The Great and the Good

Series Twelve, Episode Seven

The Great and the Good

Airdate

14 April 2010

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The Great and the Good is the seventh episode of the twelfth series of the popular ITV crime drama Midsomer Murders and was originally broadcast on 14th April 2010.

Synopsis[]

Connie Bishop annoys the neighbours with her constant cries that there is an intruder in her house and then a man is murdered in her garden. Then another man tells Connie he knows the murderer's identity and he is killed. Justin Hooper, a shy sculptor in love with Connie, stays the night in her house and sees her sleep-walking. Barnaby pursues his suspect to the Frobisher Night auction to catch the killer.

Plot[]

Teacher, Connie Bishop, screams out of her upstairs window. Neighbors, Vince from the pub, Laurence Mann, local womanizing handyman, and Justin Hooper, local sculptor, arrive at her house. Mrs. Stroud calls her daughter Imogen to go over to help Connie. Zukie Richardson calls her husband Howard, who is downstairs on his computer to tell him that the "schoolteacher is having hysterics again." Connie thinks someone is on the stairs or the landing. Laurence Mann says, "Don't you think he might have scarpered by now?" Jim Hanley, Neighborhood Watch, arrives. Justin says, "Connie thinks there's an intruder." Vince says, "Again." Laurence says, "Still on the landing, she reckons, having screamed the house down." Jim says, "Well, maybe we should suspend judgment, until we can ascertain what has actually occurred." Zukie and Howard watch from their house.

The next day, DS Ben Jones tells DCI Tom Barnaby that there was definitely someone in Connie's house. The officers who answered the call said she genuinely was very frightened. Barnaby asks, "What does she do, this lady?" Jones says, "She's the village school teacher." Barnaby says, "Oh, Connie. Connie Bishop. Yes, Mrs Barnaby knows her. Well, I've always taken her for a very serious, sensible young woman." Jones says, "Well, there's no sign of a forced entry. Windows shut, back door locked. She kept a spare key under a flower pot, though."

The detectives arrive at the school. Connie tells them that the school building was donated by Howard Frobisher 60 years ago. Connie is afraid she may be wasting their time. She thinks she must have been dreaming. Jones says, "The officers who attended the scene said you were sure it wasn't a dream." Connie says, "I do remember waking up and then hearing the noises. The footsteps on the landing and creaking floorboards." Barnaby tells her to change the locks on the front door and don't leave the spare key under the flower pot.

Zukie is having lunch with Jane Menzies. Zukie is a snooty, bitchy, trophy wife. She thinks Connie is too nutty to be in charge of the Frobisher Night Committee. Connie rides her bike to the Village Hall for the Frobisher Night Committee meeting only to find a sign on the door saying the meeting has been moved to Zukie's house. Zukie lives in a large mansion. Obviously, Zukie changed the meeting to throw Connie off. Zukie wants to put up a Marquee tent on the green and to invite more rich people to bid on auction items.

Imogen Stroud is in the pub with her mum. "It's not about raising extra cash for good causes. It's about raising her profile with the local bigwigs. The glitterati." Lettie Stroud says, "That's what ladies who lunch a lot live for." Laurence says, "She's right about us needing a new hall. The school gets way, way too much of the proceeds, anyway. And if we're honest, there aren't enough children to even justify it being there." Jim slams down his mug and says, "The school is the heart of the village. And the children are the future."

Zukie tells her husband, "I told her we could stump up the money for the deposit, but she just wouldn't have it. She has no vision. And fewer and fewer people attend each year...." Howard says, "When you say 'we' can stump up the money for the deposit..." Zukie says, "Oh, I'm sorry, babes. I should have mentioned it, but I didn't think you'd mind. It's only a few hundred. A thou at the most. Two. You don't mind, do you, Howie? You know how grateful I can be," and rubs his knee.

Connie says to her dog, "It's not about the money. It's about everyone taking part. isn't it?" She lets the dog out. It's raining outside. Connie gets a phone call. The dog whines outside. Later, Connie wakes up hearing noises on the stairs. She calls her dog- Mungo. The stairs creek. Connie goes downstairs. She finds her back door open and there are footprints on the step. She calls the police and grabs a knife. Connie runs outside screaming "Help me, please!"

Jones and Barnaby arrive. Jones says, "She's certain she bolted the back door before she went to bed...and when she came down, it was wide open." Connie says, "He must have got in when I let Mungo out, before I locked up. The phone rang, so I answered it. I was only gone a minute."

Murder 1: Gail Stephens comes in to get Barnaby. There is a dead body in Connie's garden. It's Councillor Jim Hanley, the Neighborhood Watch guy. Lettie comes over and hugs Connie. Dr. Bullard says Jim was stabbed with a very sharp knife. Connie goes to stay at Lettie's house.

