Midsomer Murders Favorites Season 3 Episode 1 The Village That Rose from the Dead

In Midsomer Murders Favorites season 3 episode 1 titled "The Village That Rose from the Dead," the peaceful village of Little Auburn is about to see some strange and unusual events.

The episode follows Detective Chief Inspector John Barnaby and his sidekick DS Charlie Nelson as they investigate the sudden resurrection of a long-dead man in Little Auburn. The villagers, who have convinced themselves that the man is a ghost, are doing everything in their power to avoid him, but that doesn't deter Barnaby and Nelson, who take an interest in the case.

As they begin probing into the matter, Barnaby and Nelson uncover a web of deceit and conspiracy that has been carefully woven by the villagers themselves. The duo soon realizes that the village is not all that it seems, and that Little Auburn's residents are keeping some dark secrets.

As the investigation progresses, several villagers start turning up dead, and Barnaby and Nelson have to keep their wits about them as they try to identify the killer and bring them to justice.

While the episode has all the hallmarks of a classic Midsomer Murders episode - eerie atmosphere, quirky characters, and gruesome murders - it also explores some deeper themes, such as the obsession with death and the lengths people will go to keep their secrets hidden.

The acting is top-notch, with Neil Dudgeon putting on a great performance as Detective Chief Inspector John Barnaby, and Gwilym Lee delivering a standout turn as DS Charlie Nelson. The supporting cast is equally impressive, with some familiar faces from previous episodes making appearances.

The direction by Nick Laughland is excellent, and he has done a great job in capturing the look and feel of a traditional English village. The episode also benefits from an atmospheric score that perfectly captures the eerie and unsettling mood of the story.

Overall, "The Village That Rose from the Dead" is a solid addition to the Midsomer Murders canon, and a must-watch for fans of the series. With its clever writing, great performances, and haunting atmosphere, it's a gripping mystery that will keep you guessing until the very end.