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Bantling Boy

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Bantling Boy is the fourth episode of the eighth series of the popular ITV crime drama Midsomer Murders and it was originally aired on 16th January 2005.

Synopsis[]

DCI Barnaby and DS Scott investigate the murder of a horse trainer who was found dead at Lodge Stables. The man was badly beaten and the murders seem related to the thoroughbred horse he was training, Bantling Boy. The horse was owned by a syndicate and there was some dispute over selling him. However, as the murder count continues to grow, Barnaby learns how the syndicate came to own the horse and who owns it now that they are all dead. He also learns that the murders were to hide a family secret and restore the Bantling name of a Bantling Boy.

Plot, Part 1[]

In Bantling Hall, Peter and Geoffrey are playing a video game. Elsewhere, in the dark, someone is pounding metal.  There is yelling, screaming and someone exits a room. Marianna Hartley sits on a couch with a bruised face. Bruce Hartley goes to the stables and tells Foley he is putting a real jockey up on the horse, Bantling Boy, for tomorrow's race. Foley is very unhappy.

On a dirt track, horses are racing while Bruce and Marianna sit atop their horses watching. Bruce is pleased at Bantling Boy’s speed. Marianna praises Jake Foley. Bruce says he is “the damn trainer, Marianna. He'll win the cup. Then maybe you can find it within yourself to give me some credit.” Marianna has a large bruise on her cheek.  

Barnaby drops off files on car theft for Scott. Barnaby is off to a charity event, Causton Races. Sam Tate tries to get Angela Hartley to go with him, but she says no. The Craxton’s drive up in their car. Peter is dropped off to stay with Angela. Joanna drives off with her husband, Ray, who has a horse to shoe.

At the Barnaby’s, Cully tells her parents she has an audition to play "Hero" in Much Ado About Nothing. Barnaby says, “Let's hope this time it isn’t.”

At the Hammer and Pennant pub, Scott writes down information about cars in the parking lot. Angela watches the race commentary on TV. “The next race is the Causton Gold Cup, sponsored by Tate's Bread. Local hopeful Bantling Boy is owned by a syndicate of Midsomer villagers and is trained by Bruce Hartley.” Bruce is interviewed and he says, “He's been working terribly hard and he's come on tremendously well. We've got the right man on top of it today as well. He's a very genuine animal.” Angela turns off the TV in disgust. “More than can be said for you,” she says.

At the race track, the announcer talks about the next race, the Causton Gold Cup. “Five runners in what promises to be a very competitive race." People place their bets. Dr. Osgood puts money down on Bantling Boy. Elsewhere, Ray Craxton puts a horseshoe on Bantling Boy. Bruce Hartley comes around to tell Ray how to shoe his horse. Ray says he knows his job. Bruce leaves and Ray says, “You must be gutted,” to Jake. Jake says, “I could gut Bruce Hartley, that’s for sure.”

Major Dickson talks to Barnaby. He’s been going to the the race since he retired the Horse Guards. Barnaby asks, “How many rescue horses at Fallowfields now?” Major Dickson says, “Too many. Those horses have rescued me often enough. Hauling artillery over the Italian mountains in '45. Splendid creatures.”  Cully comes up to talk to Barnaby and asks for money to place a bet. Major Dickson says, “Smile like a sunburst, that girl of yours. Hasn't changed since her pony-club days.”

Scott places £50 to win on Hawksbill. Trevor Machin says, “You've done your money there, squire. Bantling Boy will romp home. It'll win me plenty.” Scott and others in the pub watch the race.

Cully cheers for Bantling Boy in the crowd. Joyce put money on Bantling Boy too. Joanna cheers, “Go! Go! Go!” Trevor, Bruce and Jake all cheer along with Barnaby, Joyce and Cully.   Peter and Geoffrey watch the race on the TV at Bantling Hall. Bantling Boy wins and Peter and Geoffrey, dressed in medieval cloaks, battle with swords on the lawn. Scott tosses his ticket.

Sam Tate comes up to talk to Joanna and Dr. Osgood about selling Bantling Boy. “Interested in selling him? I'll give you £500,000.” Bruce comes up and says, “Keep away from my owners. He's not for sale. Get away.” Bruce pushes Tate. Tate says, “Don't push me!”  Bruce punches Sam, who falls to the ground.  Tate says, “I’ll see you finished. He'll be the last horse you ever train.” Marianna looks at her husband, disgusted.  

Barnaby is excited that Joyce won her bet. “£30 at 3-1. That's £90 profit. That means dinner at the Bon Chance restaurant, bottle of Beau, steak a point.” Joyce says, “No, this money's going to charity. To Fallowfields.” Barnaby says, “What you mean your gonna spend our winnings saving some nag from the glue pot? Well, what a waste.” Cully says, “Fish and chips?”