The next morning, Connie arrives at school and Justin comes over to talk to her, but then chickens out.

Lettie and Imogen talk to Barnaby and Jones. Lettie tells Barnaby that she had a conversation with Jim at the pub. He'd had a few drinks by then, so she wasn't taking him too seriously. He said something about how sometimes secrets have to be revealed. Lettie tells the detectives that Jim resigned from the Frobisher Committee because of Zukie. They have to put up with Zukie and her cronies because her husband, Howard, has been so generous to the charity over the years. Imogen says, "We were wondering whether the man I saw outside Connie's house might have anything to do with it. He rushed off when he saw me. Otherwise, I don't think I'd have noticed. It was in almost the same place Jim Hanley was killed."

Justin goes to talk to Connie after recess at the school. But he gets nervous again and says he hears his phone and leaves.

The detectives go to talk to Mrs Richardson. They overhear Zukie arguing with her husband. She wants money from him. Zukie says, "It's far less than you donated to the school." Howard replies, "That was money well spent." The housekeeper interrupts them. Zukie says Jim was very fond of Connie, "it was...bordering on obsession"

At the school, Laurence Mann gestures through the window to Connie. He is going to drop by her house to look at changing her locks. Justin watches him from next door.

In the pub, Vince tells the detectives that, "God knows what old Howard sees in her (Zukie). No fool like an old fool. Started his own electronics company. Retired now. Put a shed-load into the village school. They've got the building as long as they want it now. All repairs and upkeep taken care of."

Justin confronts Laurence and tells him not to take advantage of Connie's vulnerable state. The detectives notice and go talk to them. Laurence says Connie's asked him to go and take a look at her front-door locks. They both go in the pub.

The detectives go to Connie's house. She has a planning notice on her fence. Barnaby asks about it. She would lose a lot of her garden if she builds an extension. Jim was always positive about the chances, but he's gone- he on the planning committee. Barnaby asks if she has a boyfriend. Connie says no and she can't really see the relevance. Barnaby tells her that they've heard that Councillor Hanley was interested in her... romantically. Connie says, "That's ridiculous. Jim was just a nice man. We got on well. We were friends. And I think it says more about the people making the accusation than the person they're accusing. I can probably make a wild stab at who it might have been."

At the pub, Lettie tells Justin she thinks Connie could do with a bit of company, now that she's back at the cottage. Vince says, "What about it, Justin? I'm sure she'd be pleased with a bit of company. Play your cards right - you could get your slippers under the bed and get your old house back into the bargain." Justin says, "That's not funny, Vince." Vince says, "Why not? We all know you hated selling the place. You could have your cake and eat it there." Justin asks Lettie, "How's Connie getting on, do you think?" Lettie says, "Maybe you should ask her yourself. If you care for her." Justin says, "It's just, every time I get near her, I start talking gibberish. I'm all right until I get close to her, and then some halfwit takes control of my brain."

Laurence inspects the locks at Connie's house. He mentions to Connie that at the pub, Justin was going on about how keen Connie is on him. 'Gagging for it' was the charming phrase he used. Laurence says, "He said he might hitch up with you, because he might end up living in his old house again. 'Having his cake and eating it' was the way he put it. Amazing how wrong you can be about people, isn't it? But then again, maybe it was just his idea of a joke." Connie is not pleased to hear this.

In the restaurant, Zukie tells Jane that the marquee's booked. She sees a friend come in and and begs her to come to Frobisher Night. Zukie says she will drop the tickets round. After the woman leaves, Jane says all the tickets are gone. Zukie says she'll sort something out.

The next morning, Justin sees Connie and greets her. Connie says to him, "I'm really enjoying living in my lovely cottage. I didn't realise you liked it quite that much. I've never 'gagged' for anything in my life!" and walks off.

Lettie tells Barnaby and Jones that Jim was chairperson and considered a bit of a tough nut when it came to planning applications. But he had thoroughly approved of Connie's. Connie's sister and the three children are moving in. She's had a bad divorce, and it was all very difficult, Jim was very pleased at the idea of more children in the village. Bolster the school numbers. Barnaby says they have heard the relationship between Jim Hanley and Connie Bishop described as...an obsession. Lettie says No. Mildly infatuated, possibly. In an 'older man, younger woman' kind of a way. But he would never have done anything.

Zukie goes over to Jean Fuller's house and asks for her Frobisher Night tickets back. The Fullers are, understandably, very offended by her request, but give up the tickets.

