For over a quarter of a century, the idyllic yet deadly villages of Midsomer have been a staple of British television. Now, as the iconic ITV drama prepares to air its monumental 150th episode, the man at the heart of the investigations, Neil Dudgeon, is speaking out.
Stepping into the well-worn shoes of DCI John Barnaby after the departure of the beloved John Nettles was no small feat. Dudgeon, however, has not only made the role his own but has also helmed the series for an impressive 13 years and counting.
The Secret to a Very Long Life
So, what is the secret formula behind the show's incredible longevity? Dudgeon points to a perfect, if paradoxical, blend of the familiar and the macabre. "It's a combination of the English countryside and horrible murders," he explains. "It's a lovely, attractive, desirable place to live, but you wouldn't want to live next door to any of these people because you'd be dead by now."
This charmingly dark contrast, wrapped in a classic 'whodunnit' format, continues to captivate audiences, making it a reliable ratings winner for ITV.
No End in Sight for the Carnage
With such a landmark episode on the horizon, fans are naturally curious about the show's future. Could the curtain ever fall on Midsomer's crime rate? Dudgeon offers reassuring words.
"I don't see why it should [end], really," he states. The actor highlights the show's timeless quality and its self-contained format as key to its enduring appeal. "It's not really attached to a particular time... It's not like a police procedural where you have to be up with the latest tech."
He warmly acknowledges the show's legacy, a testament to the foundation built by his predecessor, John Nettles. "I'm just the latest incumbent," Dudgeon says humbly. "It's a great show that John Nettles started... and I'm just carrying on that tradition."
For now, it seems the residents of Midsomer can rest assured—or perhaps remain fearful—that DCI Barnaby will be on the case for many more investigations to come.
