The Maid in Splendour is the fifth episode of the seventh series of the popular ITV crime drama Midsomer Murders and originally aired on 25th January 2004.
Synopsis[]
DCI Tom Barnaby and DS Dan Scott investigate the shotgun murders at The Maid in Splendour, a pub in the village of Midsomer Worthy. A local property developer is also buying up property in the area, much to the anger of some locals.
Plot, Part 1[]
Late at night, a man is going strolling through the woods and goes into a cabin. Someone stands outside and loads a gun. There is a knock on the door and Bella Monday enters and starts stripping. The pair dance in front of the window.
People gather at local pub, the Maid in Splendor. Owner, Stephen Bannerman gathers glasses. Audrey Monday marks off something on her clipboard. In his office, Michael Bannerman looks at a photograph of himself and his late wife. He pours himself a drink. Audrey comes into the room and says the extractor fan in the dining room has “packed up again.” Michael tells her to speak to Stephen. She says she did yesterday. Audrey says, “It's not good for you, you know.” Michael says, “It's only a small one. Don't tell Stephen.” Audrey says, “I meant sitting in this room looking at those photographs. It's time you got on with your life.”
Michael finishes his drink and then goes downstairs to the pub. He greets everyone. Stephen tells him to take it easy like the doctor says. After he leaves, Lorna Bannerman complains to Stephen, “Why can't he stay out of the way? How are we supposed to run the place with him hanging around?” Stephen says, “If it wasn't for my father, there wouldn't be a pub to run, so show some bloody respect.”
Jamie Cruickshank asks Bella if she’s doing anything that evening. Bella says yes she is. Michael asks Bella to “sort me out a large Scotch and put it in the usual place?” Jamie serves people out in the snug. His dad wants a full pint. Clive complains that Jamie didn’t give him a full measure. Michael comes in and redirects Jamie to get another case of claret in the restaurant. Michael tells Clive to go easy on Jamie. Clive says, “He's my son. I'll treat him as I see fit. Sons should be kept in their place.” Michael declines Clive’s money and offers free drinks to Wesley Sykes and Benbow. Clive says, “And talking of sons - I hear your Stephen's pulling this bar down, making it part of the restaurant.” Michael says, “ Oh, is that what you hear, Clive?” Wesley says, “I hear you're selling your garage to Lawrence Haggard and going to Spain.” Clive says, “Over my dead body.” Benbow complains about the notice saying “No work clothes.” Michael says not to worry about a sign going up. “Stephen's the boss now and, yes, he has plans and that's all right and proper. But everyone has always been welcome at The Maid and that's how it's going to stay.”
Bella takes a glass of whiskey and places it in a secret compartment for Michael.
At Barnaby’s home, he asks his daughter, Cully Barnaby, how the Midsomer Film Festival is coming along? Cully says, “Oh, great. The Erotica season sold out straightaway. Don't worry, I saved you a couple of tickets.” Barnaby says, “You must be joking.” Cully smirks at him. Joyce Barnaby says, “Lovely. Thank you, darling.” The doorbell rings and Barnaby asks, “Who on earth could that be?” Cully says, “It might be Dan.” Barnaby says, “Dan who?” Cully says, “Dan Scott, Dad. I bumped into him in Causton. He said he might bring some paperwork over.” Joyce says, “Don't just leave him standing on the doorstep, Tom.” Barnaby says, “How does the boy do it? He can smell a free meal at ten miles.”
At the door, Scott passes Barnaby the statistics he asked about. Barnaby reluctantly lets Dan in. Joyce gives him a dish and says, “It's a sort of stew.” Scott says, “A sort of stew. My favorite, Mrs B.” Scott starts to pour himself some wine, but Barnaby takes it away since Scott is driving.
At the pub, Stephen blows the horn indicating time’s up, the bar is closed. Clive tries to get another drink but Michael refuses.
Jamie asks Bella who the “lucky bloke is. She tells him to “Mind your own business.” Jamie gets mad when he sees Lawrence Haggard come in and slams down a glass and breaks it. Michael drinks his drink and winks at Bella.
Lawrence says hi to Clive Cruickshank as he puts on his coat to leave. Lawrence says to his friend, Marcus Poole, that Cruickshank owns the garage and the handsome house next to it. Marcus says, “Lovely property. Great potential.” Clive replies, “Yeah, well, stop licking your lips cos I'm staying put. You can wave all the money you like. I won't roll over like some people in this village. Now, out of my way, Haggard. I'm off home to my lovely property.”