Murder 2: Laurence finishes up changing the locks at Connie's and then pulls out a bottle of wine from his toolbox. Later, Connie is out walking in the rain, carrying a knife and she hears "Kill him.' 'Kill him.' 'Kill him!" She remembers that Laurence wanted to stay overnight and she had him go sleep in the summer house. She goes out to the summer house and finds Laurence dead.

Dr. Bullard says, "I hope you find the killer soon, Tom. I'm looking forward to a decent night's sleep." Barnaby says, "I think Mrs Barnaby feels the same way, too." Dr. Bullard says, "From what I can see, the murder weapon is similar or the same as the one used on Councillor Hanley. And look at the way he's lying - it doesn't take much effort to cut a throat. There was a fair amount of alcohol. He was probably comatose. Time of death- 1:30."

Connie tells the detectives that Laurence had come over to change the locks, and then produced a bottle of wine. "We had a drink or two...He said he was too drunk to get home. I think he was making a kind of clumsy play to stay the night. I said he couldn't, but he could stay in the summer house, so I... And then I went back into the house and went to bed." She woke up after a bad dream and went out to the summer house to see if he was still there. Then Connie says, "Oh, my God. I've just remembered. Laurence said he knew who the murderer was."

At the Stroud's, Connie tells Lettie, "The thing I hate most about all of this is how suspicious it makes you of everyone. I just...I can't trust anyone. I'm not even sure if I trust myself any more. Sometimes I think I'm going mad. I can't believe what Justin said. I thought he was OK. Now I find out he's a complete... How could he? Apparently, he was telling everyone he thought he'd get hitched up with me, so he could get his old house back, and how it would be easy, because I was 'gagging for it'." Lettie says, "Justin didn't say that. Who told you? Was it Laurence? Laurence and Vince were winding Justin up. They were the ones talking about him having his cake and eating it. Justin was actually defending you. That swine Laurence must have been trying to put you off Justin to give himself a better chance. Justin loves you. You must know that. He's mad about you. It's just, he doesn't have the courage to tell you."

Jones and Barnaby discuss the case...Jones wonders, "If what Connie said was true... ..Laurence may have been killed to stop him revealing who the murderer was. How did the killer know Laurence would be in the summer house? {CLUE!}

Zukie stops to Jane in the middle of the road, blocking traffic. She's relieved they took over when they did as Connie is obviously in no state to do anything now. Zukie adds that she has managed to get commitments from two more local celebrities and an Honorable.

Jones and Barnaby ask Vince about Jim Hanley being found in the same spot where Imogen saw the Peeping Tom. Could Jim Hanley have been the Peeping Tom? Vince tells them that there were pointed comments from his wife before they divorced. She definitely gave the impression that he was one of life's voyeurs.

Jones says, "Being a Peeping Tom is pretty reprehensible behaviour, but having your throat cut seems a bit extreme." Imogen flags the detectives down. She says, "I saw Connie talking to Justin, and they had words. She was very off with him. Anyway, it was all because of a lie that Laurence told. Saying Justin was only interested in Connie because he wanted to get his old house back. Two years ago, when Justin split up with Claire... That's his ex. Lovely girl. Didn't deserve her. ..they had to sell the house, and Connie bought it. Anyway, I was thinking... if Justin found out what Laurence had been saying about him, he wouldn't be too pleased."

In the pub, Mr. Fuller says, "No, I was never too keen on Laurence, but that was not a nice way to go." Vince says, "Darts team will miss him. Pushed his luck, though, with his womanizing." Fuller says, "Hmm. That's true. There'll be one or two people out there with motives. Not mentioning any names." Vince says, "Yeah, but he's got to be on their list, though, hasn't he? What with his being smitten by Connie, and Laurence trying to muscle in on the two of them. I'm not saying he's the murdering kind, of course." Justin is present while all of this speculation is going on. Vince says, "Mind you, I'm not so sure you could say the same about the subject of his affections. Definitely a troubled soul, our Connie. What with her nightmares and sleepwalking and screams in the middle of the night. Who knows what's going on inside that pretty head of hers?' Justin defends Connie, "Connie's the gentlest of people." Vince says, "Absolutely. Lovely person. I'm sure you're right. But it's worth bearing in mind that anyone who's shown any amorous interest in her so far has ended up with their throat cut." Justin says, "I'm going off this pub." He leaves.

Connie meets Justin at the door of the pub. She invites Justin to come over for supper tomorrow.

Zukie is busy setting up for Frobisher Night. Jane comes by and says she hopes there isn't another murder.

