'll kill 'em." Edward Allardice?
Yeah. Let's take his property back to him.
I want to know why he lied about that white van.
Or obfuscated, you mean.
What I say is, I think we ought to put it to the vote.
The judges will be arriving the day after tomorrow.
Question is, do we call the whole thing off?
No, it's too late to cancel.
It's not just us, it's the whole village.
You don't think the fact we've just had a brutal murder committed
won't damage our chances just a tiny bit?
Oh, they don't need to know - the judges. Nobody needs to tell them.
That's right.
What do you think, Miss Drinkwater?
Well, I suppose I'm thinking of the children.
The village orchestra.
We've been rehearsing for months and...
..well, I know it was Peter who was killed,
my own flesh and blood.
I had to go and identify the body.
(CHOKES)
Steady on, old thing. Shall I get you a drink?
No, I'm alright.
Peter never did anything for the village
and it seems to me that...
..if we let his death spoil Saturday,
well, he's still spoiling things, even though he's gone.
So, I'm afraid I agree with Ray.
Well, are we ready to put it to the vote?
Let's take the ayes first.
I say, this is a perfect village.
We have no reason to be ashamed.
I'm with that.
And me.
Yes, I say we go on.
Well, I say you're all crazy.
You can't have music and chicken wings three days after a murder.
That's a no, then.
It doesn't make any difference.
Ray, Bella, Mary and me - that's a majority.
And I'm afraid I'm with the others, Laura.
So, the ayes have it.
Judgement Day goes ahead.
I very much appreciate this, Mr Barnaby.
Well, just look upon it as part of the service, sir.
What about the rest of it?
It's at the station. You'll have to come and sign for it.
Well, I suppose it's all ended fairly satisfactorily.
Yes, though not for Peter Drinkwater, would you say?
The man who broke in? Yes, I'm sorry.
You did say you wanted to kill him, though.
Oh, that was just words.
Anyway, I didn't know who he was.
I was wondering,
you say you saw the white van,
you got part of the number but you didn't recognise the van itself.
though you must have seen it often enough around the shop.
What exactly are you suggesting, Detective Chief Inspector?
Are you sure you weren't at home that night?
You could have been here. You could have seen them.
I told you, I was in London.
There was no one else in the house?
I live alone.
My wife, Jane, died in a car accident.
I was almost killed myself.
And I resent your questions.
In fact, if you don't mind, I think I'd like you to leave.
Now.
DOOR CREAKS
It's alright.
They're gone.
But we'll have to be careful.
They might be coming back.
JOYCE: Tom!
I really ought to get going. Oh, yes.
Have you seen the paper? Ah, it hasn't arrived yet. Come on.
Mum, we're going to be late.
Are you sure about this, Cally? I could have taken a cab.
Goodbye, Joyce.
I'm quite nervous.
What do you think the other judges will be like?
Ed, this is Rosemary. I'm phoning from the car.
Look, we're going to have to do something about the September cover.
Darling, I said, "Autumnal",
that doesn't have to mean bloody funeral.
No, I can't. I'm out of London all week.
This sodding competition.
We're on the N-40 now.
The repeat blooming shrub rose.
For me, its the crowning glory of any garden.
And what better choice than our old friend,
the English cottage rose.
Tough little fellow, with that lovely, ripe fragrance.
DIRECTOR: And cut.
That's it Jeremy, darling. I'm out of here.
I've got a taxi waiting.
I'll see you all in a week's time.
Toodle-oo!
TRAIN HORN BLOWS
Thanks.
Are you going in?
Yes.
Do I look alright? You look fine.
(SIGHS) Do you want me to come with you?
No. Thank you for the lift.
Oh, God.
Country hotels.
Tea is made in the bedroom
and teenage waiters with acne at reception.
I'm so glad you could make it, Samantha.
I thought you might have been back in that -
what's that psychiatric place you go to? The retreat?
No.
Depression's a terrible thing.
have you thought about Prozac?
Oh.
Hello, Rosemary.
Ah, Samantha, darling.
How are you?
I heard that you'd stepped in at the last minute.
I love the new book, by the way.
I'm your biggest fan. Thank you.
Hello, Frank. I've haven't seen you since...
Since you fired me, Rosemary.
Oh, yes.
Well, you've got that television program now.
Mm. And doing very nicely, thank you very much.
Yes, I suppose it allows you to pursue your interest in pansies.
Mm.
Hello.