The "syndicate" meets to discuss selling Bantling Boy. Bruce says, “I will not sell. That's final.”  Trevor Machlin says, “Half a million quid. That's 125 grand a piece.” John Osgood says, “He'll be worth even more next year.” Trevor retorts, “If he breaks his leg tomorrow, he'll be dog food.” Angela says, “The money would be very useful.” Bruce argues, “My father left us Bantling Boy as reward for our loyalty. I demand the same loyalty from you.” Angela says, “Don't dress it up, Bruce. We all know why he left the damn horse to the four of you.” Bruce snarls, “This is nothing to do with you!” Angela starts to cry and runs out of the room and slams the door.  Bruce rolls his eyes and says, “The terms of the syndicate require a unanimous decision. Dr Osgood?”  Osgood votes the same as Bruce. Joanna says, “I say we sell. I need the money.” Trevor says, “We'll get ourselves a lawyer.” Bruce says, “You want to break up the syndicate? You want the truth to come out? Hmm? Cos it will. Bantling Boy will be sold over my dead body!” He pounds the table and stalks off.

Geoffrey hears Angela and Bruce arguing.  Bruce says, “Then get into bed with Sam Tate. You can give him what he wants. Why the hell should I?” Angela says, “How dare you?” Bruce says, “Bite his hand off, Mother. Before you're past your sell-by date.” Geoffrey walks in and Bruce sneers, “You and that halfwit brother of yours.” Bruce walks off and Angela sobs. Geoffrey pats Angela’s shoulder and says, “Don't cry.”

Plot, Part 2[]

At the Craxton’s, Ray and Joanna are arguing. Ray says, “Why now?” Joanna sobs and says, “Because Bruce said he would tell, he said he'd tell everybody.” Peter listens while looking through the stairs. Ray says, “I can't believe this. They knew. All of them knew. Well, damn the lot of them, and damn you!” He kicks the door and walks out while Joanna yells, “Ray!” Peter creeps off up the stairs.

Ray leaves the house and slams the door. Peter plays on his computer and there is a sound of swords banging. In his room, Jake Foley packs a rucksack. He looks a photo of himself on Bantling Boy. He hears shouting and sees Bruce leave the building. Marianna is on the phone, “I know. I know, it has to stop. No. No, don't come round. Please, John. John!”  Bruce goes into the stables and a horse whinnies.

Peter plays on his game and Trevor Machin goes up the road on his wheelchair. He sees John Osgood drive to the stables.

MURDER 1: In Bantling Boy’s box, Bruce pats him. Bantling Boy watches and snorts. Someone picks up a Farrier’s hammer and knocks Bruce on the head.  The horse whinnies and paws the ground in distress.

Marianna stands in the stables looking down at her hands, one of which is bandaged.  Ray drives up and asks what happened. Bruce is lying dead on the ground. Marianna says she found him and Jake has disappeared. They call the police.

Pathologist, Dr. George Bullard says, “I doubt it was a kick- Blunt, heavy weapon, I suspect. The horse could've stood in the pooling blood.” Barnaby says, “Or the hoof was smeared to make it appear accidental?” Ray Craxton removes the horseshoe from the horse and gives it to Bullard and DS Scott arrives.

Ray tells Barnaby he last saw Bruce Hartley alive about eightish last night. “Drunk as a hand cart, shouting his head off. Bruce was a pain in the ear with everybody. I left here about 8:00. By 9:00 he was having a blazing argument with the syndicate.  Bruce Hartley owned Bantling Boy with Dr Osgood, Trevor Machin and Joanna, my wife.” Barnaby asks where is Jake Foley, stable lad, but Ray doesn’t know. Bullard takes the Farrier’s hammer.

Angela yells at Marianna, “Don't play Little Miss Innocent with me. You brought nothing into this marriage.” Marianna says, “How dare you?” Angela continues, “Was it Osgood? Or the two of you together?”  Marianna says, “Leave, Angela! Now!” Barnaby and Scott walk up and Angela walks out. The detectives ask her if she knows where Jake Foley is. Marianna says, “Yes. Jake was the real horseman here. He should have been on Bantling Boy yesterday but Bruce took the ride from him.” Marianna says they all put up with Bruce’s drinking and his violent temper. Scott asks if Bruce was violent toward Marianna last night. She says they did argue last night and she fell and sprained her writs.

The detectives leave and Scott says that a very angry woman swinging a heavy weapon might just do that kind of damage to herself- the neatly bandaged sprained wrist.  Scott says that he met one of the people in this syndicate yesterday, sir. Trevor Machin- lives in a wheelchair and breath like a badger. Barnaby tells him he can start with Trevor Machin and asks where did Scott met him? Scott says, “At the Hammer and Pennant.  I noticed that most of the car thefts took place in pub car parks so I did a sort of tour. Public-house-to-house enquiries.

Barnaby goes off to Bantling Hall. Peter is shooting arrows with Geoffrey encouraging him.  Geoffrey tries to help Peter, but Peter misses. Angela is pounding a post with a hammer.  Peter misses the target and says, “Stupid! You made me miss. Go and fetch,” to Geoffrey.

