Original subtitles

(dramatic music)

- [Marion] You know you've got to do it.

She would want that, wouldn't she?

You know she would.

So now's the time, isn't it?

You must do it now for her sake.

You know she's waiting for you.

Waiting.

Waiting.

Waiting for you to join her.

So don't keep her waiting too long.

Waiting, waiting for me to join her.

Do it now.

Do it now.

- Stop that Joseph Biddle!

- Come on.

- [Starkey] One two, one two.

Good morning ladies and gentlemen.

And what a lovely bright morning it is, aren't we lucky?

We hope you support all the many and varied events

throughout the week, and give generously to the collectors.

And I'm sure you'll join me in thanking all the

hardworking committee members who have helped to prepare

this year's Oak Apple celebrations.

- Get off, you little sod.

Right, I'm keeping this one.

Right, I'm going to thump you.

- [Phoebe] Look.

(theme music plays)

- Oh, hello Colin.

- Good luck Katrina.

- Look at that!

- Nah, leave it mate.

- Thank you gents, up on the platform.

Quick as you can, come on now.

And go easy with the trophies.

- Hi, Mister Starkey.

- Oh, hello, Vicky.

- I love the jacket.

- Thank you.

(siren blaring)

- Is that a siren?

(carnival music)

- If that's an emergency I'm not available.

Surgery's closed.

- [Ruth] There you go, thanks.

- Police car.

- Another one of these please, Ruth.

- So what are you doing for the carnival procession

this year, Doctor?

- Nothing.

But if you want to go as Lady Godiva I'll be Peeping Tom.

I'd like that.

- My hair's too short.

- It's not your hair I'll be looking at.

- Thank you.

- Log that.

Some kids found her, Sir.

They stopped a local farmer who was passing by,

he pulled her out of the water.

- What was his name, the farmer?

- Mark Castle.

He knew her, so he gave the investigating officers an ID.

Her name's Marion Slade.

Lived locally.

- Family?

- Apparently she lived alone.

- Where exactly?

- About a quarter of a mile away.

- What is that racket?

- That's Oak Apple week, Sir.

- It's what?

- They celebrate it every year.

They know how to have a good time in Midsomer Barton.

- [Barnaby] Why's she wearing a nightdress?

(piano music)

- No, no the crescendo starts at bar six, Martin.

So just ease into that, you're rushing it a bit.

Let's go back to the beginning and keep it steady.

That's it, you're feeling it.

Good.

(dramatic music)

- I shouldn't think anyone saw her leave the place, Sir.

It's a bit isolated.

- It's quite a distance from the stream too.

Who's the nearest neighbours?

- There's some stables just along the lane.

(horse whinnying)

Detective Constable Jones.

This is DCI Barnaby.

- Afternoon.

- Oh, is something wrong?

Only I'm busy.

- It's about your neighbour in Candle Cottage.

- Marion Slade?

- Yes, that's the lady.

When did you last see her?

- Er, I'm not sure.

A few days ago, I think, maybe.

I forget.

Why, what is this?

- I'm afraid Marion Slade is dead.

- What?

- And your name is?

- Starkey, Grace Starkey.

Marion's dead?

I don't believe it.

How?

- Was she a friend of yours?

- No, well, we'd pass the time of day if we saw each other.

My husband knew her more than I did.

- Is he at home?

- During Oak Apple week?

That's hardly likely.

He's on the village green, helping to run things as usual.

You can't miss him.

He's the one with the fixed smile and the stupid jacket.

- Nice day like this?

I'm surprised you're not down there with him.

- I've got better things to do.

- Nice to see our new carnival queen here today.

And you'll be able to see Vicki looking even more beautiful

on Saturday as the star of our grand carnival procession.

- Get on with it, for heaven's sake!

- And now for the final event of the morning.

It's the nine and under fancy dress competition,

boys and girls come on down, sponsored by

Harrison's Electrical Store in association

with Cowleaze Dairy.

- Little Phoebe and her mates, had been playing

by the stream.

They called me over.

Soon as I got down into the water I could see it was Marion.

- Poor woman.

- [Barnaby] Did you know her?

- Not that well.

She didn't mix that much.

Don't think she liked anyone.

- Rob knew her.

- Who's Rob?

- Rob Pride, he works here part time.

He does a bit of gardening for her.

- Have you got any idea where we can find him?

- He'll be up at Parson's field.

Here, Sadie, fix it here.

- So how long had she been in the stream for?

- Most of the night we think.

- So what's this going to be?

- It's our carnival float, isn't it?

It's going to be our farm.

Winter and summer.

- This is the snow.

- Amazing, it looks just like the real thing.

- [Barnaby] Mr Pride?

Causton CID.

- Is this about Mrs. Slade?

- [Jones] Yes, Marion Slade of Candle Cottage.

- So it's true.

- [Barnaby] How did you hear about it?

- Mark told me.

I thought it was one of his jokes.

- Would that be Mark Castle, the farmer?

- Yes.

- But why, why would he joke about a thing like that?

- He's got an odd sense of humour.

Especially when he's angry.

- And we thought it all looked so idyllic up there

at the farm.

- It is when he's not drinking.

- When did you last see Mrs. Slade?

- Must have been Friday before last.

I was tidying her garden.

- And when you saw her, did she seem ok?

- Yeah.

Well, no actually.

She seemed distant.

A bit out of it.

- Did she say why?

- None of my business.

I just do the garden.

- How long have you known her?

- Quite a while.

I went to school with her daughter, Bella.