Joyce Barnaby? Yes.
Hello, my name's Rosemary Furman. I'm editor of Country Matters.
Ah, this is Frank Mannion.
How lovely to meet you, I often watch your program.
Ah, now these are green fingers.
I'm sure that you're a wonderful gardener.
I can always tell.
Oh, well, I...
And this is Samantha Johnstone.
Nice to meet you. How do you do?
Oh... PHONE RINGS
Oh, sorry. Phone.
And do you read Country Matters?
Yes.
And do you live in the country?
Yes, well, sort of. I live in Causton.
Causton, I don't think I know it.
It's in Midsomer.
Ah, yes, Midsomer Manor.
That's not far from us.
Coffee?
No thank you, not for me.
Right, well, I think we should get going.
Little Kirkbridge this afternoon
and Midsomer Manor tomorrow.
Does anyone actually know where a Midsomer Manor is?
I see you're as well informed as ever, Rosemary.
Joyce, here, lives quite near it.
Yes?
It's a nice place, I've passed through it once or twice.
Ah.
I've had notes done on all the finalists
we should take a look at those before go.
This coffee's cold.
Frank, why don't you see if you can get your hands on a waiter?
Fine.
But not literally, right?
Right.
Ah, Troy.
Take a look at this.
This might interest you.
What is it?
Edward Allardice, I've been checking up on him.
He was telling the truth about that car crash, it was six years ago.
He was driving and according to that report, he was drunk.
So he killed his wife?
That's just the thing, there's no death certificate.
Her name was Jane Rochelle, she was in the same business, an actress,
and as far as I can see, she survived.
So, where is she now? Good question.
And why lie about it?
Dunno, there's nothing in this case that's straightforward.
Allardice threatened to kill Drinkwater,
but it was Marcus Devere that was there on the day.
And Ray Dorset driving past.
You checked up on him? Yeah, he was in Corson at three.
Still something wrong.
It's the van...passing the farm. I don't know.
And then, there's this.
Gordon Brierly's credit card.
You know, we still haven't spoken to him.
It's time we did.
BIRDS COO
Gordon shouldn't be long.
He's over at a poplar farm.
They've had an outbreak of leptospirosis in their dairy cattle.
Milk? No, I'll have mine black, thanks.
Oh.
Mrs Brierly, I'm afraid I've got to ask you some questions
about your relationship with Peter Drinkwater.
Oh.
I understand that you and he were, um -
Involved.
(EXHALES NERVOUSLY)
Well, I suppose we might as well be adult about this.
It was a question of supply and demand.
And the truth is,
Gordon's always been a bit short in the supply department,
if you know what I mean.
Milk? Ah, please.
Did he come to the house?
Occasionally. So, it's quite possible
he could have taken something of your husband's from here.
Something of Gordon's? Such as what?
Laura? Gordon?
These are policemen. They seem to have found something of yours.
A credit card, sir.
Oh, that's mine, alright. Of course.
Where did you find it?
At Windy Whistle Farm. Peter Drinkwater was squatting there.
What, and he'd taken my credit card?
Unless you were up there yourself, sir, and somehow managed to drop it.
I haven't been up to Windy Whistle Farm.
Be interested to know where you were around 3 o'clock, sir, on Wednesday?
Wednesday?
I was operating on Wednesday. A cat had to be spayed.
You didn't go out?
No. Laura was here. She helped me.
We stayed in together.
OMINOUS MUSIC
Why did you tell them that?
You went out on Wednesday, after you'd done the cat.
Did I?
Where did you go?
No, I didn't, Laura. I was here all the time.
Do you understand? I never left.
(DECLAIMS) The village of Little Kirkbridge,
today you have it seen,
and we finish now where we began,
upon the village green.
(MUTTERS) Is he serious?
To celebrate your visit... (ALL SIGH)
..and to hope you'll come again,
our merry team of Morris Men are here to entertain.
(GROANS FAINTLY) ACCORDION PLAYS
BELLS JANGLE (MAN CALLS)
(GROANS) Oh, God.
(SNEEZES)
ACCORDION FADES
We got long sword dancing, clog, and molly dancing,
a Norfolk border dance with sticks,
and finally they all put antlers
for something called an Abbots Bromley Horn Dance.
How many points did you give them?
Well, I thought they were rather fun.
But I don't think the others were very impressed.
What, the other judges? How are they?
Rosemary has hay fever.
Samantha, the writer, well, she's completely depressed.