Inside, Angela shows Barnaby the portraits of former Bantlings.  “Cecil Hartley, 3rd Baron Bantling, famous Catholic, involved in the Gunpowder Plot. George, 4th Baron Bantling. Betrayed the king at Marston Moor. Thomas Bantling fought in the American War of Independence for the Americans. There is more bloodshed and treachery in the Bantling family than all Shakespeare's plays put together.”  Angela continues, “You may as well know my relationship with my son had been in low water for some time. When my husband died last year, he left me nothing but debts. I WAS lady of the manor. I'm now maid of all work. I cook, clean, do accounts for tradesmen to keep body and soul together. There was a profound shallowness about my son, a childlike selfishness which he inherited from his father.” As for Marianna, Angela says, “The girl lacked background- my son made a bad marriage.” Angela lives with her brother Geoffrey, a full-time occupation himself- the body of a man, the mind of a child. Men who remain children seem to run in her family. As for Bantling Boy, Bruce and her husband wasted a fortune on useless horses. “Bantling Boy was a home-bred yearling when he willed it to the syndicate. Now it's worth thousands, just another of life's ironies… They had an offer for the horse, Bruce refused to sell. His death will make the rest of them considerably richer.  If a member dies, their share passes to the remaining members. All of which is cold comfort to me. I shall have to sell Bantling Hall to settle my husband's debts. It's been in the family 500 years. Devastating loss.”  Barnaby asks, “More devastating than the loss of your son?” Angela says, “Frankly, Inspector, yes.”

Scott interviews Trevor Machin, who says he is stuck in his wheelchair so he couldn't kill Bruce no matter how much he wanted to. Trevor earned a share in the horse because he was the gardener for 30 years at the hall, which broke his back. Colonel Hartley left him a share as a reward. Trevor says, “But you're chasing shadows if you think the horse is behind it. No, this is family matters. Have you met Hartley's wife? Marianna. Her with the swimming-pool eyes. Right, talk to Dr Osgood. Him and Hartley are like that (crosses his finger). But behind Hartley's back, Osgood and Marianna are like that, an' all (motions with his hands).  Scott asks, “They're having an affair?” Trevor replies, “Bit of one with the other, yeah. I saw Osgood driving to the stables last night like a bat out of hell, about 10:00.”

Plot, Part 3[]

When Scott has left, Trevor gets up from his wheelchair and walks to the window. Crows are hanging outside the door.

At Dr. Osgood’s house, he brings out tea for Barnaby and Scott. He says, “Ginseng and dandelion. Sharpens the mind." He and Bruce Hartley were friends- grew up in the village, climbed the same trees, chased the same girls. His father bequeathed him the share in Bantling Boy. Osgood was his doctor in his final years- cancer. Osgood says he last saw Bruce at Causton Races. Bruce was a functioning alcoholic like his father. He was also at the stables at 10:00 last night bandaging Marianna's wrist- Bruce had assaulted her again. Osgood admits, “Marianna and I are involved but Bruce knew nothing. I love Marianna and I begged her to leave him.”

The detectives leave and Scott asks Barnaby what he thinks about Osgood. “Love ripens into vengeance? Crime of passion?” Barnaby is more interested in the syndicate- “this strange collection of locals who own Bantling Boy.” He wonders why Joanna was in the syndicate.

In the stables, Marianna tells Ray that Bantling Boy is off his food- hasn't touched an oat. She wonders if they should move him since they have no security. Ray says he is going to the forge and to call him if he needs him. On her way to the house, Marianna hears dogs barking and sees someone in a hood run into the woods.

At the forge, Ray says they have medieval tournaments over at Bantling Hall every year for charity. There is a photo of Ray, Joanna and Peter. Ray says, “He loves all that malarkey. Mad over it.”  At the Craxton home, Barnaby asks Joanna why she has a share in the syndicate. Joanna says, “I'm a visiting nurse. I looked after Lord Bantling during his illness. And he left me a share in the horse.” Barnaby asks where she was last night. Joanna says, “Well, I was here with Peter.” Ray walks in and angrily says, “Tell them. Tell them what you like.” Joanna goes after her husband. The detectives go in the house where Peter is playing a game, “Secret Of The Ring.” Barnaby asks, “Is killing people your idea of fun, young man?” Peter says, “It's only a game. If all the killing in the world was only a game, nobody would ever be hurt, would they?”

Marianna tells the detectives that someone has been prowling round. She has seen them twice now and Bantling Boy's ailing. She is worried he's been got at. Foley was in trouble a few years ago- a doping scandal, race-fixing. Nothing was proved, but mud sticks and he had trouble getting rides. Barnaby says, “I presume if Bantling Boy is a sick horse, that could reduce his value.” Marianna says, “Oh, yes, the vet's been up. It'll be all round the county by now.” Scott says, “So, Sam Tate wants to buy the horse, he could save himself a lot of money.” Marianna asks if the detectives think Sam Tate's behind this? The detectives say they have spoken with Dr Osgood and she hasn’t been entirely frank with them about her relationship with him. Marianna admits that, “Last night, after Bruce hit me, he stormed off. I called John. He came up here but he left. He has nothing to do with Bruce's death.” Barnaby asks, “And what about you? Were you angry with your husband that he'd attacked you?” Scott says, “Did you go looking for him? Find him in here and then…” Marianna says, “No! I married a vulgar bully and, yes, I've wished him dead often enough. But I didn't kill him.” Barnaby says, “Right now the most important thing is to increase your security. Whoever killed your husband may have been trying to steal Bantling Boy when he disturbed them.” Marianna says, “I said to Ray to move him somewhere safer.” Barnaby says, “That would be a good idea. In the meantime, Sergeant Scott can stay with him. He's very good with horses. He spent many happy days with them.”