- Okay, thank you, Mister Pride.

Thanks very much.

- If you wouldn't mind, don't tell Mark about what I said.

He tends to take things the wrong way.

- [Jones] Thank you.

- Oh hi, Mrs. Starkey.

- Hello, Alistair.

- Been a few coppers around this morning.

Any idea what it's all about?

- Marion Slade, she's drowned apparently.

- Drowned?

Where?

- They found her in the stream.

(crowd cheering) (crowd applauding)

- Well done.

- Well done Darren.

A prize winning hedgehog!

Don't forget to put a saucer of milk out

for him tonight Mum.

- [Ursula] Ron.

- Excuse me, ladies and gentlemen.

Yes, Ursula.

- It must be goats milk or it'll kill him.

- Goat's milk.

On a more serious note, I have just been informed by

our senior judge that if you are putting milk out

for a hedgehog, it should, apparently be goats milk.

- I used to come here when I was a kid.

- [Barnaby] Did you?

- Hi girls!

Watch that waistline, Vicki.

(fanfare playing)

- And our next prize winner in the nine and under class is

our busy, buzzing bumble bee, Phoebe Berry.

- Go, Phoebe!

- Oh lovely.

And what a lovely costume.

- [Phoebe] Thank you.

- [Ursula] Thank you dear, well done.

- Ma, I don't know what this village is coming to.

- What do you mean?

- Haven't you noticed?

There are police everywhere.

And guess what?

Marion Slade, she's dead.

- The next prize winner for third place goes to

the Queen of Hearts,

Alice Fielding. - Good God.

- Anything wrong, Sir?

- Yeah, you see those two on the stage?

The lady with the red hat and the fellow with the ponytail?

I could swear I've met them before, some years ago.

But that's not possible.

- Why?

- Well, because the people I knew

were both brutally murdered.

- [Jones] Did you know her well, Mister Starkey?

- Yes, we often chatted.

I seem to have been one of the few she confided in.

She didn't trust people.

It was an accident, was it?

- [Barnaby] Why do you ask that?

- Well, just lately she seemed quite depressed.

Because of her daughter.

- What about her daughter?

- She died, eight years ago.

She was only sixteen.

- The daughter's name?

- Bella.

Very delicate girl, but so beautiful.

She made a wonderful carnival queen.

The best we've ever had.

And up until now, out of respect for Marion, we dropped

that particular event from the festivities.

- Up until now?

- Yes, this year we decided to reinstate it.

- Who's the we, Sir?

- The Oak Apple committee.

- And how did Marion react to that?

- She was against it at first.

But someone put pressure on her.

If only she'd talked to me.

- So what else do you do for a living?

- Oh, I do a bit of DJing here and there, local radio.

I'm also a children's entertainer.

- Great.

- You can tell them, John, that it's a sad business

but the past is the past and that stupid woman should have

pulled herself together before now.

- Excuse me, you are?

- He will tell you.

Because my guess is that she planned to kill herself

and she waited until today, to ruin our festivities.

- Why, why would she do that?

- But she didn't succeed, did she?

Have you seen the turn-out?

It's amazing.

- That's Ursula, Ursula Gooding.

Chairwoman of the committee.

- And not a woman to be argued with, I'd say.

- That's right.

- When she was giving out prizes someone spoke to her.

Big fellow with a pony tail.

- Yes, that's her son, Alistair.

- Mrs. Gooding?

Mrs. Gooding?

I'm Detective Chief Inspector Barnaby.

We haven't met before, have we?

- I don't think so, no.

- Are you from Midsomer Barton?

- I've lived here most of my life, why?

What's that got to do with anything?

And about time.

I expected you half an hour ago.

- I'm sorry, Mother.

I was with a pupil.

- Where's the car?

- It's just over there.

- Hello, love.

Sad news about Marion.

You should have come to the village green today, Grace.

The kids did so well with their fancy dress.

Anything wrong?

- Yes, everything is bloody wrong.

I've got too much to do around here.

So instead of pratting around dressed up like an idiot

you should be helping me.

- But I've, I've got my own job.

- You call that a job?

There's only one breadwinner around here.

- Tomorrow's the day the villagers gather in

the green oak boughs.

- But you like to do yours early.

- That's right.

Marion Slade was not just my patient, she was a good friend.

- When did you last see her?

- A few days ago.

But I spoke to her last night.

She rang, in a bit of a state,

she couldn't find her tranquillisers.

- Last night?

What time last night?

- Nine, nine-thirty.

I asked her if it was urgent, but she said not to worry,

that she'd keep looking for the tranquillisers.

- And how did she sound?

- Well, like I said, in a bit of a state.

She seemed tired.

Cigarette?

- Er no thank you, doctor.

How often was she prescribed these tranquillisers?

- I put her on a repeat prescription.

She'd been suffering from anxiety and tension for some time.

- Would you say she was a suicide risk?

- The thought never crossed my mind.

- Can you remember the last time

that she collected her prescription?

- Well, erm, oh let's go and find out.

- Thank you.

Was Marion Slade's daughter a patient of yours as well?

- Bella, yes.

- What did she die of?

- Complications following a bout of food poisoning.

Mind you, she was never well from the start.

- What was wrong with her?

- Born anaemic.

Problem was poor response to treatment

due to allergic reactions.

- Did you know Mister Slade?

- No, Marion came here from Gloucestershire

after the divorce.

Bella would have been about two.

Here we are.

Dirathene, 75 milligrammes, collected from pharmacy Friday.