Frank Mannion's alright,
although I'm afraid after dinner he disappeared with one of the waiters.
Come home.
I'll see you tomorrow. Midsomer Mallow.
Bye.
Oh! Would you like to join me?
Yes, alright.
(SLURS SLIGHTLY) I'm so pleased to meet you.
I don't know what's happened to the others.
(CALLS) Barman. Two large whiskeys, please.
What are you gonna have?
Why didn't you tell her? What?
Mum, about the murder.
Ah. Well, don't really know.
It, er...didn't seem to be fair, somehow.
To her or the village?
To both.
I don't see how you can be a perfect village
when you've got a homicidal maniac running around with a pitchfork.
Oh, maybe that's my point. I didn't want to influence her judgement.
Anyway, I'm not entirely sure...
..that it was a homicidal maniac.
So who wanted to kill him? Quite a few people actually.
He was having an affair with the vet's wife
and he was carrying on with someone else's daughter.
At the same time? Mmmm.
And then there were the burglaries. He was breaking into people's houses.
Yes, but you don't murder someone just 'cause they burgle you, do you?
Ah, well, as a matter of fact,
one of the victims threatened to do exactly that.
Edward Allardice. He said as much to me,
"If I ever get my hands on the little bastards that did this,
"I'll kill 'em".
Edward Allardice? The actor? Yeah, do you know him?
Dad, Edward Allardice did four seasons at the Playhouse.
You know he was married to Jane Rochelle?
Back in the '60s,
she was said to be one of the most beautiful women in the world.
She made a lot of films in America
but then she died in a car accident, I think.
Is he really living in Midsomer Mallow?
Yep. Do you think I could meet him?
Oh, he could tell me everything I need to know.
Yeah, well, I suppose it would be alright, but...
..he's still, theoretically, a suspect in my murder investigation.
Come on, Dad. He wouldn't murder a local delinquent.
He's a famous actor.
Well, maybe not. But someone did.
(CALLS) Laura!
Aren't you ready yet?
It's five to seven.
Gordon. What are these doing here?
They need to go in the wash.
But this is blood.
Yes.
Well, why did you put them in the cupboard like that?
And how did the blood get there?
Is it animal blood?
Oh, yes. It's animal, alright. Nasty little creature.
It's alright now, I put it out of its misery.
Now let's go. I don't want to be late.
INDUSTRIOUS MUSIC
MUSIC CONTINUES
Alright there? Good strong hold.
Is it straight? Straight.
That's fine. Yep.
MUSIC SWELLS
EERIE UNDERTONE TO MUSIC
Yes? Mr Allardice?
I'm writing a book about the Causton Playhouse.
I just found out that you live here and -
No, no, I'm sorry. I'm not interested.
You met my father. Tom Barnaby?
Detective Chief Inspector Barnaby? He was here.
Yes, he came about the burglary. Yes.
Very well.
The police brought back the rest of my property this morning.
I'm very grateful to your father.
There was nothing of any great financial value,
but some of it was sentimental.
You heard what happened? To the man that broke in?
Yes. He must have had a lot of enemies, someone like that.
It seems he had one too many.
This is Hamlet.
The 1955 production. Yes.
Olivier directed it.
I was Laertes to his Hamlet.
He set it... In a doll's house.
With just seven actors. Yes, that's right.
Yes.
He said he wanted to get to the core of the play.
But of course really he wanted more stage time for himself.
I'd like to have seen it. (CHUCKLES)
Well, I'd imagine you'd have been too young.
Well, how can I help you?
Um, I'm writing a book about the playhouse
and I wondered if I could interview you.
Well, I'm not really interested in being interviewed.
It's been a long time now, since I was in the public eye.
Six years. I know you retired. After the accident.
I was quite badly hurt.
And of course my wife was...
I know. I'm sorry.
Still, I might be able to help you in what you want to know.
I was in Causton.
That's one of the reasons I decided to settle here.
But I'd rather you didn't mention the name of the house.
I don't like people coming here.
Well...the public, you know.
Whatever you say.
You don't mind if I tape it though, just for myself?
No, no, no.
(ALL TUNE INSTRUMENTS)
(CONDUCTOR TAPS BATON)
Now is everyone ready?
They'll be here any minute.
That's right, Alex. I want all the glasses in lines.
Good.
Oh, Ray, that smells good. Thank you.
I don't know how you can go through with this so soon after...