At home, Barnaby greets Cully. She didn’t get the part- she was wrong for it. Cully says, “I feel so useless, just sitting around waiting for my agent to ring. I'm not making any money. Just frittering away my life, you know?” Barnaby says, “I'm...sorry. Hey, do you remember the Fallowfields?” Barnaby has to drop off the money won from the race. He invites Cully to come with him. Barnaby asks the Major if he could help him. “We think that Bantling Boy has been got at and/or someone is trying to steal him. He needs stabling, somewhere out of the way, somewhere safe.” The Major says, “This is the back of beyond. Get nobody out here except the odd birdwatcher. And the occasional rambler bimbling about. Be safe enough here.” However, the head man, George, has just retired. Barnaby suggests Cully to help out.  Cully remarks, “I wondered why you dragged me up here.” Major agrees to take on Bantling Boy and Cully.  

In the stable, Scott sits in the loft, dressed in his suit and coat. A mouse comes out of the burlap and squeaks. Scott smacks him with a bottle. The horse stamps his feet and snorts. Someone comes in the stable. Scott sees him and announces, “Police, stay where you are.” Scott chases the intruder across the yard and over to the fence. It is Jake Foley.

At the police station, Jake tells Barnaby, “Bruce fired me, told me to clear out. Bruce was a wannabe jockey but a few sizes too large. That's why he jocked me off- Jealousy.” Jake says, “I heard they called a vet out to Bantling Boy. I've raised that horse since a yearling. He's not sick, he’s pining. There's a bond between a horse and his minder that goes deep.” Jake says that the charges in the past were all malicious. He was never charged with anything. Jake says he thinks Sam Tate killed Bruce, of Sam Tate’s Bread. Sam and Bruce had a right set-to after the race.

At Sam Tate’s pool house, Joanna is meeting with Sam. She says, “With Bruce gone, that just leaves the doctor.” When she sees the police coming, she leaves by the back door. Sam tells the detectives that he offered to buy Bantling Boy.  He lives alone and has been happily unmarried for two years. Sam asks, “Heard of Tate's Oven-Ready Bread?” Barnaby says, “Oh, indeed I have. (And breaks into song…)  ♪ The crust you can trust ♪” Sam admits, “It's disgusting but people buy it cos it saves time. And time is money.” Tate says, “I've got a board meeting in an hour, Inspector. Bye.” Barnaby tells Scott to run a vehicle check on a car parked outside Tate’s house. It is Joanna Craxtons car. Barnaby suspects she has come to see a man about a horse.

Plot, Part 4[]

The remaining members of syndicate meet in a dark room. Joanna tells Osgood that Sam Tate wants an answer by tomorrow night. Trevor and Joanna want to sell. Osgood tells them they should get Marianna’s vote. Joanna says, “That's not the syndicate rules, Doctor. We own Bruce's share.” Osgood says, “The horse is not for sale,” and walks off. Joanna says, “We've got another problem. Bantling Boy is ailing. He's been shipped up to Fallowfields.”  Trevor says, “We got to sell that horse before it drops dead in its stall.”

At Fallowfields, Barnaby and Cully hook up the horse trailer. Barnaby says, “This takes me back to the pony-club trials. Remember the Causton Show? Five-foot wall. You were lucky to get away with just a broken arm. Greenstick fracture, wasn't it? At least you got a lot of exercise out of it. These days, kids seem stuck in front of computers all the time. Playing games, the entire purpose of which is to kill people. The Craxton boy is obsessed with them. He's nine years old, right? Nine years old. We never let you play games like that, did we?” Cully says, “I hated computers. Films were my thing. Having said that, at nine, my favourite film was Terminator. Fascination with gruesome deaths does run in the family.”  

Jake tries to see Bantling Boy, but Ray pushes him off. Cully drives up with the horse trailer.

At Bantling Hall, Sam Tate tries to persuade Angela to go into business with him. Sam tells her that Bantling Hall will be sold off, developed, maybe even bulldozed.

At Fallowfields, Cully has the horse settled in, but tells her dad he is still not feeding. Barnaby tells her that Jake Foley reckons he's pining for him.  Barnaby wonders if the Major would take on Jake Foley. Barnaby says to Bantling Boy, “You know who killed him, don't you?”  

MURDER 2: Dr. Osgood is at the Craxton’s to examine Peter. Ray says he’s been having nightmares and cold sweats. At home, Osgood hears a noise and looks out the window. Osgood goes outside, sees his car headlight smashed and then someone smashes him.