- So she would have had plenty left.

What effect would an overdose have?

- Gradual unconsciousness, followed by

possible heart stoppage.

- I was really pleased with today's event.

Two of my Little Acorns won prizes.

- It was a bloody awful day.

- Oh, come on, Mother.

- Policemen everywhere, me with a headache.

All I wanted to do was come home and rest,

and of course you just have to be late.

- I couldn't help it.

- Of course you could help it.

You just don't think things out.

Never have, never will.

- [Alistair] Hello

- Alistair!

- [Alistair] Hello, Ma.

- Do you want some supper, dear?

April, get him something to eat.

- No, I'm OK.

Anyway, I'm taking you to that meeting.

- Of course.

Oh dear, at least you never keep me waiting.

Now, I think the prizes for this year's carnival procession

should be as follows.

Best children's tableau.

Most topical entry.

Best comic tableau.

- That never works.

- Why not?

- Because no-one's ever funny.

- They are when they try to be serious.

- Best floral entry.

Best adult fancy dress.

- I think it would be a good idea if we have a glamorous

grandmother event one year.

- No, thank you.

- [Ron] They're asking about it in the bar.

- Come on now, Ron.

We don't want to lower the tone.

- Yeah, have you seen some of the so-called glamorous

grandmas in this village?

They look like old slappers.

- They're not the only ones.

Now can we continue, please?

Now then, how many carnival princesses do we have?

- Four.

- And what are their names?

- Oh, hang on.

I've left the list in my car.

- Typical.

- Well, while we're waiting I'll go and get us some drinks.

- Hey.

- Not now Ron, I don't want him to see, okay?

- [Alistair] Hi, John.

- Oh, Alistair.

- How's me ma doing?

- Fine.

- Keeping you in order, is she?

- Of course.

- Good.

Obviously someone has to.

- Ow, that hurt.

- Don't worry, I'm a doctor.

I can make it better.

- Yes, I know you can make it better.

You always make it better.

You bastard.

- My turn, you just wield the bough.

- I spotted a lovely low hanging one here girls.

It's a corker, I'm going to cut it just there,

you've got to do it in the right place.

Oh, so you don't harm the tree.

Thank you Tree.

You must always thank your tree when you cut

something from it.

Now that's quite full.

Right girls, very good.

Keep up Abigail.

- [George] There were traces of a sedative in her system.

A tranquilliser.

- Was that Dirathene?

- [George] Yes.

- She was prescribed that.

- [George] Well, she'd taken more than a prescribed dose.

Nowhere near a fatal blood level,

but enough to make her quite drowsy.

- She told the doctor she'd lost her tablets.

- [George] Maybe they're at the bottom of that stream.

- Tell us about Dirathene, George.

- It's not usually seen as a poisoning agent.

But in some cases it could induce paranoia,

disturbed thoughts, people hear voices.

- Bit of a dangerous prescription, then?

- I suppose it depends on the health of the patient.

- Or the professionalism of the GP.

- Of course.

Anyway, there's something else.

The marks on the upper arm and the left shoulder.

Could have been self-inflicted.

But it's also possible that she was seized

and held under the water.

- [Jones] Held under?

- If anyone asks, we're still dealing with a suicide.

- Why?

- Because we don't want whoever did this to make a run

for it, do we?

Not just yet.

I'll catch up with you at the village.

- Fair enough.

- Finished?

(suspenseful music)

- Mrs. Gooding.

- Inspector.

- Is there something I can do for you?

- No, no.

I was just passing and I saw the door open

and I thought somebody might be up to no good.

- Mrs. Gooding, tell me this, were you a judge when

Bella Slade was made Carnival Queen?

- Yes.

- She was a beautiful girl, wasn't she?

And her mum must have been very proud of her.

All those photographs.

- Yes, there's one missing.

- Is there?

- It always had pride of place there.

On the mantelpiece.

- Mrs. Gooding, I wonder if you could solve a problem

for me, please?

- I thought solving problems was your responsibility.

- I'm absolutely sure that I've seen you before.

Have you ever lived in Badger's Drift?

- I told you before, I've spent most

of my time living here.

- [Barnaby] Yes, I know what you told me.

- My sister lived in Badger's Drift.

Iris Rainbird and my dear nephew Dennis.

They were murdered nine years ago.

- [Barnaby] Your sister?

- Yeah.

- Hello.

- Sorry, mate.

Just about to close for a couple of hours.

- I'm Detective Chief Inspector Barnaby from Causton CID.

And I'd like some information please.

I'm very interested in the carnival celebrations

that took place here eight years ago.

- Can't really help you with that.

Seen one Oak Apple parade, you've seen the lot.

- I believe that Bella Slade was the carnival queen

on that occasion.

- Yeah, you're right, she was.

- Well, do you have any back copies of the local paper?

- Sorry, no microfiche.

You need to go to the main branch in Causton.

- Ah, thank you.

Did you know Bella?

- Not that well.

Used to see her around.

- What was she like?

- A bit too sexy for her own good.

But that's the way it is with these carnival queens.

Just a load of little tarts in the making.

- Do you live at home?

- Me?

No, couldn't stand that.

Got a small flat at the back.

- What can you tell me about Iris Rainbird?

- Auntie Iris?

Bringing such shame to the family name?

We don't talk about her.

- How did your mother get on with her sister, then?

- She hated her.

- Did she?

And the nephew?

- Oh, Ma doted on creepy cousin Dennis.

God knows why.