Miss him, do you? Peter Drinkwater?
Not particularly. Nor do I. Nor does anyone.
But if you are missing him,
here's something to remember him by.
This was here.
HORN SOUNDS Here they are.
One, two, three, and...
(ALL PLAY CLASSICAL TUNE)
Mrs Furman? Yes.
As head of the Midsomer Manor Committee
I'd like to welcome you and your fellow judges to Midsomer Manor.
As you can see, we've arranged perfect weather
for your visit to our perfect village.
This is Joyce Barnaby, one of our readers.
How do you do? How do you do?
Frank Mannion. How do you do?
And Samantha Johnstone. How do you do?
I'm afraid it's a very tight schedule.
We only have an hour and a half. Excuse me.
What is it, Mrs Devere? I thought I saw someone take something.
Marcus. Hmm?
Oh, yes. Yes, sorry.
I'd like to introduce Gordon Brierly,
who's lived here and been our vet for 11 years.
It will be his job to give you the full historical tour.
From the 3rd century AD to the present day.
You're actually standing on what we believe
was once a Saxon burial ground.
Oh.
Mummy, are you alright? I thought I saw someone.
Alex, didn't someone just take a bottle?
No, Mrs Devere.
That's very strange.
Oh, well, we'd better get on with it.
I thought we'd start with the medieval alms houses
small parts of which actually date back to the 14th...
Well, it looks as if the judges have already arrived.
See? Are we going to join the tour?
No, no, no.
Seen enough of this village, if you want the truth.
We'll wait till they get back.
APPLAUSE
Thank you very much for talking to me.
I enjoyed it. I like the idea of your book.
We should talk again. I'd like that.
Do you have a car? No, I'm walking to the village.
Oh.
Well, I'll come with you, if you don't mind.
I've got a bit of shopping to do. Sure.
(LOCKS DOOR)
There was a time you didn't have to lock up.
Shall we?
EERIE MUSIC
TAPE: Actually, I'm an actress myself.
Or at least trying to be.
You must know how difficult it is these days.
My boyfriend, Nico,
he was the one who suggested that I... TAPE CLATTERS
EERIE MUSIC CONTINUES
And that brings us back to the green where we started.
And also to the present day.
We have a fete here every summer,
bonfire night, pancake races
and Easter egg hunts.
Midsomer Mallow isn't just a village, it's a community.
And in conclusion, I have to say that we certainly find it perfect.
Bravo. Well said.
Are you looking for someone?
I'm not sure.
Well, you must be hungry. Starving after all that walking.
We have home-made wine and all the food is locally grown.
If you'd care to step this way.
Mr Barnaby. Mr Devere.
You're not, um...
I don't suppose your investigation could wait just a minute or two?
Well, I wouldn't want to obstruct justice
but the thing is we're in the middle of this competition.
So I see.
It was a committee decision to go ahead but we were rather hoping
that no-one would actually mention the...
..the murder.
You think it'll spoil your chances?
Well, absolutely.
Don't worry, Mr Devere. We are here in an unofficial capacity.
One of the judges is my wife.
Mrs Barnaby, of course!
And I haven't said a word.
Well, that's alright then. Come and have a sausage roll.
ORCHESTRA PLAYS LIVELY TUNE
Good afternoon, Your Honour.
Did you find Midsomer Mallow guilty or not guilty, hm?
Tom!
How is it? Terrible.
Can we go somewhere quieter? What?
The music's so loud!
(SINGS) ♪ In an English country garden... ♪
You're not serving beer, I suppose, mate?
No. It's home-made wine. Oh, forget it.
It was nice to meet you, Cally. And you.
I'm meeting my parents for a drink. Do you want to join us?
No. thank you all the same.
These village events aren't for me.
Bye-bye, then.
I can't believe it.
Rosemary Furman hates the countryside.
She lives in London,
and as far as I can make out she never leaves it.
I mean she edits Country Matters from the heart of Soho.
Exactly. She and Frank Mannion are at each other's throats
the whole time. He can't stand her.
Here's Cally.
Mother's just been giving me an insiders view of the judging panel.
The only decent one is Samantha Johnstone.
I think I'd better go and rescue her.
Did you see him? Yeah. He's nice.
You're right about the house, though. It's creepy.
Are you alright, Samantha? No.
No, I'm not alright.
I've just seen someone in the... street.
In the street?
Um, you can get me another of those, please.
Would you like to come and meet Tom?