After Clive leaves, Marcus says to Lawrence, “He could be trouble.” Lawrence says, “Don't worry, he'll come round. They all do in the end.” Lawrence and Marcus go to their car.
Plot, Part 2[]
MURDER 1: Jamie Cruickshank walks out of the pub. At the cabin in the woods, Jamie walks up to look in the window. He trips and falls. Jamie gets on the porch, opens the door. Then he turns around and starts to leave when he is shot.
The next morning, Wesley Sykes is out shooting with his dog. The dog goes to get the bird and doesn’t come back. Instead he finds Jamie Cruickshank.
Pathologist, Dr. George Bullard is examining the body when Barnaby walks up. The victim worked at the local pub, The Maid In Splendour. Bullard is disturbed as he knew Jamie from the pub. It looks like he was shot from behind with both barrels of a 12-gauge shotgun, range between 5 and 10 yards. Time of death was between midnight and 4 am last night. Bullard says, “I'll retrieve the pellets and send them to Ballistics after he's been X-rayed.” Barnaby says, “We'll need any fragments of the wad.” Bullard sharply says, “Yes. There should be some in the entry wound at that range.”
DS Dan Scott walks up with Jamie’s cap, which appears to be brand-new. Mr Sykes has handed his gun to Forensics. Barnaby wants a list of all the people with gun permits in the area. He wants the cartridges to match the firing-pin markings with the gun. Scott notes that the woods are full of old cartridges, but no new ones and none near the body. He also tells Barnaby that the divers will arrive in about an hour.
Inside the cabin, the detectives find a bed, candles, some wine bottles and some other furniture. Scott bags the bottle for prints. Barnaby says, “I don't see Jamie Cruickshank affording a 30 quid bottle of claret. If Jamie brought a friend here, chances are it'd be a girl.” Scott says, “This is the sort of place to bring totty when you've got nowhere else to go,” and pats the bed. Barney says, “That's beautifully put, as ever.”
The detectives go to Cruickshanks’ garage where Maureen Cruickshank is sobbing. Clive tells them he left The Maid about 11:15 and didn’t know what time Jamie left. Barnaby asks if Jamie had a girlfriend and Clive growls and says he had better things to do. Maureen says he was going out with Bella Monday until recently. She works at the restaurant at The Maid with her mother.”
When asked if he had a gun, Clive says Jamie had a shotgun, which is locked up along with his. He opens the gun cabinet and both guns are there. Maureen says Jamie was happy at The Maid. Clive says, “Michael Bannerman, he made this village. Stephen and that bastard, Lawrence Haggard, are tearing it apart. Incomer- Wants to use this village like a supermarket. He's bought the manor, the rectory, he's trying to buy me.” Maureen yells at him, “Will you listen to yourself? Our son has just been murdered and you're going on about Lawrence Haggard. This has nothing to do with our Jamie.” She continues crying.
Next the detectives go to the Maid In Splendour. Audrey and Bella are both in the pub. Michael tells the detectives he was in the snug. He says that Jamie was collecting glasses in the lounge. He lives on the premises- upstairs. Jamie was a good worker and everyone liked him. Barnaby asks if he was going out with a girl who works at the Maid. Michael says Jamie was keen on Bella Monday. Scott asks if Jamie was into guns and Michael says he did shoot. Michael says he doesn’t shoot anymore since his wife died and he had a heart attack. He also gave over the pub to his son.
Scott asks Michael about the legend of the “Maid in the Spendour,” referring to the painting on the wall. Michael explains the story.
At Cruickshank’s gas station, Wesley tells Clive that the police took his gun away. He says he hopes that Clive doesn’t think he had anything to do with Jamie’s death. Clive says no and that Wesley is about the only only person round here he trusts.
Next, the detectives interview Audrey and Bella Monday. She says, “I think Jamie left before me. I was waiting for Mum.” Audrey says, “I took a coffee and sandwiches up to Mr Bannerman before I left and we talked for about ten minutes. Then I came down to cash up in the restaurant. Jamie came in to say good night about quarter past eleven. Then I drove Bella home.” Bella mentions that Jamie asked her if she wanted to go out last night, but she was tired so she went home with her mum. She went out with Jamie a couple of times. He was very nice, but he was a bit young for his age. Bella says she never went up to the old cottage in Hunter's Wood with Jamie. She says he didn’t get along with his dad, who hated Jamie working at the Maid.
At a distance from the crime scene, Benbow is creeping around the woods. He picks up a cartridge shell from the ground. He looks around and spies another cartridge.