- That's what I don't understand.

You remind me so much of him.

- That's her idea.

She likes me to look like him.

- Don't you mind that?

- I don't care one way or the other, as long as it keeps

the old bird happy.

- It's a bit of a price to pay though, isn't it?

- Not when you have to think about long-term.

Inheritance and all that.

- [Villagers] Oh yea, hang your boughs.

With the oak, sun or showers.

Oh yea, hang your boughs.

With the oak, sun or showers.

- [Jones] It's called the gathering-in ceremony.

- It's a very busy little village, isn't it?

- Oh, only during Oak Apple week.

- I didn't know that oak trees had apples.

- They don't, it's all to do with the gall wasp.

- Oh.

- At one time the women used to give the man a kiss

if he brought a green oak bough to her door.

But the church put a stop to that years ago.

- Why?

- People were enjoying themselves too much.

- [Man] Oh yea, hang your boughs.

- [Villagers] With the oak, sun or showers.

- Hi there.

- Need any help, Ruthy?

- [Ruth] No thanks, Doctor.

- That's a pity.

- Ruthy, I don't mind sharing you with your husband.

But I won't share you with anyone else, okay?

- Okay.

- It's Rob.

- Hi, Sadie.

- Hello, Rob.

- Hiya, that's coming along great.

Did you do all that yourself?

- No, Mum did some and Dad.

I painted the sun.

- Well, it looks fantastic.

Hey Mark, how you doing?

- For Christ's sake!

It's the village dog show we're going to.

Not bloody Crufts.

- It's only a bit of fun, Mark.

- Come on, Tully.

- What about the green boughs?

You said you'd get them.

I expect he's off to the pub.

- You can give me dogs over human beings any day.

- Hey, my money's on that ragbag over there, look.

- Hi, Tom.

Ben's been telling me all about Oak Apple day.

He's an expert.

- Oh, are you?

- I'd say those tombola prizes look rather good if anyone's

brought their pocket money.

Afternoon, Doctor.

- Hello, April.

Now I do like a girl in uniform.

- I think I should, just.

- Could I get you a cup of tea?

- Never touch the stuff.

- Well, then perhaps a drink?

- That's a lovely idea.

But I really do have to rush. People to deal with.

Another time, perhaps.

- Oh, all right, Doctor.

- Doctor Wellow!

- He said he's in a hurry.

- Oh is he?

Would you be Ursula Gooding's daughter?

- [Alice] Yes.

- How do you do, I'm Tom Barnaby.

- Oh, oh, you're the policeman.

- Indeed I am.

But right now I'm interested in all things oak apple.

- Oh, I can tell you all about that.

- Can you?

- Yes!

- Well, guess what.

Here is a fellow enthusiast.

- Oh.

- There you go, love.

Thank you.

- Call that a drink?

Have a pint.

- No, thanks, Mark.

- He's a show to run.

- A poxy dog show.

- And you're entering Tully, remember?

- Yeah, yeah, I know, I know.

First I've got to get my oak boughs in.

- Should have thought of that before, shouldn't you?

- There's still time.

Fancy a wee walk in the woods, Ruth?

- No thanks, Mark.

- Probably a good thing.

You'd never be the same again.

(carnival music)

Come on Tully, come on.

- Hey, do you have to flaunt yourself in front

of every horny bastard who comes into this pub?

- I do not flaunt myself.

I'm just being me, that's all.

- Yeah, that's the problem.

- The bringing in of the green oak boughs is important

because it represents freedom.

- In what way?

- Well centuries ago the old earls, well, landlords if you

like they tried to take away the villagers' rights to walk

in the woods and on the common.

But those green boughs also represent love.

Because in those days two young lovers died in each other's

arms under a king oak tree.

They were victims of persecution.

- Really?

- Yes.

(tense music) (Tully barking)

- [Mark] Tully come on.

You've got to watch out for the bastards.

Don't trust anyone.

Tully!

Don't trust 'em.

Don't trust anyone.

Don't trust 'em.

Or you could kill 'em.

Kill the bastards before they kill you.

Kill them!

- So that's Iris Rainbird's sister?

- Yes.

- I think I remember the case.

Mother and son were murdered because they were blackmailers.

- Yeah, let's hope it doesn't run in the family, eh?

I need to talk to Doctor Wellow again.

I'll meet you back here in a bit, okay?

- Okay.

(carnival music)

- We've all been waiting.

Where the hell have you been?

- Sorry, Ursula.

Got my timing mixed up.

One, two, one two.

Hello campers!

We're shortly about to start judging,

so scruff up your mutts.

- Look there's our van.

- [April] And also the green boughs are important

because they represent love.

(tense music)

- Thank you Mrs Harris and Woody.

Now we have Tim Lacey and Butch.

Thank you Tim.

And they don't come much scruffier than that.

And that's just the owner.

Thank you, Tim and Butch.

Now we have the lurvely Jenny Miller

and three year old Wham-Bam.

- Oh don't worry, love.

You know what your Dad's like.

He won't be long.

- Well it's been lovely talking to you.

- Well, thank you so much.

- Thank you Jenny and Wham Bam!

(Tully whimpering)

(dramatic music)

- Saw you chatting to that copper earlier.

- What's wrong with that?

- First doctors, now chief inspectors.

Why don't you try pulling a bit of rough for a change.

- Alistair, please.

- You may have more luck.

- There's lots of custard creams now,

do share them out girls.

Drink up Abigail.

- Did you hear what he said?

- [All] Yeah!