No, no, I'm alright.
That lady over there - she wants another drink.
Hello.
Always been a very big fan of your program, Mr Mannion.
Oh, please. Make that Frank.
Do you have a garden? Yes.
Nothing grand. Just a little patch out the back.
That's all you need. MUSIC STOPS
APPLAUSE
Oh, thank you so much.
But...but...
God, that's disgusting. What is it?
Elderberry and apricot.
Where's a motor hotel? I'm dying here.
Not soon enough, my dear.
Oi.
You alright, darling? (KISSES) Yes, I'm fine.
I'm glad you're here. I think it's fun, Daddy.
I bet we're going to win.
Is she alright?
Another glass of wine, they'll have to carry her out.
I've never seen anyone... Dad!
Mummy! (GROANS)
(GROANS AND SPLUTTERS)
MUSIC DISTORTS
Bella!
CRASHING GLASS
MUSICIANS STOP PLAYING Oh, my God.
Let me through, please. Police. Stand back, sir. Give her some air.
How is she?
Still breathing. She must have had some sort of attack!
(SCREAMS) Someone help me!
Someone do something. (SHRIEKS)
I'll need to run a few tests
but I'll bet your bottom dollar it's cyanide.
Rat poison or something.
Er...see the skin?
Abnormally pink. Her red cells have been oxygenated.
Classic.
Cyanide. That's got no taste, has it?
Right.
And one in four people can't smell it either.
Not a lot of people know that.
Bung it in a glass of wine, she wouldn't have known a thing.
So that's her.
Now, the other woman.
Bella Devere.
Yeah. She was lucky, she only took a sip.
Where is she?
The other doctor sent her home. There's not much he can do.
Plenty of water, rest. That's about it.
OK.
There...there was this little boy
carrying a glass of wine on a tray
and...and she took it, she drank it
and...
Were there any other glasses on the tray? What?
How many glasses was the little boy carrying?
Just...just the one. She took it and drank it...
Laura. Leave me alone.
Just leave me alone!
Was it you? Did you poison her?
You've gone mad.
Haven't you just...?
Go away!
Are you alright?
Tom, the editor, Rosemary Furman? Dead, I'm afraid.
Cyanide poisoning, would you believe it?
Oh, but why? Who would want to kill her?
She might not have been the target.
Crowded tent, bottles and glasses everywhere.
Was anyone else poisoned?
Dunno. Lot of glasses were broken when Bella fell over.
Look, I've got a lot of work to do. You go on home.
I'll catch up with you later, alright?
I didn't see anything.
I had nothing to do with the wine, you see.
I was looking after the food.
Do you know who opened the wine? Ah, Mr and Mrs Devere.
And Caroline.
She saw him, you know. Mrs Devere.
Just after the judges arrived
and that lady introduced us.
That's when she saw someone in the tent.
Doing what? Taking one of the bottles.
That's what she said.
I didn't see who it was.
I'm not even sure if it was a man.
The sun was in my eyes and it was dark in the tent.
And he was taking a bottle? He...had a bottle in his hand.
Perhaps he wasn't taking a bottle
but rather putting a new bottle in with the others?
I don't know.
Did anyone else come over to the table while you were serving?
I was there.
And a little boy, Alex.
He came over with an empty glass and Mummy filled it.
Was this before or after you took a drink yourself, Mrs Devere?
I don't know. I don't remember.
I don't think this is the right time to be asking my wife questions
Chief Inspector.
No, they have to, they have to find who it was
because - don't you see?
It was me they were trying to kill. (SOBS)
Biscuit?
I didn't kill him.
Peter Drinkwater.
I know that's what you're thinking.
I wanted to.
I saw him leaving here.
That must have been when he stole my credit card.
I know what the two of you were up to.
I think it's disgusting.
You're old enough to be his mother.
But...the trousers?
The ones that I found.
The blood came out of the surgery.
Cat's blood.
And the gold chain.
I bought that.
I know what you think of me, Laura.
It's how you've always thought of me.
But just for a little while
I wanted you to believe I had killed him.
I wanted you to think I had the strength to shove a fork into him.
It amused me.
Made me feel good.
Gordon. You disgust me.
I want you to move out of my house.
I don't want to see you again. I don't want to know you.
God, Troy, what a mess.
Poisoning in front of our very eyes
and we still don't know who it is, who was meant to die.
You think this is connected with Peter Drinkwater's death, sir?