DS Scott goes to talk to Stephen. He says, “Mr Bannerman, do you mind if I ask you a few questions about Jamie?” Stephen says, “OK. Make it snappy, we open in quarter of an hour.” Scott says, “Business as usual, eh?” Stephen says, “That's right. I'm sorry about Jamie. He was a good kid. But life must go on.” Barnaby comes in and asks Stephen what he thought Jamie was doing in Hunter's Wood? Stephen says, “Fooling around, I expect.” After the pub was closed, Stephen did paperwork for an hour and a half. Scott asks if Stephen shoots and he says he does- he got a rabbit for the pot. Barnaby asks one last question, “What can you tell us about the relationship between Jamie and Bella?” Scott says, “We heard she dumped him, he was a bit miffed. Stephen says, “If Jamie was going out with Bella, it was in his dreams. He was pestering her, that's all. Told him to pack it in. It was interfering with their work.”
Outside, Barnaby asks Scott what he made of that. Scott says, “Typical country boozer, full of yokels and nutters.” Barnaby says, “Thank you, that's very useful.” "And as for The Maid," Scott says, "a bloke comes back from the war, his fiancee's still a looker, so he jumps in a pond, then she jumps in after him. I mean, you've got to be kidding me.” Barnaby then tells Scott not to drool when taking statements from attractive females.
Plot, Part 3[]
At the Maid in Splendour, Stephen calls time and asks people to finish up drinks. Clive comes in asking for a large brandy. Wesley tells him he should be looking after Maureen. Stephen gives Clive a drink and then offers drinks all round. Stephen tells the three, Benbow, Clive and Wesley, that soon the bar will be closing as he is extending the restaurant. Stephen says, “Ever wonder why you lot are the only people who use this bar? Because people come in, they see Worzel Gummidge here (Wesley), an old dosser who smells like a badger's armpit (Benbow)..and you... a miserable old piss artist who only opens his mouth to moan (Clive) - so they turn around and walk straight out.”
Clive throws his drink in Stephen’s face. Stephens grabs Clive and says, “I’ve been wanting to do this for as long as I can remember. You're barred, Cruickshank -for life. Show your face here again and I'll give you the beating of your life.” He shoves Clive away and he falls on the floor. Wesley says, “For the love of God, Stephen, the poor man's just lost his son!” Clive gets up and says, “Michael won't stand for this.” Stephen replies, “He isn't the guv'nor any more - I am. Now, get out!”
Clive goes out to his car and grabs his shotgun. Wesley says, “I reckon that was uncalled for, Stephen.” Stephen says, “I don't care what you reckon.” Clive comes back in with the gun. Bella walks in and then Michael. Michael tells Clive to put it down. Michael and Clive leave. Benbow says, “No work clothes.” Stephen tells him to get out.
Bullard gives Barnaby details about Jamie’s death: The wound's three inches across, so my guess is he was shot from four or five yards. Pellets were lead birdshot, the type used for birds and small game. 12 gauge shotgun.
Bullard admits to having a beer with Michael Bannerman in the pub now and then to talk fishing. He doesn’t know Stephen, who is not overburdened with charm and not trusted in the village. Rumor is he's on the payroll of that developer chap Haggard. Bullard says Bella Monday works in the restaurant with her mother. “There was something rather odd recently. I was in the snug one night with Michael and that rogue Benbow. We talked about pike-fishing. It was late. The pub had been closed for about an hour or so. And on my way out, I saw Stephen and Bella near the side entrance. I can't be sure, but it seemed to me they were in a clinch.”
Scott reports to Barnaby that divers drew a blank in the pond- no murder weapon, no luck in the wood either. They found old cartridges but no new ones near the scene of the crime. The gun was double barrel 12-gauge- standard size for birds and game. Scott lays files on Barnaby’s desk of people who have guns. Barnaby says it would be expensive to haul everyone in, but they could threaten to do so and see how people react.
Cully drives up at the police station. She says she was coming to see Scott. There is a Bergman season at the film society, which they had talked about seeing. So she invites Scott, who says yes. Barnaby remarks that, “Bergman, that's a bit heavy.” Scott says, “I don't know. It might be Casablanca- I'd watch that again. Ingrid Bergman's in Casablanca.” (This, of course, is not the Bergman to whom Cully is referring).