The next morning, Barnaby and Scott show up to the crime scene. Osgood received a blow to the skull, exactly as with Bruce Hartley. A pennant was found tied round the victim's mouth like a gag. Bruce Hartley & John Osgood both opposed the sale of Bantling Boy. Now, Trevor and Joanna are free to sell the horse. And Sam Tate, who always gets what he wants, now has a clear way to buy it.

At Trevor’s home, Sam Tate negotiates with him over the horse. Sam has heard that Bantling Boy is sick. Trevor asks if he is buying, or not. Tate offers, 250,000, half of what he originally offered. Tate says, “Two of the owners of this horse have come to a sticky end, Trevor. We don't want you suffering the same fate.” Trevor says, “Are you threatening me?” Tate says, “Just making a once-and-only offer. Phone me, Trevor.”

The detectives go to see the Craxtons. Joanna says Osgood came to see Peter, who was having nightmares. Joanna  was out visiting a patient. Barnaby points out that the two people who refused to sell the horse are now dead and Joanna is much richer now.

Peter walks in wearing a medieval tunic. He says, “ I'm Sir Peter Bantling.”  Rehearsals for the tournament are going on up at the hall. Barnaby says, “I hear, Peter, you've been having nightmares. It could be The Secret Of The Ring. Computer games give me nightmares.” Peter says, “With The Secret Of The Ring, I'm never scared.”

Trevor is at his house working on birds. Angela comes up and asks about the proposition? Trevor says, “Sam Tate has cut his offer to 250. Persuade him to up his bid and I'll give you 20 per cent of every penny more you can get out of him. You got him round your little finger. He's a ladies' man. Tell Tate I will not sell, not for 250 grand. Never.” Angela says, “You may regret saying that.”

At the hall, flags are flying and people are dressed in costume for the medieval fair. Tents are up on the grounds. Barnaby and Scott come up to ask Ray questions, but he says he is in the middle of a battle. Joanna asks Peter to take Mr Machin his drink. Peter says no and Joanna tells him to do as she says. Peter grabs a sword and waves it at Trevor as he runs out.

Angela hosts the fair and invites the jousters to approach. She gives a handkerchief to her favourite. A drummer drums and horns announce the beginning of the jousting. Riders on horses approach each other and one rider is knocked off his horse. Angela exclaims, “Give mercy.”  The fallen knight takes off his helmet and groans.

At the police station, Barnaby and Scott discuss the case. Barnaby says,  “Peter. He's clearly upset. Having nightmares. You should have seen him running at Trevor Machin with his sword. There's something between his mother and Trevor Machin... makes the boy very angry.” Bullard walks in with the hammer from forensics. “No prints, I'm afraid, but it's a pretty close fit with the head wounds on Hartley and Dr Osgood. Definitely the type of weapon you're looking for.”  

Plot, Part 5[]

MURDER 3: At night, vixens cry out. Peter plays his computer game; Metal and hammer clang; Ray hammers metal. Trevor goes outside to put trash in the bin and someone hits him on the head with a hammer and ties a pennant around his mouth.

The next morning, Bullard tells the detectives, “The same hammer blow. Exactly the same weapon profile, Tom. Skull crushed and this again. (Handing Scott the pennant in a plastic bag).” Barnaby says, “It's a statement. They're being killed, then they're gagged. They're being ritualistically silenced.”

Joanna and Tate drive up and see Barnaby’s car. Joanna gets out of the car. Barnaby and Scott interview Ray and Joanna walks in.  Joanna asks, “What's going on?” Barnaby says, “Trevor Machin was murdered last night.” Ray says, “You think I killed him. And Dr Osgood and Bruce Hartley. Right?” The detectives take Ray to the police station.

Ray denies killing anyone.  Barnaby says, “Nevertheless, your wife now owns outright a horse worth half a million pounds.” Ray says, “Everybody in Midsomer's made money out of that horse. Even the vicar. Look, it caused me and Joanna nothing but arguments. I killed nobody. Why are you picking on me?” Scott says, “Because you don't have an alibi for the times of the murders.” Ray says, “What about Sam Tate and that cow Angela Hartley? You haven't pulled them in. You're not going to get the right answer questioning the wrong man. I didn't do it.”

Joanna goes to speak to Angela. “The police think that Ray killed all three of them. What if Ray starts talking... about the syndicate? He knows everything, Angela. All of it. Bruce threatened to tell everybody. I wanted Ray to hear it from me.”  Angela says, “Stay calm, Joanna. We don't need to panic. I can look after Peter as long as you like. We're in this together. Always have been.”

Scott goes into the police station and says, “We searched Craxton's cottage till we ran out of places to look. Nothing.” Barnaby says Ray denies everything. Barnaby shows Scott the Bantling family crest. Scott says, “It's got to be him. Can't we lean on him a bit, keep his feet to the fire?” Barnaby says, “Sergeant, this is Midsomer, not the Met. Did they not teach you about the holy trinity? There are three things required before you move from suspicion to conviction. Motive, opportunity and evidence. And the greatest of these three, my son, is evidence, which in Ray Craxton’s case we do not have.”  