Unless it was an attack on the whole village.
To spoil their chances of the Perfect Village Competition?
I don't think so. (CHUCKLES)
So here we have Marcus and Bella Devere serving the wine.
Bella opens a fresh bottle.
Which must've been tampered with by whoever it was she saw.
One thing bothers me, Troy.
The judges have just arrived.
Big four, including Joyce.
This is the moment they've been waiting for
so why look into the tent at all?
According to your wife, Samantha Johnstone asked for a glass of wine
just before it happened.
You spoke to Joyce? Few questions, yeah.
Mmm.
Samantha Johnstone asked for wine. Yes. She was here.
There was a 12-year-old, Alex James, he went and got it.
And according to Caroline Devere, he was only carrying a single glass.
Laura Brierly says the same.
Could it be that the poisoned wine
was intended for Samantha Johnstone?
Well, perhaps. But nobody even knew she was coming.
She was a replacement.
So why would anyone decide to kill her?
Where is she now?
Hello. Miss Hipson?
I wonder if you could help me.
I need a telephone number.
It's in Gloucestershire. KNOCK AT DOOR
Er, one moment.
(OPENS DOOR)
Mr Mannion. No, I'm sorry. No autographs now.
I'm from Causton police, Mr Mannion. Are you leaving?
Yes, I am leaving.
They tried to bore us to death in the first village
and when that doesn't work they try to poison us in the next.
Well, I've had enough.
Have you seen Samantha Johnstone? No, I have not.
She's in room 200, opposite mine.
Police. Is that your pass key? Thank you.
Damn.
I think we are a little late.
Dead? Jabbed.
But, Dad, what's going on?
I need you to think very carefully, Joyce.
There is somebody extremely dangerous in Midsomer Mallow.
First Peter Drinkwater, then what could've been a mass poisoning
and now this. You think they're all connected?
I think the first death prompted the next two.
But I don't quite know how. That's why I need your help.
You were the last person to speak to Samantha Johnstone in the tent.
What did she say? I don't know.
The music was so loud I can't be sure I heard.
She was worried about something. Something or somebody she'd seen.
She said, "I've just seen someone in the street."
That's what it sounded like. In the street?
But there wasn't anybody in the street except Cully and that man.
Edward Allardice? Was he on the green?
He didn't go anywhere near the tent. He came in to do some shopping.
Wouldn't the village shop have been closed?
Did you get to know Samantha Johnstone at all?
Yes, yes, I did, I had a drink with her.
We talked for about an hour. Did she tell you anything?
Yes, she was an unhappy person.
Clinically depressed.
In fact she hinted that she'd tried to commit suicide.
She was committed for a while.
She spent six months at a place called Sebdon Manor.
Did she say where that was? It wasn't in Gloucestershire? Yes.
She tried to make a phone call to Gloucestershire
just before she died. Just one last question, Joyce.
Did any of the other judges know about the murder of Peter Drinkwater?
Oh, yes, we all did. Frank Mannion had read about it in the paper.
He made a joke about it on the bus. Right.
Where are you going? Gloucestershire. Don't wait up.
Marcus.
How are you feeling, old girl?
(SIGHS) I'm tired.
I brought you something.
It's been quite a day. (BOTH CHUCKLE)
Yes. PIANO PLAYS SOFTLY
You sure you're feeling better?
Yes.
I'm alright now.
You gave me quite a scare, bear in mind.
(SOFTLY CHUCKLES)
I love you.
You know that?
Marcus.
Everything's gonna be alright.
SECURITY: Name, please? Detective Chief Inspector Barnaby.
I called you earlier. OK. Gates are opening.
Barnaby? Yes.
I'm Doctor Sellers. Mark Sellers.
I head up the psychiatric staff.
How can I help you?
I want to ask you about one of your former patients.
Samantha Johnstone.
Do you have some ID? Ah.
Oh yes, thank you.
Detective Sergeant Tory?
Troy.
Oh,yes.
I have mild dyslexia.
Samantha Johnstone. Yes, I remember her. The writer.
Come in.
You have to understand that Manor is not a psychiatric hospital
in the strictest sense.
Very few of our patients have actually been sectioned.
Those that have, are usually very close to the end
of their terms of sentence.
They see us more as a sort of halfway house.
Had Samantha Johnstone been sectioned?
No. She committed herself.
An attempted suicide. Yes, this was 22 years ago.
Marital breakdown.
