The writer of this script has written several other episodes of Midsomer Murders, "Dagger in the Hand" and "Christmas Haunting," both very good episodes. He missed the boat here with "Breaking the Chain." When cyclist Greg Eddon wins a national race and then is murdered, Barnaby and Nelson investigate. Barnaby has been at home trying to get Betty to say her first word, which he hopes will be "Daddy."
Mitch McCordell, it turns out, was close to winning this race. His father Des informs Barnaby that this was a very important race. It is urgent that DJM, who sponsors the race, continue doing so as they are short of cash.
There is a great deal going on underneath. Mitche's brother Aiden saw his girlfriend, Amber, kissing Greg, and was sending him threatening texts.
Environmentalists don't want the racing there. A landlady at a pub, Mary Appleton, receives a message stating, "I know what you did." Later she receives one that says Murderer. Aiden McCordell feels that his father has always blown him off in favor of Mitch.
Then there is another murder, as well as another person becoming badly injured. Barnaby and Nelson have to find the killer - and there are a lot of suspects.
First off, the reason for these murders was ridiculous, and I could have done without the Mary Appleton subplot -- this brought up an issue from the past, one of the regular themes in Midsomer Murders.
No beautiful scenery this time, and Nelson took a back seat. Let's have more camaraderie between Nelson and Barnaby, more village life, more family, and a good reason to kill people.
And Betty's first word? Well, it's not Daddy or Mama.