- Hello, Mister Barnaby.

- Hello Doctor Wellow.

Been doing a bit of rally-cross, have we?

- I'm not exactly what you'd call a clean car man.

More to the point, most of my patients live up track roads

in the back of beyond.

Can I be of help to you?

- I do hope so.

Marion Slade, there is a possibility

that she might have been murdered.

- What?

- I say, a possibility.

And therefore I want you to keep this information

keep it to yourself.

- I find this hard to believe.

Marion had no enemies that I know of.

- You told me that Marion was more than a patient,

she was a friend.

- Yes.

- Anything else?

I need to know.

- All right, yes, yes.

We had a bit of a fling once.

- When?

- Years ago.

I wouldn't harm her.

I can assure you of that.

(phone ringing)

- Excuse me.

Barnaby.

- [Jones] They've found another body, Sir.

(dramatic music)

- This is terrible news.

- I know.

- What the hell is happening to this village?

- I'd like a word with you.

- Hello, George.

- Tom.

- Who found him?

- Some ramblers, Sir.

And there's this.

- If that was the knife that cut his throat

then he didn't kill himself.

- No, the knife would still be in his hand.

- Don't touch!

Now only a CID man would think of that.

- Hello you.

If only you could tell us, eh?

- Despite what's happened we've still got a timetable

to work to.

We must get on with promoting the carnival queen.

- But surely that can wait.

- No, it can't wait.

Tomorrow that photographer is coming into the village.

- All right.

- Oh John, I don't wish to appear insensitive.

- Ursula, would I ever think that of you?

- Why have you never married?

- It's not my idea of a healthy lifestyle.

I've prescribed too many antidepressants

for too many troubled spouses.

Got a problem.

Midsomer Barton's becoming too complicated for me.

I may have to move on.

(piano music)

- Marion Slade and Mark Castle.

What's the connection?

- He found her body.

- No, no he didn't.

The children found her first.

He was next on the scene.

And he says he didn't know her that well.

- Mister Barnaby.

Mister Barnaby!

There's something I feel I must tell you.

- Which is?

- Er, well it's probably none of my business,

but John Starkey was late for the start of the dog show.

- Late?

- Yes, we were all very worried about him.

He went missing around about the time

that poor Mark was killed.

- Where have you been?

- On the downs.

- At this hour?

- I've told you so many times, John.

Do I have to spell it out again?

I like to avoid that village during oak apple bloody week.

- Mark Castle's been killed.

- What?

- They found him in the wood.

- This God-awful place!

I hate it.

- I may have one or two kids' parties to do.

Mrs. Hurst, she's worth a fortune.

She said she wants to book me and pass the word round

to her friends.

They're all loaded as well.

- No.

- What do you mean, no?

- It's not going to happen.

Not for you.

- Ah, come on, Grace.

- You're not as funny as you think you are.

You don't really make people laugh.

Ah well, they like to laugh at you.

They like doing that.

You see, you're not really the joker.

You're the joke.

- Thanks.

Bloody thanks.

I'll have my supper down the pub.

- Thought you might.

- [Wellow] This is Doctor Wellow's home number.

I'm afraid I'm not here to take your call at the moment

so please leave a message after.

- A single wound to the neck.

Some bruising in the walls of the wound, due to the downward

pressure of the cut.

And there were traces of a sedative in his system.

A tranquilliser.

- Dirathene?

- Enough to make him semi-conscious, Suzanne.

So it looks as if the same person or persons

committed both murders.

Sorry Tom.

Tickets for the Opera.

- Opera?

- They say Mark Castle had his throat cut from ear to ear.

- I don't want to talk about it, Mother.

- And his dog was howling like a banshee.

- [Alice] I really don't want to talk about it.

- Well, you're going to have to talk about it.

It's not something you can just shut out.

I mean it's not like reading a book.

It's something that happened here, in our village.

Anyway, I think he was a waster and a drunkard.

And probably a drug addict.

- How do you know that?

- Because he looked it.

His family are probably glad to get rid of him.

- Mother, I've really had enough.

You never have a good word to say about anyone

in this village.

And you spy on people.

- I do not spy on people.

I merely keep a check on them.

- That's the same thing.

- And I do it for the common good.

- Well, I'm sick and tired of it.

And I'm sick and tired of having to wait on you hand

and foot when I have my own life to lead.

- What life?

- Well, my piano lessons.

And, and the Little Acorn troop.

And my friends.

- You don't have any friends.

- Only because I don't get the chance to see anyone.

- Are you feeling ill, April?

Is that what the problem is?

Shall I fetch Doctor Wellow?

I'm sure you'd like that.

I mean, any excuse would do, wouldn't it?

But you'd be wasting your time.

He has a pick of all the women in the village.

Why would he bother with you?

(tense music)

- Do you have any idea who might have done this?

- No, not really.

He upset a few people after he'd had a drink.

But that's no reason to kill anyone, is it?

Do you want something to eat, Sadie?

Or a drink?

Looks a bit sad now.

- Yes.

- We met about ten years ago.

We were both on the road together.

We liked it here so we decided to get married

and settle down.

- Do you know if Mark'd fallen out with anyone recently?

- He'd have the odd argument in the pub.

But it didn't mean anything.

- So as far as you know he had no enemies?

- No.

In the old days there were a few bust-ups over drugs.

But all the other travellers left here years ago.

We should have gone with them.

- Hello, Mister Starkey.

Not in a rush, are we?

- Well, I do have a couple of appointments.