Barnaby goes to interview Lawrence, who shows him his gun. He has an alibi for Cruickshank’s murder. He admits to trying to buy his Cruickshank’s garage. Lawrence says, “His garage is failing badly. I made him a very generous offer.” As far as Stephen Bannerman, Lawrence says, “We may have paid him the occasional consultancy fee.” Barnaby says, “It must be useful to have someone on board who knows the village - who's in debt and so on -and might be susceptible to a...generous offer.”
Lawrence says, “You need an edge in business.” Barnaby asks, “Did Stephen help you buy that garage on the Causton Road?” Lawrence admits that he did. Barnaby says, “Sells the cheapest petrol in the county, I’m told. No wonder Clive Cruickshank's garage is failing.” Lawrence says, “You have done your homework, Inspector.” Barnaby says, “Well, you do need an edge in police work, Mr Haggard.”
Scott comes to ask for Stephen’s gun. Scott explains that they will be needing it for tests. The Ballistics people will fire the gun and compare the wad and pellets with those of the gun that killed Jamie. We'll ask everyone who can't account for their movements on that night.” Stephen says he doesn’t want Scott taking his gun, which he uses most days. Scott says he will get a court order if needed. Stephen replies that he can account for his movement. “Me and Lorna left the pub at around twenty to twelve. She dropped me off at Lawrence Haggard's. I was there till two, maybe three, in the morning.” Stephen didn’t tell the police before because it’s his “bloody business and nobody around here can keep their mouths shut.”
Scott bumps into Bella on his way out of the Maid. Bella looks upset. She comes up closer to Scott and tells him there was a big row in the snug the other night. Clive Cruickshank was drunk, so Stephen threw him out. Scott says, “Oh. Stephen must be a hard man to work for.” Bella says, “He's all right. Mum doesn't like it so much now his dad's retired.” Scott asks, “What about your dad?” Bella says, “He died when I was five. He had cancer.” Scott says, “Oh, I'm sorry, I've got a big mouth.” Bella pats Scott on his chest, “No. It's OK. Thanks for asking.” Scott gives her a card.
Bella puts a glass in the secret cupboard. Lawrence asks Stephen to come around after he’s locked up to sign the papers. Stephen says no, too many people poking their noses around after the Cruickshank business. Marcus says it has to be tonight as they are leaving in the morning. Stephen agrees. Michael sneaks to get his drink from the secret cupboard. Lorna sees him.
Plot, Part 4[]
MURDER 2: Later, Stephen leaves the restaurant and goes to the back alley. He is walking along when he is confronted by someone. Stephen asks them where they are off to. Stephen starts laughing and they shoot him.
The police come to investigate. Bullard reports it was a close range shotgun. There is no sign of the murder weapon. Lawrence Haggard reported the murder, as he heard the shots from his house.
Lawrence tells the police that Stephen was coming to see him. He didn’t want to come in case any villagers saw him. Stephen was coming to close the “deal.” Lawrence and Marcus are buying The Maid In Splendour. Stephen was going to carry on running it. Nothing would have changed except the profits. So Lawrence and Marcus came back from the pub to wait for Stephen. He didn’t want his wife or his father to know about his plan to sell.
As they are leaving Scott reports that Clive was in the pub the other night causing mayhem and Stephen threw him out. He bumped into Bella and she told him. Barnaby rips into Scott for not remembering to tell him this fact. Scott says, “It sort of slipped my mind. Stephen was alive at that point, so it didn't seem important.” Barnaby snarls, “I will decide what is important. If your mental faculties go AWOL whenever you bump into Bella Monday, you and I are going to fall out big time...as you would say.”
Audrey comes in the pub where Lorna is being interviewed. Bella is in Michael’s office and tells him that “Mum will look after you. You know how much she loves you.” Michael puts forward his glass wanting more scotch. Bella says, “No more, Michael,” and tries to reach for the glass. Audrey comes in and spies Bella stretched over Michael reaching for the glass. She tells Bella to go.
The detectives go to interview Lorna. She says she didn’t know about the deal to sell the pub. Someone comes in to talk to her about changes to make in the pub. He says, “We can't knock that wall down, it's load-bearing.” Lorna says, “Not now.”
Michael is in the snug with Audrey and Benbow. Audrey tells Barnaby that Michael is not in any state to answer questions. Barnaby asks if Michael if he knew that Stephen was going to see Lawrence last night and if he knew that Stephen was going to sell The Maid to Lawrence to Haggard? Michael says, “Don't talk rubbish, man.” Barnaby asks Benbow, but he claims he doesn’t know anything. Audrey escorts Michael to bed.
