If you’re trying to figure out the murderer’s identity, pay attention to characters displaying religious symbols—a cross, a Star of David, someone in prayer, a member of the clergy—because those who aren't portrayed as atheists are the ones responsible... except if that person is Muslim; then they become the hero. The show really hammers this point home. In another time, these kinds of depictions would be cons…

Having completed watching all available seasons of Midsomer Murders—a considerable undertaking—it's safe to say we enjoy the series. It required several installments before I began to recognize its nature as a playful reimagining of police procedurals; not a spoof, exactly, but rather a subtle subversion of the genre’s conventions. Notably, each episode tends to feature around three murders, and these aren't exten…