- Business brisk, is it, Mister Starkey?

- Mr. Starkey will you tell us where you were at the time

of the opening of the dog show yesterday?

- I was there of course.

I was the compere.

- Mrs. Gooding tells us there was a bit of a panic on

because you were late for the start.

- Cow!

Oh, yes.

No, I was late.

I was rounding up a few more competitors.

- Anyone confirm that?

- Well, there, there, there's Ruth, of course.

- Ruth?

Who's Ruth?

- Mrs. Chalk, the publican's wife.

I stopped to have a bit of a chat with her.

- Long chat?

- No.

Now hang on.

Mark Castle may have been a right prat at times,

but I had no reason to.

That bloody Ursula!

She's always doing a witch-hunt on someone or other.

Last week it was the Doctor.

I suppose this week it's me.

- Why the Doctor?

- Oh, she thinks he's a man with a past.

- And is he?

- Don't ask me.

Ask him.

- Mr. Starkey, can you tell us why anyone would someone want

to steal one of these photographs from Marion Slade's place?

- I've no idea.

Poor Bella.

What a waste of a life, eh?

She was very gifted, you know.

Wonderful pianist.

April Gooding taught her.

- Sadie, you've got to eat your dinner, come on.

- I thought you could use some help.

I can put in the extra hours.

- Thanks.

- I, would you like me to get rid of that?

- Please.

- You can drop me off at the village.

- Sir.

- I'd like you to run a check on Doctor Wellow.

Oh, and do one on Alistair Gooding while you're at it.

- Yes, Sir.

(door knocking)

- Hello again.

- Oh, my mother isn't here at the moment, Mister Barnaby.

She's at a meeting.

- No April, it's you I came to talk to.

- Me?

- Can I come in?

- Yes, yes of course.

- Thank you.

- Um, just through here, Inspector.

- Thank you.

- Do take a seat.

- Thank you, I wanted to ask you, if I may,

about Bella Slade.

- Bella?

- Yeah, you taught her the piano, didn't you?

- Yes, I did.

Yes, oh she was a wonderful pupil, actually.

Sometimes she couldn't attend lessons

because of her illness.

But she had a natural talent.

- And of course she was a carnival queen, wasn't she?

- That's right.

- Would your mother have chosen her?

- I expect so.

A panel decides, but mother always has the last word.

It's very sad that Bella had to die so young.

- Yes.

Do you happen to know where she's buried?

- Oh, she wasn't buried.

She was cremated.

Her ashes are scattered in Barton woods.

- Under the green oak trees.

- Yes, that's right.

Yes, she loved the woods.

- I wonder who's idea that was?

- Sorry?

- Cremation, I suppose it must have been her mother's?

- No, Marion once told me.

It was Doctor Wellow's idea.

He was a close family friend, you see.

I know some people speak ill of him Inspector

but his heart is in the right place.

- I'm sure it is.

- Ron, we're going to need that other barrel on.

Ron!

Oh, where are you?

There's no rats down here.

- I thought I heard one.

- Anyway, that stuff's cruel.

They swell up.

They take a long time to die.

Actually, I wanted to talk to you about something.

This jealousy of yours.

It, it can be a bit suffocating at times.

- It's not jealousy.

- Then what is it?

- I don't like being made a fool of.

- Oh Ron, I might flirt a bit behind the bar

but that's as far as it goes.

Anyway, flirting's all part of being a good pub

landlady, in't it?

You should know that.

It brings in the punters.

So what would you do if you caught me with someone else?

- I'd kill the pair of you.

(phone ringing)

- Yep?

- It's me.

- Grace, how are you?

- [Grace] I'm.

- Speak up.

- I'm, I'm not happy.

- Is that prick of a husband of yours, still giving you

a hard time, eh?

- When you leave here will you take me with you?

- Will I what?

- I want to come with you.

- Grace, Grace, you know that's impossible.

If we lived together we'd end up rowing all the time.

Everyone does.

We've got something really good here.

It's fun, it's not meant to be serious.

Grace?

Grace?

- Hold on a minute.

Come on gentlemen, get in there, what are you afraid of?

She's not going to bite, are you?

Hey, hold on Dave, I've just had an idea what about doing

one with the estate agents in the background?

After all they're our sponsors and we must have one

with our sponsors mustn't we Vicki?

Come on big smile!

- Hello, Mr. Gooding.

- [Starkey] Vicki big smile now, very good.

- Oh hi.

- Right, just let me adjust this sash a little bit.

Pardon my hands, Vicki.

- So what d'you think of our new carnival queen?

Better than the last little slag we had.

- Come on, big smile Vicki!

Now which one of you lovely gentlemen is going to get

his hands round the lovely, luscious Vicki?

What about you, Rob?

- Er, no, thanks.

- Go on, Rob.

She's probably gagging for it.

Just like Bella was.

I'll do it.

- Alistair, sorry young man.

Come on Alistair, come on, come on down.

- You won't forget what I've done for you, will you?

- Come on big smile, Vicki, big smile.

You're the queen of all you survey,

isn't she ladies and gentlemen.

The lovely Vicki, Miss Oak Apple, yes!

You getting that Dave, come on big smile, lovely.

- I think we've made a mistake with that carnival queen.

She hasn't got one ounce of personality.

But your brother insisted that she was the best looking girl

in the village.

Can't think what he saw in her.

What's the matter with you?

- Inspector Barnaby came here.

He was asking questions about Bella Slade.

- You let him in here, in this house?

- Well, of course I let him in.