On the wall in the pub, Barnaby spies a photo of the younger Bannermans at the cottage in the woods. Benbow says Michael used to rent it for hunting parties & picnics in the summer.
The detectives go to talk to the Cruickshanks. Mrs. Cruickshank is putting gas into a car. She tells Barnaby that Clive is indoors, hungover, as usual. Jamie’s hat and jacket were recent presents from them. Clive tells the police that he didn't like Stephen, but he wouldn't wish him dead. When he threatened him with a gun, it wasn’t loaded.
Plot, Part 5[]
Scott reports, “Got some prints off that wine bottle in the cottage, but no matches yet.” Barnaby says, “We'll need some prints on the bodies for comparison.” Barnaby tells Scott, “I think it's a love story, Scott.” He thinks the lovely Bella is involved. Scott offers to chat her up and see if he can learn anything. Barnaby nixes this idea- they need to do a few things first- like see whose prints are on the wine bottle.
Later that night, Cully and Scott leave the movie. Scott apologizes, “I’m sorry, I thought you said Ingrid Bergman.” Cully says, “INGMAR Bergman.” Scott says, “Right. Gotcha. So the bloke playing chess is supposed to be Death, is that it?” Cully says, “Why pretend to be interested? You slept through most of it.” Scott sees a woman walking down the street and runs after her.
Benbow is creeping around in the woods. He goes over to the cottage.
The woman Scott is following is Audrey Monday. She goes to the graveyard behind the church where Michael is bending over a grave.
At home, Cully tells her parents about Scott’s behavior. “So then he spots this woman and hares off after her. It's the last I saw of him.” Joyce says, “I’m sure there's some explanation.” Barnaby says, “Don't count on it.” The doorbell rings- Scott tells Barnaby about following Audrey Monday. Scott says, “She was behaving suspiciously, so I followed her and Michael Bannerman was there at his wife's grave. They had a bit of a chat and then they er...you know ..they had a bit of a cuddle, sir.” Barnaby says, “Well, perhaps she was consoling him. Aren't you forgetting something, Scott? Cully.” Scott says, “Cully! I'd better go and find her.” Barnaby says, “Scott...she's here. And she's dying to speak to you.”
In the cottage, Benbow throws lighter fluid over the bed. When it is alight with flames, Benbow starts howling. (Don’t know why he didn’t just leave).
The next day, at the cottage, Scott reports that Benbow inhaled a bit of smoke. They're keeping him in hospital overnight. "He's lucky those woodentops heard him shouting.” Barnaby says, “They should never have let him in here. What did he claim he was doing here?” Scott says, “He'd a few drinks, thought he'd sleep it off, knocked over a candle and "bosh”…” Barnaby says, “Just after we'd asked him about the place. What a coincidence.” Then Barnaby sees Scott blocking the light. He asks Scott to stand in the doorway. Jamie's cap was brand-new, as was his jacket. Both very similar to Stephen Bannerman's. If Jamie Cruickshank had come up here that night to meet someone, someone who didn't know about his new outfit, and Jamie stood in that doorway, the murderer may have thought that Jamie was Stephen. Scott spies the initials up on a beam: “MB and AM.” Michael Bannerman and Audrey Monday. “Maybe that's what Benbow was trying to destroy. I'd say those were done long before Michael's wife died.”
Lawrence Haggard goes to talk to Lorna about the pub. She says it is not for sale. A workman starts hammering on a wall. Lorna goes upstairs to talk to Michael. It’s her pub now and she tells him he will have to move out of his flat. The architect reckons they can get five double rooms upstairs with full en suite. Michael tells Lorna it was a bad day when she married Stephen.
Barnaby goes to speak to Dr. Bullard. “Tell me about Michael Bannerman and Audrey Monday, George. They were having an affair, weren't they? And it all started long before Michael's wife died, didn't it?” Bullard says, “When Audrey's husband died, Michael looked after her and the girl. There was talk, yes. And when Susan died a lot of people thought Michael would marry Audrey.” Barnaby says, “But he didn’t.” Bullard says, “No.”
Scott comes in to report that Stephen and Jamie were killed by the same gun. Stephen's prints were on the bottle, but there are other prints, smaller ones. Possibly Bella Monday.
