"The Stitcher Society" was seen with rather mixed expectations. Did like the premise and 'Midsomer Murders' is wonderful at its best. It has been very up and down for a while now and after being so unimpressed by the previous episode "The Wolf Hunter of Little Worthy", so part of me prepared myself for a possibility of another disappointment. While hoping too that it would be an improvement and an episode to recommend.
Was very pleasantly surprised however by "The Stitcher Society". It is not brilliant or a 'Midsomer Murders' high point, but by John Barnaby-era standards it is pretty darn impressive. A massive improvement over "The Wolf Hunter of Little Worthy" and one of the best episodes in a while, perhaps even the best. One of the few episodes of this period to pass for an episode where Tom Barnaby was in charge if perhaps more a good episode from Seasons 9-13 than pre-Season 9.
Am going to begin with the not so good things. The episode agreed would have been better with less characters, some could have been more developed (Harry for instance is very underused).
Do agree too that the invester subplot added very little to the story, near irrelevant even.
On the other hand, "The Stitcher Society" has a very engrossing story that shows promise from the very intriguing but ominous opening. The murders are hard hitting and far from tame, and there are plenty of surprising twists and turns. Plus finally a non-rushed, non-over the top, non-last minute and plausible ending, where the perpetrator and motive were both a surprise. Maybe the motive element could have gone into a little more detail, but that might change on rewatch.
Furthermore, "The Stitcher Society" has some nice tension, like at the beginning, but there is too some light-heartedness that avoids over-seriousness while not being silly. A light-heartedness that was quite close to prime-'Midsomer Murders'. The characters are interesting on the whole. The acting is good this time, Annette Badland is a joy as Fleur and Hannah Waddingham is a big standout of the supporting cast. Keith Allen's character is too underused though for him to shine properly but he does what he can with what he has.
It's a typically good looking episode, especially the scenery which the photography clearly loves. The music is pleasant and haunting and who can resist the unforgettable theme tune.
Concluding, very well done and a pleasant surprise. 8/10.