Lack of self-esteem, leading to alcoholism and problems with dogs.
Drugs.
How long was she here?
18 months.
She arrived just before I did
which is probably why I remember her.
Did she get to know anyone?
Was there anyone she was particularly close to?
It's funny you should ask that, I was just about to say, yes.
She formed quite a close friendship
with one of our most notorious residents,
Annabel Weston.
I don't suppose the name means anything to you.
No, please. Go on.
Westoncoast was very famous in its time, 1955.
Annabel was 7-years-old, then.
I don't want you to go! Why do you have to go?
Come on Anna, we talked about this.
Her parents were wealthy and hardworking.
The father was an accountant. They had a big place near the coast.
Charmed life. Are you off, then?
Probably what made it all so shocking.
You'll be alright with Mrs Foster.
No I won't.
Oh, you naughty child.
It was one night in June.
Nobody knows exactly what happened, except...
..the child must have had some sort of argument with the housekeeper,
a Mrs Foster.
Anyway, the child went down into the kitchen.
She pulled out a knife.
And...well, she butchered the housekeeper.
Stabbed her. Seven or eight times.
(WOMAN SCREAMING)
Then she went to bed. She was asleep when her parents got back.
(WHISPERS) Annabel.
Thank God.
The knife was beheld by one of her stuffed toys.
There was never any question that she died.
She admitted as much to her parents.
She didn't like the housekeeper, so
she killed her.
She had no idea she'd done anything wrong.
And they sent her here? Oh, no. No.
She went to various secure institutions
before going to Brogmore.
She was there for over ten years.
She certainly wasn't a threat to anyone, anymore
So she eventually ended up here.
And Samantha Johnstone?
More or less took her under her wing.
There was something of a child still, about Annabel.
Both her parents were dead by this point.
Samantha became something of a surrogate,
here in The Retreat.
I'm sorry. What?
What did you call this place?
The Retreat.
Manor sounds so prim and Victorian.
Everyone here calls it The Retreat.
We like to think of ourselves as a shelter.
One step away from the real world.
We've got to get back to Midsomer Mallow.
Annabel Weston. She's there, Troy.
Cally told me as much.
Homicidal maniac running about with a pitchfork.
And for once, Cally was right.
Where are you going? Oh, Gray Friar's house.
I left my tape recorder there.
Later.
Rosemary Furman's death was a mistake.
The poison wine was aimed at Samantha Johnstone.
Because Annabel Weston knew her?
Because Samantha Johnstone knew Annabel Weston. Think about it.
A murder has taken place a few days before at Midsomer Mallow.
And no ordinary murder. A psychotic.
Pitchforks, it's just -
Annabel Weston was living in the village.
Under another name, Jane.
And the one person who knows her secret
is suddenly right there in front of her.
Timing couldn't have been worse.
One word from Samantha and Annabel is exposed, so,
Samantha has to die.
Hello?
Is anyone there?
Hello?
SUSPENSEFUL MUSIC
FLOOR CREAKS
Who are you?
What are you doing here?
Who are you?
Cully.
I'm sorry.
This is Cully Barnaby, the girl I told you about.
I'm...I'm sorry, Cully.
I didn't mean to frighten you, but I've been so afraid, I...
..I thought I heard someone, I picked up the knife.
It's alright, my dear.
It's ever since we were burgled.
No, no, I'm sorry. I shouldn't be here.
I just came to collect my tape.
Cully.
Let me introduce you.
This is Jane Rochelle,
my wife.
BIRD TWITTERING
(RINGS DOORBELL)
Mr Barnaby.
Yes, come in.
I'm afraid Bella isn't here.
You know it's her we've come to see?
Oh, yes.
Bella. Short for Annabel.
Yes.
You knew she'd killed Peter Drinkwater.
I suppose I'd better tell you the truth.
It won't make a jot of difference now to Bella or to me.
Yes, I knew.
She told you? Didn't have to.
I knew at once.
As soon as I heard he'd been found dead.
You knew who she was when you married her.
Annabel Weston. Yes.
Yes, I knew.
She answered an ad that I put in the newspaper.
Lonely hearts.
And...
..I fell in love with her. Just like that.
Of course, I soon found out the truth about her.
Couldn't be avoided.
She was still under supervision, then.
I brought her into the home office.
But it didn't matter to me
what she'd done when she was a child.
I loved her.
So it was her driving your car that day at Windy Whistle farm?
Yes. Had to be one or the other, Troy.
