Ep 5. The Maid in Splendour

In the Midsomer village of Midsomer Parva, a local pub named The Maid in Splendour is at the center of a murder mystery. The pub's landlady, Alison Bellringer, is found dead and suspected to have been poisoned. DCI Tom Barnaby and his partner DS Gavin Troy investigate the case, interviewing Alison's estranged husband, her lover, and various locals who frequented the pub.

As the investigation unfolds, it becomes clear that Alison's death was not an isolated incident. The pub's previous landlady, who had also been involved with Alison's husband, had died in a mysterious car accident years before. The community's suspicion and resentment of Alison is also revealed, as she had pushed out many of the traditional regulars and brought in a more upscale clientele.

Barnaby and Troy continue to piece together the clues, discovering secret affairs, hidden motives, and hidden identities among the villagers. With each new discovery, the suspects become increasingly intertwined, making it difficult to determine who had the means and motive to kill Alison. As they zero in on the killer, the detectives must race against time to catch the culprit before they strike again.

The Maid in Splendour episode highlights the intricate interconnections of a small community, and the hidden secrets and resentments simmering beneath the surface. As always, the detectives face challenges in unraveling the various plot threads, and the audience is kept guessing until the very end. The episode also touches on themes of class and identity, as Alison's aspirations for a more upscale establishment clash with the traditional sensibilities of her customers. With its classic murder mystery format, The Maid in Splendour is a compelling and suspenseful addition to the Midsomer Murders series.