I'm quite capable of answering the door.

- That's about all you are capable of doing.

If only I'd Alistair living here instead of you.

What a difference that would make to my life.

- Do you know something, Mother?

There are times when I wish you were dead.

And you want to know what Alistair sees in that girl?

Well, I'll tell you.

She's young.

He used to hang around Bella Slade when she was under age.

Did you know that?

That's the way he likes them, Mother.

Will you be able to cope with that when he's back here

under your roof?

- Ah, the information you wanted, Sir.

Doctor Wellow, no previous convictions.

But there have been a few allegations

of professional misconduct, including one of sexual abuse.

- No evidence to back the allegations.

- No, oh and there's this.

- Alistair Jarvis Gooding.

Charged with taking an under-aged girl

out of the possession of her parents.

- He was twenty-four at the time.

The girl was willing.

She soon returned home.

- Only the one conviction.

- Yes, nothing since.

- I wonder how well he knew Bella Slade?

- [Alistair] Hi, Ma, what's up?

- It's April, she's turned on me.

- [Alistair] What? - Said she wished I was dead.

- That's not like her.

- She had a go at you, too.

- Me?

- She said you liked young girls.

- So what?

I am flesh and blood after all.

- Very young girls.

- The bitch said that?

How could she?

Her own brother.

- Did you ever have anything to do with Bella Slade?

- Me?

No.

I'm telling the truth, Ma.

I mean, would I lie to you?

- You're so like your dear cousin Dennis.

- Oh you know, if only he was still alive.

You two could have been such good friends.

- Yes, Mark Castle was a patient of mine.

But I never prescribed sedatives for the man.

- Well, how come the same class of tranquillisers was found

in his system, Doctor?

- Found another source of supply, I should think.

- Then why would he take so many on top of booze?

- How the hell would I know?

- We've taken the liberty of digging into

your past, Doctor Wellow.

A case of sexual impropriety, complaints

of professional misconduct.

- Those complaints were never substantiated.

Sit down, please.

- They're still on file.

- Part of the job.

Anyone who dares to be different must expect to be

the target and that sort of thing.

- The day Mark Castle was killed you said you were out

visiting a patient somewhere in the back and beyond.

- John Prentice, I look in on him from time to time.

- And was he at home when you called?

- No, he must have been out.

- Bit of a wasted journey, then.

- That's also part of the job.

- Bella Slade.

Why did you recommend her body be cremated?

- Her mother asked me to discuss the options.

- Why did you recommend her body be cremated?

- Because her mother couldn't bear the idea of her beloved

child being laid in the grave, that's why.

- Do you have a locum, that can look after your country

rounds for you?

- Yes.

- Well, I suggest you get in touch with them

because I don't want you to leave the village until further

notice, not even for emergencies.

- Where are you going?

- Er, I've got to get to the supermarket before it closes.

Won't be long.

- April!

April?

- Ruth, have you seen Doctor Wellow?

- No, why?

- He promised to give me a hand when he finished surgery.

- April, do you know what time it is?

It's the carnival procession, remember?

All your Little Acorns are waiting for you.

April?

- Fluff up girls.

In formation.

- Now, someone took one of those photographs from up there.

Why?

Why would anyone do that?

And why do I keep coming back to this dead girl, eh?

- She died of natural causes, Sir.

Or do you think we've got some seriously dodgy doctor

on our hands?

- Well, he's not like any Doctor I've ever known.

And he knows much more than he's told us.

- Well, she obviously hasn't left it as a shrine

to her daughter.

- No, she hasn't.

- Sir?

- All in the same handwriting.

All addressed to Bella.

- She hadn't come home when I went to bed last night.

- April?

But she never stays out late.

- She did last night.

April?

Your brother's here.

- Must have been some night out.

- I've had enough of this.

I'm going for Doctor Wellow.

- No!

- They are all saying much the same thing these,

aren't they?

"Can't live without you.

"My life was nothing till I met you".

- And no signature, just kisses.

S.W.A.L.K.

- Well, that's nice isn't it, sweet, it's teenage.

Sort of innocent, eh?

- Probably some local kid with a crush

on the carnival queen.

- Well, this one's a bit different.

I wonder if our Dr. Wellow still has a copy

of Bella's death certificate?

- Now Phoebe, Lucy, Darren, Joseph.

Over here in front of the steam engine.

Now be very careful.

You all look terrific.

Now my canine prize winners, over here

behind the young farmers.

Thank you, thank you.

Young farmers, jump to it you're about to go!

Pick up your yoats.

Hop along, Justin.

Vicki, you're looking lovely.

Just remember to keep that smile going, will you?

Right, we're doing the full circular route,

ending up with the High Street.

Come on ladies we're about to go.

- Oh, Mr. Barnaby.

Are you looking for Doctor Wellow he didn't turn up

for surgery this morning.

His receptionist has tried calling him, but no reply.

She's had to get a locum in.

- Perhaps he's done a runner.

Curtains are still drawn.

- He's probably with one of his women.

- Jones!

- Oh dear.

Oh dear me.

I think, I think you ought to talk to my daughter.

- You must tell us what happened.

Are you going to tell us?

- Has something bad happened.

- To who?

- Not to me.

- To Doctor Wellow?

Did you see this bad thing happen?

- No, no I didn't.

I heard it.

I used to watch him.

- Watch Doctor Wellow?

- Watch his house.

- Why?

- Well, because I loved him.

- You stupid, bloody fool.

