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4 months ago
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Midsomer Murders is one of Britain’s best-loved television shows, regularly pulling in millions of viewers thanks to its bucolic scenes of rural life alongside a notoriously high body count.
But now ITV is slapping content warnings on the long-running series to ensure viewers are fully aware that the ‘Murders’ being carried out are not of the gentle sort, and that episodes may contain ‘violence’ and even ‘crime scene images’.
Stars of the show are among those who have ridiculed the move, pointing out that the name of the drama, which has been on air since 1997, and the titles of individual episodes, make it clear what will happen.
The warnings have been introduced on ITV’s streaming service, ITVX, which is currently showing the first 22 series.
Midsomer Murders centres on homicides committed in the villages of the fictional county of Midsomer.
DCI John Barnaby played by Neil Dudgeon (centre) is the main character in Midsomer Murders
The role was first played by John Nettles (centre) as Detective Chief Inspector Tom Barnaby
John Nettles in an episode entitled The Village that Rose from the Dead in December 2016
Its 140 episodes have seen 388 murders, 423 deaths in total and 250 attempted murders.
Some of its more outlandish plots include actress Martine McCutcheon being crushed by a massive round of cheese in a cave, and a hotel maid who died after she was shoved inside a large tumble dryer. Another episode saw a wealthy landowner being smeared with truffle oil, tied to a tree and left to the mercies of wild boars.
One of Midsomer Murders’ early episodes, called Death In Disguise, broadcast in 1998, now comes with the warning: ‘Contains some violence and crime scene images.’ Viewers tuning in to one called The Electric Vendetta, first broadcast in 2001, are told that it ‘contains some violence and autopsy nudity’.
For its first 13 years the show starred former Bergerac star John Nettles as Detective Chief Inspector Tom Barnaby. Since 2011 it has starred Neil Dudgeon as Tom’s cousin, DCI John Barnaby.
Midsomer Murders is also famous for its guest stars, which over the years has included Hollywood big-hitters Orlando Bloom and Henry Cavill. Game Of Thrones actor Anton Lesser appeared in two episodes, Talking To The Dead and Birds Of Prey, both of which now have content warnings.
John Nettles was supported in his role by the actor Jason Hughes from 2005 to 2013
Comedian Hugh Dennis (left) with Neil Dudgeon and Nick Winter as Sergeant Jamie Winter
Mr Lesser said last night: ‘I understand the good intentions of broadcasters who take care to warn of effects like flashing images, but I’m surprised something like Midsomer Murders warrants a warning. I do remember my character in Birds Of Prey hurling a plate of sausages to the floor – perhaps there should be a disclaimer, “No sausages were hurt in this film.” ’
Dame Sian Phillips starred in the 2006 episode Vixen’s Run, which has the warning: ‘Contains mild language and some violence.’ She said: ‘Is the word “murder” in the title not enough to warn people there’s a chance they might encounter a spot of violence?’
A spokesman for ITVX said: ‘Programming that contains potentially sensitive or distressing themes, content or language has carried appropriate guidance since our launch. We regularly review our catalogue to ensure the right guidance is in place.’
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