At Bantling Hall, Peter is riding Geoffrey like a horse, carrying a shield and toy sword. “See him fly! His feet are wings! Keeper of the secret of the ring!”

Barnaby and Scott look at the family crest at Bantling Hall. Barnaby points out the coat of arms, which shows a hammer and pennant. “Now we have three people killed with a hammer and two of them were gagged, each with a triangular cloth in the shape of the pennant.” Angela comes out of the front door with Peter and Geoffrey and says they are going to Fallowfields to see Bantling Boy.  Angela says, “If you think Geoffrey had anything to do with these dreadful murders, you're very much off track. He's completely harmless.”

In the car, Peter puts his hand on Geoffrey’s and says, “The secret of the ring.”

Joanna tells Ray she wants to start over. Ray says there is no going back. He says, “You destroyed all that. You and Angela and the whole damn lot of them! To hell with you!”  

At Fallowfields, Peter asks to give the horse something to eat. When Geoffrey tries to pat the horse, Bantling Boy shies away. Peter says, “He doesn't like you, Geoffrey. He only likes ME.” Peter sits on the horse. He says, “He's the best! Out of Midsomer Girl by Bantling Brave from Knight's Maiden by King's Charter who was out of Royal Dynasty. It's breeding, you see. It's in the blood.”

Plot, Part 6[]

MURDER 4: At night at the forge, Joanna goes in to look for Ray. The door slams and a hammer comes down on Joanna’s head. Peter wakes up, goes to sit on the floor and starts playing his computer game.

Bullard reports to Scott that the victim is Joanna Craxton- Head caved in, same as the others. Ray Craxton found her. Scott says, “It's the holy trinity, apparently. Motive, opportunity and evidence, the greatest of which is evidence, which in Craxton's case we didn't have.” Barnaby says, “I preferred my doubts to your certainties.”

Ray is arrested again. He yells at Angela on his way to the police car, “You'll never get your hands on him.”  Barnaby and Scott try to figure out who owns the horse now that the syndicate is gone.

The detectives go to talk to Angela. Scott tells them that he has to go back and get his notepad. Then he starts looking around the house. Barnaby asks Angela who owns the horse now. Angela says Peter now owns the horse. “Peter's mother Joanna... nursed my husband. Nine years ago, my husband raped Joanna. (In another room, Geoffrey and Peter are having a sword fight). Joanna was Catholic. So were the Hartleys. Just as a divorce was out of the question for me, so was abortion for her. I paid her money every week. She kept quiet and she kept the child.” Barnaby says, “Osgood was his doctor, Machin was his gardener, and I take it they and your son Bruce all knew what had happened to Joanna.  And that's why your husband left all the Bantling Boy shares to the four of them as a reward for their silence. (Scott puts a flash drive into the computer and starts to copy a Games Folder).  Barnaby says, “Peter is very fond of Bantling Boy. I doubt he'd want him sold to Mr Tate.” Angela says, “We'll see. It will be Peter's decision.”

Angela notes that Sgt Scott has gone missing. Scott quickly removes the flash drive and appears, saying he was looking for the toilet.  

At the office, Scott shows Barnaby the game. “It's a proprietary game taken off the internet, but it's been modified. They've added some variables, loops. Someone's taken the original game and expanded on it. The object now seems to be to redeem the honour of the Bantling. So I followed the pathway plan through to the final level, where I found this secret chamber. (The Secret of the Ring) And then this. (The game shows a graveyard with all of the victim’s names on gravestones). The victims' names are all there, sir. Bruce Hartley, Dr Osgood, Trevor Machin and Joanna Craxton.  All of the deaths are described, each one using medieval language. "Ye hammer of vengeance and ye pennant of pride." The quest seems to be to take revenge on the ring, the betrayers of the secret.  The hero of the game is Sir Peter riding a mighty steed. It all ties in with Craxton's obsession with battle recreation and medieval weapons. Why put that on Peter's computer? I think he's used the game to rehearse the killings before he carries them out.” Barnaby asks, “Could Geoffrey have created this?” Scott says, “No, it's beyond him. He's got an IQ of about...two. I think that when Joanna told Ray that Peter wasn't his son... it tipped him over the edge into this.”

In interview, Ray says he doesn’t know what games they’re talking about.  Scott says, “The Secret of the Ring - the game you downloaded onto Peter's laptop.” Ray says, “His laptop? I hate them things. I work with my hands, Inspector. I'm computer illiterate.” Barnaby asks, “When did you first discover that Peter wasn't your real son, Mr Craxton?” Ray says, “Joanna told me the night Bruce Hartley was killed that Peter wasn't mine. They all knew, the whole syndicate. They've been laughing behind my back for years.” Barnaby says, “Mr Craxton, four people are to be buried, the very ones you say were laughing at you behind your back.” Ray says, “I didn't kill them! My wife is dead. And to me, Peter is still my son. So either charge me or let me go home and look after him.”