Plot, Part 6[]
The detectives go up to the Monday house. They tell Bella that she can talk to them alone, but Audrey shakes her head and holds Bella’s hands. Barnaby says, “You told me that you never went up to the old cottage in the wood with Jamie Cruickshank. Did you ever go up there with Stephen Bannerman?” Bella says, “No.” Audrey says, “No. My daughter would never do such a thing.” Barnaby says, “We found an empty wine bottle in the cottage with Stephen's fingerprints on it. There were someone else's prints on that bottle, too. Could be a woman’s.” Barnaby says he would like to see if the fingerprints match. Audrey says Bella works at the Maid so could have handled that bottle any time.
Scott says, “Who said the wine was from the pub? I didn’t.” Bella says, “Mum's right, it was. Stephen asked me to fetch it from the cellar.” Audrey says, “Stupid. Stupid. Stupid,” and slaps Bella. Then she says she’s sorry. Bella tearfully says, “Stephen was going to sell the pub to Lawrence Haggard. We were going to go to America. We were going to have children. Lorna isn't interested in children. All she's interested in is money.” Bella last went to the cottage the night before Jamie died. (Flashback: Bella comes in the cottage, hugs Stephen, slips her blouse half off. Then she hears a noise. Stephen says it’s probably a fox. They both drink some wine).
The night Jamie died, “Stephen and I were going to go to the old cottage..but then something came up. Stephen couldn't make it.” (Flashback: Lawrence tells Stephen, “We'd like you to look at our proposal. We think you'll be as excited as we are.” Stephen tells Bella that he can’t see her that night. “Haggard is going to make me an offer for the pub. This is important, Bella. This is our ticket out of here.” Bella tells him it’s OK, but he better find time tomorrow. Stephen tells her, “Soon we'll have all the time in the world.”)
Barnaby asks, “Are you sure Michael didn't overhear your conversation with Stephen?” Bella says, “No. He was at the other end of the corridor. There's a cupboard there. Sometimes he asks me to put a whisky in it for him.” Audrey says, “Bella! He should be cutting down.” Bella says, “If he asks for a drink, I can't say no.” Bella says she told her mum about her and Stephen. Audrey says she tried to talk Bella out of it. Stephen saying he would leave Lorna was the oldest lie in the book.
Barnaby asks Audrey if that is what Michael said to her? That he intended to leave his wife for you? Audrey replies that Michael has been a good friend to her and to Bella, for years and he was her boss.
Scott tells Barnaby that the hospital just called- they found gun cartridges in Benbow's pocket. Benbow denies all knowledge. The detectives go to the hospital to interview Benbow. He pretends not to know anything until Barnaby threatens to lock him up. Then Benbow says he found them in the wood. Wilkinshaw is the name on the side of the cartridges. They went out of business and ain't made a gun cartridge in years.
Plot, Part 6[]
Audrey finds Michael at the pond looking through the water. Michael tells Audrey he needs more time. Audrey tells him that Lawrence Haggard made her an offer on her cottage. Michael doesn’t want her to leave. Audrey says, then Marry Me!! Michael says nothing and Audrey leaves.
The detectives determine that the cartridges must have been bought before the 1988 Act when the law was extremely lax. Anyone could get a gun permit so old cartridges mean an old gun. Before the act a gun didn't have to be registered. When the law went into effect, some people didn't renew their certificates. But they hung on to the gun. The detectives go to look at the photo in the Maid. Lorna is removing all the photos and putting them in a box.
Michael goes to the Monday house and asks for Bella. Bella tells him her mum isn’t there. Michael wants her to go for a drive with him. He says it’s important, for Bella and her mother. It concerns the future and there's something he needs to show her.
At the Maid, the detectives hunt through the box for the photo of the Bannerman’s up by the old cottage in Hunter's Wood. Audrey’s husband died years ago and Audrey didn't apply for a permit or register the gun after
Michael takes Bella to Hunter’s Wood. She is reluctant, but he begs her to come with him.
Barnaby goes to ask Audrey about her late husband’s shotgun. The detectives ask to look around, but Audrey says no. So the detectives say they will apply for a search warrant and continue their conversation at Causton police station.
Wesley tells the detectives that he saw Michael Bannerman and Bella up in Hunter's Wood. They was heading for the old cottage and Michael had a gun. The detectives and Audrey head to the car.
Michael leads Bella to a log near the pond. He tells Bella he used to come up there with Audrey. Michael asks Bella to help him take off his boot, which she does and starts rubbing his foot. Bella says, “Mum's very unhappy. She thinks you don't love her any more.” Michael says, “I know. That's what we were talking about. It's all sorted out now.” Bella says, “Really? Are you going to get married? That'll be wonderful.” Michael says, “I can't marry your mother, Bella.” Bella asks, “Why not?” Michael strokes Bella’s hair off her forehead.