- I was hoping that one day he might give up all those women

and, and just want me.

I'm sorry, I'm sorry Inspector.

Sorry.

I saw him kissing that lady from the pub good night.

And then he went inside the house.

And I, I, I was going to go home.

Someone else arrived, they were coming through the garden.

And I saw Doctor Wellow opening the door

and then this person went inside.

Then I heard this terrible crashing and then I, then I heard

the doctor crying out.

I'm sorry, I'm sorry.

- Mrs. Gooding would you excuse us for a minute?

I'd like a word alone with April, please.

April, look at me.

Listen, listen to me.

- Yes.

- Did you recognise this other person who went to the house?

Who was it?

- I thought Doctor Wellow was up to something.

In this village nothing escapes me.

- Bella Slade.

She didn't die of food poisoning, did she?

- No.

- No, she died in childbirth.

- Well, so it's said.

But no-one can prove otherwise now, can they?

Erm, but I'm not really sure who the father was.

- Well, I'm sorry to be one up on you, Mrs. Gooding.

But I know who it was.

You take this side.

I'll try down here.

- Pieces of eight, pieces of eight, yo, ho, ho.

- [Barnaby] Jones!

Jones!

- So pretty.

You're a star.

- You don't come anywhere near to Bella.

You never will.

- Robert Pride, I'm arresting you for the murders

of Marion Slade, Mark Castle and Richard Wellow.

You do not have to say anything, but it may harm your

defence if you do not mention, when questioned,

something which you later rely on in court.

Anything you do say may be given in evidence.

- Would you like to tell us about Bella Slade, Rob?

She was more than just a school friend, wasn't she, eh?

Much more.

You loved her, didn't you?

You loved her and she loved you.

- Do you recognise these?

We found them at the cottage.

In Bella's old room.

- She'd kept them all, Rob, look.

Tied up with little red ribbon.

Didn't want to part with them.

It's all here, Rob.

Your meetings, your walks in the wood.

Your love for each other.

- So what went wrong?

- I'll tell you what went wrong, Rob.

You had a row, didn't you?

Not a big row but enough to make her go off

and have a little fling with someone else.

Only that someone else was older, wasn't he?

He didn't care too much about love.

He wanted something else.

And he got it. - I don't want to hear this.

- I'd say he found it easy, wouldn't you?

I mean, Bella, a very delicate girl.

She couldn't have put up much of a resistance.

- It was as good as rape, wasn't it, Rob?

- I said, I don't want to hear any more.

- Well, I'm very sorry Rob.

But you're going to have to hear this.

This is the last letter you wrote to Bella.

Look, "I don't care about what happened,

"so long as you have me back.

"I just want to look after you and the baby."

- Whose baby, Rob?

- Sadly, there was no having Bella back was there?

And no baby.

Because she died during an abortion.

That's a mother and child dead.

You know who did that abortion, don't you, eh Rob?

It was Doctor Wellow.

And Bella's mum, she went along with it all because she was

having an affair with Dr. Wellow.

That must have angered you a bit, eh Rob?

I mean, if you can't trust your local doctor,

who can you trust, eh?

So you decided to kill him.

You called round to his house just as Ruth Chalk

was leaving, am I right?

But unfortunately for you, someone was watching.

- Hey, Rob, what's up?

- So whose baby was it that Doctor Wellow killed?

Alright Rob, the man who seduced Bella, would you care

to give us his name, please?

- It was Mark Castle, wasn't it?

- He used to boast about it, when he was in the pub, drunk.

- Your friend and employer.

He's some friend, eh?

- Hey Mark, fancy a drink?

- No, I've just been to the pub.

And if I got to get those oak boughs in or Helen'll kill me.

- Got a bottle of scotch in the house.

- Yeah, all right.

Just the one, or two.

- You drugged him before you killed him, didn't you?

And you used capsules you'd taken from Marion Slade's house.

The Dirathene.

- It's not usually seen as a poisoning agent.

But in some cases it could induce paranoia,

disturbed thoughts, people hear voices.

- So it was very easy to follow him into the wood

that you knew so well.

You waited until the drugs knocked him out

and then you killed him with his own knife.

And so you killed the man who'd boasted the child was his.

But it wasn't his, was it Rob?

It was yours.

And you knew that.

But what I don't understand is what started

all this off now.

What made you decide to punish Bella's mother,

eight years on?

You doctored her capsules, didn't you?

- I'd finished the gardening for the day.

She was making coffee.

She let me use the bathroom.

Before I went upstairs I nicked a photo of Bella.

I knew she took those tranquillisers.

I thought if I gave her enough.

- [Marion] Coffee's ready!

- [Rob] That'd be it.

- But the drugs didn't kill her did they?

They just made her hallucinate.

So, later that night, when you went back to the cottage

you found her running down the lane.

- Where d'you think you're going?

They're bringing back the carnival queen, Mrs. Slade.

You shouldn't have let them do that.

- So that was the spur?

You killed Marion Slade because there could never

be another Bella.

Could there?

Ever.

- You shouldn't have let her die!

You shouldn't have let her die!

- [Barnaby] And once you'd decided, you did it to them all

what you've wanted to do for eight very long years.

- What me and Bella had was good.

It was pure and those bastards killed her.

They deserved to die.

- What a day.

What a terrible day for this village.

Then again, why should you care?

Nothing ever matters to you.

- I've arranged for statements to be made, Sir.

- Good.

(piano music)

- Sounds like life goes on in Midsomer Barton.

- Yes.

(dramatic music)