Barnaby and Jones interview Justin. He says he didn't particularly like Laurence. Actually, he positively disliked him. He was a liar, full of himself, rude. Justin first met Connie when he was showing her round the cottage. He lived there with girlfriend. She walked out on him. She needed her half of the house, so they had to sell. Justin tells them to ask Imogen for his ex's contact details. They used to say they were going to yoga classes, and they were out on the pull together. '

Barnaby and Jones speak to Jane Menzies. Barnaby asks about Frobisher Night. Jane says Frobisher Night has never been cancelled. Howard Richardson's guaranteeing the fee. Though she is not sure quite how many of his millions he has now. Some trophy wives are just more high-maintenance than others. {Clue 2}

At the village store, Jones asks Imogen if she knows how to get ahold of Justin's ex-girlfriend, Claire Cooper. Imogen says she doesn't. She says that Justin and Claire went out with each other for a couple of years, bought the cottage together, and then they just drifted apart. They were never very well suited. (A woman screams).

Howard's dog has picked up a knife from the bushes. Zukie comes running toward the dog. Howard yells for the dog to Drop it! George comes by and says it could be the weapon used.

Mrs. Fuller talks to Connie at the school. She tells how Zukie made them give back their tickets for Frobisher Night. They've been going to Frobisher Night for 50 years. And Peggy and June were asked to give their tickets back.

Connie confronts Zukie about taking tickets back. Zukie bitchily says Connie's judgment's a bit clouded. "It's about raising money for charity, and your friends just don't have that much money to give." Connie says, "It's about the community contributing. They look forward to it all year. Well, I won't be there. I've already given my tickets to the Fullers. I want no part of it."

Justin goes to Connie's bringing a bouquet of flowers. Connie says, "I'm sorry. Look at me! I'm really glad to see you. Oh, what a day I've had. That Zukie Richardson - honestly...I don't want to talk about it. I just want to forget about her and enjoy myself. She won't be ruining this evening. Come on. Let's get some water for these flowers."

Barnaby says to Jones, "The first time that sleepwalking was used as a defense at a murder trial was Massachusetts, USA, 1846, when a certain Albert Tyrell was charged with murdering a...'lady of the night'... having set fire to her brоthеl. Huh. He got off scot-free." Barnaby goes home. Jones looks at photos of the murder scene.

Connie and Justin have dinner and discuss plans for the extension to her house. Connie tells him, "What a fantastic evening! I've really enjoyed it. There's a bed made up in the spare room. How would you feel about staying the night? It's just...it's my first night back in the house, and it would be really reassuring to have someone here. With me." Justin says, "I'd be happy to stay."

At the Barnaby home, Joyce puts in earplugs.

At Connie's home, there are sounds of floorboards creaking. Justin wakes up when his door handle rattles. Connie comes in his room. Justin says, "Connie?" She gets into bed with him and starts kissing him. Justin says, "Connie, are you awake? Perhaps you should wake up now. Connie...Connie... Don't you think you'd better wake up now, Connie? Connie! ( Screams ) Connie comes outside into Imogen's arms screaming. The police arrive. Jones tells Barnaby, "He's claiming Connie was sleepwalking. Came into his room and got into bed with him." Connie runs out and tells Barnaby she wants to talk to him. She says she should be locked up.

Connie tells them about her dream the night Laurence was killed. She had a knife in her hand and she had a voice inside her head saying "Kill him'... ..over and over. And the night Jim Hanley died... ..and I found the back door open... ( Sniffling ) ..I think there were muddy boot prints by the back door. My sort of size. And they got smeared with all the coming and going of the police and everything. But I don't know how they got there. I know I should have mentioned it before." Jones says, "So, you think you put on your boots in your sleep... ..went outside, killed someone, in your sleep?" Barnaby says, "Homicidal somnambulism. I don't believe in that, Connie, and I don't believe you should, either." She had a shower and any traces of blood would have been washed away."

Barnaby tells Joyce that Connie wanted to be in a prison cell tonight. For her own protection and everyone else's, she said. So, that's what they've done, to err on the side of caution. Of course, sleepwalking can be used as a valid defence against a murder charge.

The next day, Lettie and Imogen return their Frobisher tickets to Zukie. Zukie says, "We'll be able to fit in the Monroes, after all. You must know them. She's the model and he's the famous divorce lawyer." Lettie says, "Yes, I do. A couple of social-climbing non-entities. But I'm sure you'll get along swimmingly." Jane smirks in the background.

Jones released Connie from the jail. He says, "She was talking about booking in for another night tonight, so I said we'd play it by ear. Got a bit of interesting news, though. I've just been talking to Justin's ex, Claire, on the phone. Imogen contacted her after we'd seen her, and explained how we're trying to get hold of her. Claire says Justin wasn't violent at all during their relationship. If anything, he was too nice."