The police drive through the forest, sirens blaring. They all rush towards the cabin in the woods.
Michael shows Bella the old photo of Audrey. Michael says, “It's you, Bella. She looks like you.” Bella says, “She does not. Her nose is bigger and her eyes are closer together.” Michael says, “You're right. You're more beautiful than she ever was.” Bella says, “No, I'm not.” Michael says, “You look more like Audrey than she ever did. That's the reason I can't marry your mother, Bella. Because I'm in love with you. I realized when Susan died and I realized whatever time was left for me, the only person I wanted to share it with was you.” Bella says, “No. Please. Don't say things like that.” Michael picks up his shotgun. “So I've made a decision.”
The police continue rushing towards the cabin, dogs barking.
Michael loads his gun. He says, “I want to ask, Bella, if there's a chance, any chance at all, that you and I could make some sort of a life together.” Michael arranges the gun with his toes in the trigger. “If the answer is no... I've decided I can't go on. So what's it to be?” Bella says, “I'll always be your friend, Michael.
You know that.” Michael says, “My friend. That's not the answer I was hoping to hear, Bella.” He tries to shoot himself. Then he gasps, drops the gun and falls to the ground. As he dies, he says, “Audrey.” He hears Audrey’s voice saying, “It's all right, Michael. I'm here.”
The police carry off Michael’s dead body. Audrey asks Bella what Michael said. Bella says, “He said..he said he loved you...more than anybody.”
Plot Denouement[]
At the police station, the detectives interrogate Audrey. (Flashback: Michael saw Stephen talking to Bella.). Audrey was serving Haggard that evening. She overheard Stephen arranging to meet Haggard and then told Michael. Audrey knew Stephen would be walking along that path. Audrey says, “Michael hated what Stephen was doing to the pub. Jamie adored Bella. He was devastated when she dumped him. He followed her one night...found out who she was seeing. It was Stephen.” And Jamie told her about it and Audrey told Michael. Audrey says Michael would never have asked for the gun. She gave it to him. (Flashback: Audrey gives Michael the gun and lots of cartridges. “Then I told him about Stephen and the pub and Stephen and Bella. He flew into a rage. I've never seen anything like it.” )
Barnaby says, “What was it that made Michael so angry? Stephen's plans to sell the pub. You don't think it was jealousy? When he found out about Stephen and Bella. That's what sent him into his rage, isn't it? This is what it's all about, isn't it? Michael was obsessed with your daughter.”
Audrey says, “It was all Stephen's fault. Stephen hated me. He hated that Michael and I loved each other. Stephen would do anything to keep us apart. I just thought...if Stephen wasn't there, then Michael would come to his senses... and things could go back to the way they were.”
(Flashback: Bella: “Stephen wants me to meet him tonight...up in the wood. What shall I tell him?” Audrey says, “Tell him you'll go.” Bella, “OK. Thanks, Mum.” Audrey goes upstairs to Michael’s office. “I thought you ought to know -Stephen and Bella are going up to Hunter's Wood tonight.” Michael gets his gun and cartridges.)
Audrey says she wasn’t going to let Bella go and then Stephen told her he couldn't make it, but Michael had left. Audrey feels sorry for Jamie. (Flashback: Jamie walking in the woods, tripping on a branch. Going to the cottage, opening the door. Seeing Michael in the chair in the cottage. Michael shooting Jamie. Then Michael going to see the body and realizing it was Jamie.)
When Audrey heard what happened, she didn’t go to the police. She kept quiet because Stephen Bannerman was still alive. (Flashback: Audrey says, “Stephen is going to see Lawrence Haggard in half an hour. He's doing it, Michael. He's going to sell Haggard The Maid In Splendour.” Stephen leaves the Maid and goes into the alley. He sees his father in the dark. Stephen says, “Hello. Where the hell are you off to?” Michael says, “More to the point, where are you off to?” Stephen says, “Dad, are you pissed?” Michael says, “I want you to keep your hands off her, Stephen.” Stephen says, “Sorry, it's legally mine to sell.” Michael says, “I'm not talking about the pub!” Stephen says, “My God. Now I get it. You sad old man.” Stephen laughs and Michael shoots him).
Audrey is charged for Accessory to the murders of Jamie Cruickshank and Stephen Bannerman.
Scott watches Benbow outside the Maid. Barnaby walks in and returns the photograph and Lorna puts it straight in the bin. She has completely transformed the place. Lorna offers Barnaby a drink on the house when they open, but Barnaby says he preferred it the way it used to be.