Barnaby interviews Peter, who says the game is to take back the secret of the ring. Peter says Ray is not his father and he doesn’t want to see him ever again. Angela says she told Peter that he was her husband’s son. “It's his birthright to know who he is. He's heir to the lordship and manor of Bantling.”

Sam Tate meets Jake Foley riding Bantling Boy. Tate says the horse looks champion. He’s heard he will be in a race next week. Sam is worried if Bantling wins, he’ll be more expensive.

Barnaby tells Ray he is free to go, but should not approach Peter. Ray leaves. Barnaby asks if Scott got anything off Lady Craxton’s computer. Scott says there is plenty to interest the Inland Revenue, but nothing they can use. Barnaby says he had to let Ray Craxton go. He asks Scott to follow Ray and not let him out of sight.

Sam Tate comes over to badger Angela. He says, “We had a deal. You can't back out now after everything I've done.” Angela says, “Anything you've done, Sam, you did for yourself.” Sam says, “And you're Lady Bountiful? Come off it, Angela. You're as ruthless as I am. We're two of a kind.” Angela says, “I hardly think so.” Sam says, “You think you can ditch me now? Now you can control Bantling Boy through Peter? No way!” Angela says, “Please, don't raise your voice in my kitchen. I will not change my mind.” Sam says, “Oh, yes, you will, Angela. Only fools and the departed never change their minds.”

At night, Scott watches Ray’s house. A dog barks, leaves rustle. Ray looks through photo albums of his family, slams down his glass and then leaves his house with a flashlight. He climbs over a hedge, runs through the graveyard and Scott runs after him, but loses him.

Joyce asks Barnaby,  “What's another word for con man? Nine letters, ending in R.” Barnaby says, “Ray Craxton's son Peter, he really is extraordinary.” Joyce says, “Fraudster.”  Barnaby continues, “He can remember Bantling Boy's pedigree back four or five generations. The sires, the mares, everything. And all by heart! ….That hadn't occurred to me. I never thought of that, even as a possibility. Something Scott said. (Flashback: Scott says, “It’s a quest: to take revenge on the Ring, the betrayers of the Secret. To redeem the honour of the Bantling.”) Barnaby looks up the word bantling in the dictionary.  

At Bantling Hall, Angela tucks Peter into bed.  Peter says, “Night, Geoffrey.” Angela says, “Say good night, Geoffrey.” Peter stares at Geoffrey. Geoffrey says, “Good night.” Angela says, “It's the three of us now, boys. Nothing more to worry about, Geoffrey, nothing, not now. This will be our family home for ever!”

Someone goes to a cupboard and takes out a hammer.

Plot Denouement[]

Scott calls Barnaby. He says, “Sir, it's Scott. I've lost Craxton. He's on the loose, I'm afraid.” Barnaby says, “OK, Scott. Get over to Bantling Hall as fast as you can.” Barnaby encounters Ray at the gates to the hall. They both hear screaming.  Barnaby and Ray race upstairs. Angela is yelling, “Geoffrey! No! No, leave him! Peter!”  Angela is struggling with Geoffrey, who has the hammer. Barnaby tackles Geoffrey, who says, “No, no, no, no, no! No, no, no, no! I don't want to! No! I hate you! I hate you! I hate you!”  Peter says, “You're a traitor! Betrayer!” Geoffrey says, “Leave me alone!” Barnaby says, “It was you, Geoffrey, wasn't it? You did all this killing. Bruce and Trevor, John and Joanna. It was YOU, wasn't it? But not by himself, Lady Hartley. Not by himself. He did it at Peter's bidding. Isn't that right, Peter?”  Peter just stares into space.

“On the night Bruce died, can you remember where you were about ten o'clock?” Geoffrey says, “Bruce upset Angela.” Barnaby says, “And that upset you, too, did it?”  Geoffrey says, “Yes! He was mean to her. And he wouldn't sell the horse to help Angela keep Bantling Hall.” (Flashback: Bruce yelling at Angela, “You and that half-wit brother of yours!” Angela sobbing).  Geoffrey says, “This is home, Angela. I want to stay here.” Barnaby continues, “So, you went out looking for him, Geoffrey.” (Flashback: Geoffrey says, “Yes. I crept up on him. He didn't see me. Then I found a hammer, so I…” smashes Bruce in the head.)  Geoffrey hid the hammer in the priests' hiding hole. Barnaby says, “The idea for that game, Geoffrey, that was Peter's, wasn't it? He has a lot of ideas, doesn't he...Peter? And you are his best friend, Geoffrey. You don't have secrets from one another. Bet you told him, didn't you? You told him what you'd done to Bruce.” Geoffrey says, “He said he'd tell on me if I didn't... and they would take me away and put me in prison!” Barnaby asks, “Why, Geoffrey? Why did Peter want you to do to the others what you'd done to Bruce?” Geoffrey says, “Because...! Because they betrayed the secret.” Barnaby asks, “What secret? That Peter was a Bantling?” Geoffrey says, “Yes. He overheard his mum and dad fighting about it.” (Flashback: Joanna says, “He thinks of himself as yours.” Ray yells, “He's yours! He is the bastard son of the Hartleys, that is what he is!” Joanna sobbing)