The daughter or the mother.
You knew I was lying?
Yes.
Jack?
What?
Peter Drinkwater killed shortly before three o'clock.
The killer was seen leaving the farm a few minutes later by Ray Dorset.
who was on his way to Causton.
You tried to pretend it was you, didn't you?
I knew you were lying.
Just took me a little while to work out why.
Are you certain it was Ray driving the van?
Yes, he had the window down. He was smoking a cigarette.
Ray smokes all the time.
Ray Dorset,
was driving to Causton on the same side of the road
as the farm entrance.
So the driving seat would be on the other side,
away from the farm.
There was no way you would be able to see
if the window was open or closed or for that matter,
if the driver was smoking.
Yes, I was having to think on my feet rather.
And there was something else you said.
Troy asked you what time you left.
It would be about half two.
You'd just gone up for your nap.
She always dozes off in the afternoon.
And that's when I went. A CROW CALLS
It was half past two. Yes.
That business about Bella going upstairs
for her nap.
You weren't asking her to corroborate your story,
you were purposefully trying to give her an alibi.
She was asleep, you were in the car.
You were trying to protect her.
Yes.
But why did she kill him?
What was the point?
She thought he was going to marry Caroline.
She couldn't let it happen.
Very devoted mother.
See all the photographs Troy?
Unfortunately she carried her devotion
a little too far.
She poisoned Rosemary Furman and herself?
Yes.
But I had no idea that Samantha Johnstone had been chosen
to be a judge. If she had, she's never have shown
her face on the green.
Must have been a great shock when she saw Samantha getting off the bus.
Mrs. Furman? Yes?
As head of the Midsomer Mallow Committee,
I'd like to welcome you and your fellow judges to Midsomer Mallow.
As you can see - Excuse me.
What is it Mrs Devere?
I thought I saw someone take something.
She was improvising.
All she knew was that she had to get away from Samantha
before she was recognised.
Before Samantha actually greeted her by her real name.
I didn't know anything about Samantha Johnstone.
I didn't know it was going to happen.
I believe you.
But Bella had decided then and there that Samantha had to die.
Can you get me another one please?
It would have been easy for Bella to go home
and doctor a bottle of wine with rat poison,
while the judges were being shown around the village.
Then, all she had to do was wait.
That lady over there, she wants another drink.
While the little boy carried the glass to Samantha,
Bella poured the poison bottle into the other glasses.
And then, and then, she took a little sip herself.
And that was the clever bit.
ORCHESTRAL MUSIC PLAYS
(GASPING)
Bella.
When she fell, she smashed all the glasses.
Yes, she made it look as if she might have been the intended victim.
And at the same time, destroyed the evidence.
All those broken glasses around, we'd never be able to tell.
How much poison there was or where the poison came from.
But then, Rosemary Furman drank the wine.
Thank you so much. But...
..that.
God, that's disgusting. What is it?
Her death was an accident.
So later on, that same afternoon,
Bella caught up with Samantha
in the hotel.
I didn't know, you know.
She was lying upstairs on bed. I thought she was asleep.
But you knew she's killed Peter Drinkwater.
And you must have known she was responsible for the poison.
What were you going to do?
Stand around and let her wipe out the entire village?
No.
I'd already decided what I was going to do.
And I've done it.
Where is Bella?
She's upstairs.
You said she wasn't here.
She isn't.
Troy.
You'd have put her back in the bin, wouldn't you?
I couldn't let you do that.
It would have destroyed her.
I gave her sleeping pills
and, um...
..then a pillow, you know.
Quite painless.
It was better for her.
So much better.
I only wanted her to be happy.
Oh, it was horrible, Dad.
Jane Rochelle wasn't killed in that accident.
She was just very badly burnt.
I told you, she was so beautiful.
There they were, the two of them living in that house.
Hiding from the world. Sad.
Do you know, for a while I was certain
that he was responsible for the deaths.
Why?
Well, actually, it was your fault.
You said that just before she died Samantha Johnstone told you
she'd seen someone she knew in the street.
Well that's what I thought she said, yes.
But Edward Allardice was the only person in the street.
That is true but what she actually said
was that she'd seen someone she knew
from the retreat.
Meaning Sebdon Manor.
Well the music was very loud, Tom, and I did say I wasn't sure.
You still mislead me. Tom!
I relied on you, Joyce.
Nobody's perfect.
Probably just as well.
Closed Captions by CSI