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Arts & Culture

MIDSOMER MURDERS: Season 4

Larry Lamb as ex-con Melvyn Stockard and John Nettles as Detective Chief Inspector Tom Barnaby in MIDSOMER MURDERS "Who Killed Cock Robin."
Couresy of American Public Television
Larry Lamb as ex-con Melvyn Stockard and John Nettles as Detective Chief Inspector Tom Barnaby in MIDSOMER MURDERS "Who Killed Cock Robin."

Airs Thursdays, April 9 - 30, 2015 at 9 p.m. & August 20 at 9 p.m. & 10 p.m. on KPBS TV

Set in the deceptively idyllic fictional English county of Midsomer, the suspenseful drama MIDSOMER MURDERS is based on the popular novels of Caroline Graham. Featuring an eccentric cast of characters, ubiquitous red herrings, and quaint countryside scenery, this long-running crime series recalls classic public television British mysteries of the past. At the heart of the show is the perceptive and meticulous criminal investigator Detective Chief Inspector Tom Barnaby (John Nettles - BERGERAC; THE CHANNEL ISLANDS AT WAR).

A scene from MIDSOMER MURDERS "Garden Of Death."
Couresy of American Public Television
A scene from MIDSOMER MURDERS "Garden Of Death."
A scene from MIDSOMER MURDERS "Who Killed Cock Robin."
Courtesy of American Public Television
A scene from MIDSOMER MURDERS "Who Killed Cock Robin."

"Garden Of Death" (Parts 1 & 2) airs Thursday, April 9 at 9 p.m. - A commercial decision to turn Midsomer Deverell's memorial garden into a tea shop proves to be a fatal mistake for some members of the Inkpen family. The Bennetts are particularly enraged, as Gerald Bennett was responsible for the garden's creation. When Fliss Inkpen is found brutally murdered in the garden, Barnaby launches an investigation which unearths more than mere local hostility. Upon the deaths of Elspeth Inkpen, Cynthia Bennett and George Bennett, Barnaby's discoveries reveal a tumultuous trail of ruined dreams, scandalous love affairs and vicious blackmail that lead straight to the killer. Guest star: Sarah Alexander (COUPLING)

"Destroying Angel" (Parts 1 & 2) airs Thursday, April 16 at 9 p.m. - With the death of owner Karl Wainwright, the Easterly Grange Hotel falls into the hands of four beneficiaries. When Gregory Chamber — one of the new hotel owners — does not attend Karl’s funeral, a frantic and worried search party forms. The party scours the woods for a trace of George, ultimately making a grave discovery when they find his severed hand.

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DCI Barnaby quickly launches a murder investigation. Solving the case takes on a renewed sense of urgency when fatal accidents soon befall the other beneficiaries. A string of affairs and death threats reveal an undisclosed will, a deadly motive and ultimately the "Destroying Angel." Guest star: Samantha Bond (DOWNTON ABBEY)

"Electric Vendetta" (Parts 1 & 2) airs Thursday, April 23 at 9 p.m. - A series of murders unfolds in Midsomer Parva with the discovery of a naked body in the center of a mysterious crop circle in a field owned by Sir Harry Chatwyn. When local extra-terrestrial expert Lloyd Kirby becomes interested, rumors abound that the vicious death could be the work of some alien force. Barnaby, however, has other ideas when the bodies of a local criminal and Sir Harry’s adulterous son-in-law are found under extraordinarily similar circumstances. Barnaby’s investigation reveals multiple motives and multiple killers who used the first murder as a model for their own deadly endeavors. Guest star: John Woodvine (DOC MARTIN; "Nicholas Nickleby")

"Who Killed Cock Robin" (Parts 1 & 2) airs Thursday, April 30 at 9 p.m. - After a horse whisperer disappears in Newton Magna, Barnaby comes face to face with a long-standing adversary: ex-con Melvyn Stockard. Stockard claims to be a reformed man, only concerned with his daughter’s impending marriage. But, when one of the wedding party is found dead in a local well, all suspicions are aimed his way. Barnaby’s discovery of an extramarital affair, however, points to a different pair of killers with a vengeful motive. Guest star: Ian McNeice (DOC MARTIN)

"Dark Autumn (Parts 1 & 2) airs Thursday, August 20 at 9 p.m. & 10 p.m. - In the village of Goodman's Land, postman Dave Cutler is murdered while on an early morning round. With the help of local community WPC Jay Nash, Barnaby and Troy's investigations reveal that Cutler was the local Romeo, having seduced a number of women. Would any of the jealous husbands or jilted lovers have wanted to murder him? When the bodies of two husbands of these adulterous women are found, the idea quickly fades. Instead, the investigation team's search identifies a twisted murderer scarred by childhood memories. Guest star: Celia Imrie (CRANFORD).

Distributed by American Public Television, produced by All3Media International.

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