Barnaby says to Peter, “They'd been arguing about you, hadn't they, Peter? Your mother told your father that you weren't really his son. That you were...a Bantling.” Peter says, “Yes, I am a Bantling.” Barnaby says, “The word bantling was an ancient medieval term for...bastard. Isn't that right? And you knew that word, didn't you? From your medieval myths, and your codes of chivalry. You knew what it meant to be a bantling.” Peter says, “To wear the badge of shame, forfeit all honour, be mocked, scorned, outcast for ever.” Barnaby says, “And the Ring were the owners of Bantling Boy, who knew the secret.” Peter says, “They were the Possessors, sworn to keep it safe. Once betrayed, the Secret must be taken back.”  Barnaby says, “But how, Peter, how?” Peter says, “By the Knight Champion, with the Hammer Of Vengeance and the Pennant Of Pride in his hand. He could steal back the Secret Of The Ring.” Barnaby says, “And Geoffrey was your Knight Champion, was he? (Flashback: Geoffrey and Peter playing the computer game. Geoffrey says, “I want to be Lord Of The Manor now.” Peter says, “No, you're Knight Champion, Sir Geoffrey, brave and fearless.”) So, Geoffrey stole back the secret by silencing them one by one. That was his quest in that computer game that you created.  And you almost won that duel, didn't you? Eh, Peter? Colonel Hartley's Bantling Boy... ..and Colonel Hartley's title... ..would be all yours.” Peter says, “It's breeding. Class will tell. Horses and people alike.”  Ray explodes, “It wasn't a game, Peter! Peter…” Peter stares into space. Barnaby says, “I don't think he can hear us, Mr Craxton.” The police put Geoffrey and Peter into cars. Peter stares back at the crest above the door of Bantling Hall.

Scott says, “What I don't understand, sir, is why Geoffrey turned on Peter in the end.” Barnaby says, “Peter's last command to Geoffrey was to kill Angela, because she knew about his Bantling secret, as well. But Geoffrey liked Angela, she was his sister. He couldn't do it, so he turned on Peter instead.”

The detectives turn into the pub Hammer and Pennant. Barnaby says, “Tell the landlord we are onto the thefts in his car park.” The TV reports on the race: With just two furlongs to go Ruby Mist has Bantling Boy on his shoulder. Jake Foley sitting with a double handful. Foley asks for an effort now and Bantling Boy storms into the lead! And Bantling Boy wins his comeback race at a canter!  Barnaby cheers. He has made a “nice little killing” with his bet.


Cast[]

Galleries[]

Body Count[]

Prior to the Episode


In the Episode

Supporting Cast[]

Episode Images[]

Arrests[]

Geoffrey for the murders of:

Peter Craxton- Accomplice to:


Notes[]

The following actors and actresses who appeared in this episode have also appeared in the following episodes


Trivia[]

The Trials and Tribulations of DS Dan Scott:

  • Scott had to sleep overnight in the stables to protect Bantling Boy. He wore his suit and a coat and was cold. A mouse was in his blanket.
  • In running after a suspect, Scott took a tumble in the field and likely dirtied his suit/coat.

Quotes[]

DCI Barnaby: "Scott, the people in this syndicate that own Bantling Boy..."
DS Scott: "I - I met one of them yesterday, sir."
DCI Barnaby: "Yeah?"
DS Scott: "Trevor Machin. Lives in a wheelchair. He's got breath like a badger."
DCI Barnaby: "You can start with Trevor Machin, then. Where? Where exactly did you meet him?"
DS Scott: "Uh, the Hammer and Penant."
DCI Barnaby: "The Hammer and Penant, Scott? I thought you were supposed to be investigating car thefts."
DS Scott: "Well, I noticed that most of the car thefts took place in pub car parks, so I did a sort of tour."
DCI Barnaby: "Forensic pub crawl, was it?"

— DCI Barnaby talking to DS Scott as they leave the crime scene.
Angela Hartley: "Bantling Boy was just a homebred yearling when he willed it to the syndicate. Now it's worth thousands. Just another of life's ironies."
DCI Barnaby: "I understand there was some sort of argument at the meeting of the syndicate last night."
Angela Hartley: "They had an offer for the horse. Bruce refused to sell. His death will make the rest of them considerably richer."
DCI Barnaby: "How?"
Angela Hartley: "If one member dies, their share passes to the remaining members."
DCI Barnaby: "Oh I see."
Angela Hartley: "All of which is cold comfort to me. I shall have to sell Bantling Hall to settle my Husband's debts. It's been in the family 500 years. Devastating loss."
DCI Barnaby: "More devastating than the loss of your son?"
Angela Hartley: "Frankly, Inspector, yes."

— DCI Barnaby interviewing Angela Hartley after the death of her son, Bruce Hartley.




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