Outside, Benbow complains about the sign saying “NO WORK CLOTHES.” He tells Scott he will be doing his drinking at The Cricketers at Badger's Drift now. Benbow says, “I hear Audrey Monday's going to prison.” Scott says, “You’re lucky you're not going too. Squirreling away those cartridges. You had a bloody good idea where they came from. If you cross me in the future, old man, I'll fit you up good and proper.”
Bella drives by in Lawrence Haggard’s car. Barnaby says, “So Bella's not going to throw herself into Lake Splendour, then?” Benbow says, “Michael Bannerman. He was having you on. Girlie never chucked herself into the lake. The old knight come back from the crusades. He goes straight to the manor. And there he sees her pleasuring his brother. So, he drags her up from the bed, kills his brother stone dead, and then chucks girlie into the lake.”
Barnaby grins and says, “Now that's what I call happy ending.”
Cast[]
- John Nettles as DCI Tom Barnaby
- John Hopkins as Sergeant Dan Scott
- Jane Wymark as Joyce Barnaby
- Laura Howard as Cully Barnaby
- Barry Jackson as Dr. George Bullard
- William Gaunt as Michael Bannerman
- Frances Tomelty as Audrey Monday
- Alan Cox as Stephen Bannerman
- Freddie Jones as Benbow
- Raymond Coulthard as Lawrence Haggard
- Sophie Hunter as Bella Monday
- Dave Hill as Clive Cruickshank
- Peter-Hugo Daly as Wesley
- Rachel Power as Lorna Bannerman
- Leon Ockenden as Jamie Cruickshank
- Stephen Beresford as Marcus Poole
- Elaine Donnelly as Maureen Cruickshank
- John Sackville as Architect
- Siobhan Hewlett as Amanda
- Mark J. Lovegrove as Villager (uncredited)
Galleries[]
Body Count[]
Prior to the Episode
Died of natural causes 17 years ago.
Died of natural causes in 2001.
In the Episode
Approached at the old cottage in Hunter's Wood and shot twice in the back with a 12 gauge shotgun while wearing a cap similar to Stephen's. (Not the intended victim)
Shot in the chest with 12 a gauge shotgun.
Died of a heart attack in the woods.
Supporting Cast[]
Episode Images[]
Arrests[]
Michael Bannerman for the murder of:
- Jamie Cruickshank
- Stephen Bannerman
This is the 17th time a murderer has died before arrest. Previous episodes where the murderer died before being arrested are The Killings at Badger's Drift, Written in Blood, Death's Shadow, Strangler's Wood, Dead Man's Eleven, Death of a Stranger, Judgement Day, Destroying Angel, The Electric Vendetta, A Worm in the Bud & A Tale of Two Hamlets.
Audrey Monday: Accessory to the murders.
Notes[]
The following actors and actress who appeared in this episode have also appeared in the following episodes:
- Elaine Donnelly - Garden of Death
- William Gaunt - The Dark Rider
- Peter-Hugo Daly - The Dogleg Murders
Trivia[]
- Alan Cox and Freddie Jones both appeared together previously in Young Sherlock Holmes (1985). The film also starred Nicholas Rowe, who appeared in "The Fisher King."
Trials and Tribulations of DS Dan Scott:
- About the cottage, Scott says, "“This is the sort of place to bring totty when you've got nowhere else to go,” and pats the bed. Barnaby says, “That's beautifully put, as ever.”
- When Barnaby asks what Scott thinks, he says, "Typical country boozer, full of yokels and nutters.” Sounds like Troy!
Quotes[]
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The Tale of The Maid in Splendour- This first version of the tale of The Maid in Splendour is told by Michael Bannerman
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- Benbow claims that Bannerman's version is all wrong and provides a different ending
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Goofs[]
- When Barnaby and Scott arrive to speak with Clive Cruickshank after Stephen Bannerman's murder there is snow on the lawns. However when they come out there is no snow.
- When Lorna Bannerman takes the pictures off the wall in the pub, she puts only one photo into the box in front of the one of the Bannermans and the Mondays. But when Sergeant Dan finds the box, there are three pictures in front of the one in question.
- Both corpses in the first two separate murders fall to the ground dead and their eyes are closed. When Bullard the coroner arrives on both occasions both corpses have their eyes open.
Videos[]
Midsomer Murders Series 7 Episode 5 - The Maid in Splendour Preview
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