Barnaby looks at Connie's house. He thinks it all revolves around her house. Murder one on the pathway at the bottom of Connie's garden. Murder two in the summer house. Laurence's death. Barnaby says, "Let's assume for a moment, shall we, that Connie was telling us the truth? Laurence told Connie that he knew the identity of the murderer. But he didn't tell her the name. She told him to tell the police, because knowing the identity of the murderer meant that he might be in danger himself, from the murderer. But Laurence said that the murderer didn't know that he knew. And then he's killed. Murdered in his sleep. Cold-blooded, premeditated murder. As if whoever did it wanted to prevent their identity from being revealed... or just to get shot of a blackmailer. But how or when did they realise it was Laurence? Laurence was virtually passing out when Connie put him to bed in the summer house. He couldn't have talked to anyone. And Connie said that she didn't, either." Barnaby walks around Connie's bedroom and looks at the wire going to the stereo speakers.

Jones tells Barnaby, "They managed to get a partial print off the knife handle. It's Connie Bishop's. Well, it looks like she's tried to wipe it clean and missed a bit."

At the Richardson home, Howard is rehearsing his speech. Connie is at Justin's home. She notices that they have the same CD's. Justin tells her she can stay overnight, although he may have to tie her to the bed. People start arriving to Frobisher Night. Lettie watches from her house.

Barnaby, Jones and Stephens go to Connie's house. DS Stephens waves an electronic device over objects and it beeps when waved at the receiver. She takes the receiver apart.

Meanwhile, Barnaby explains to Jones:

If the killer could get into Connie's cottage while she was asleep, he could have pressed the knife handle onto her fingers.
She'd been drinking, had a bottle or two. The killer knew she wouldn't wake up easily. Could even have triggered the dream.
The killer might have been listening in. So Barnaby didn't see any harm in suggesting that Connie was their chief suspect. Lull him into a false sense of security.
Connie'd just had her locks changed. Apparently, she gave the spare key to Laurence for safe-keeping. But there was no sign of any key on the body.
The killer took the key to get into the house.

Stephens says, "That's interesting. It's not just a listening device. Someone's transmitting to here, as well. Connected to the amplifier and the speakers. The on-off switch has been circumvented." It can be turned on remotely.

At the Frobisher Night event on the green, people are milling about, drinking and talking. The DJ says, "Ladies and gentlemen, can you all take your seats, please?

At the Richardson home, Stephens is on Howard's computer. Stephens shows Barnaby the program. "OK. You can listen or play back recorded sounds. Or speak directly into the microphone." Barnaby says, "Kill him. Kill him. Kill him." At Connie's house, Jones can hear the sounds. Jones says, "It's quite effective. 'If you were half asleep, you might think it was in your head." Stephens plays creaking floorboards and footsteps. Jones says, "Well, I'd be reaching for the baseball bat. Fooled me!"

At the Frobisher Night event, Howard goes through his notes for his speech. He notices police cars parked outside the tent. Howard Richardson looks at his cellphone and sees that the police are at his computer. Stephens is on the computer and says, "And this is his trading software. Spread-betting account. And he's not doing too well." While they are looking at the computer, the webcam comes on. Stephens says, "I think you may have just lost your element of surprise, sir."

At the Frobisher Night event, Zukie tells Howard, "I think it's time now, darling. Can you turn that off?" Barnaby runs out of Richardson's house. Lettie sees the police car lights outside and calls Connie, who is kissing Justin. She leaves a message, "I'm sorry to trouble you, darling girl. But I think Zukie's Frobisher Night is about to be kyboshed"

Zukie's Comeuppance: Howard says, "I... I... ..have a confession to make." Someone in the crowd says, "He's not the murderer, is he?" (Everyone laughs) Howard continues, "I'd just like to make it clear that... (Barnaby and Jones run in the tent) I'd like to make it clear that my dear Zukie had nothing to do with any of it." Zukie says, "Howard, just do the speech we agreed." Howard says, "I shall miss you." Barnaby says, "Howard Richardson... I'm arresting you for the murders of Jim Hanley and Laurence Mann." Zukie says, "No." Barnaby says, "You do not have to say anything..." Zukie says, "Stop it." Howard says, "I'm afraid I'm leaving you with some money problems, as well. They'll be coming for the house keys any day." Connie and Justin come in. Howard says, "Connie, why were you so stubborn about keeping the school open?" Connie says, "This is about the school?" Barnaby says, "Yes. Howard wanted the school to close, so the ownership would revert to him. Those were the terms of the covenant. It was worth a great deal of money, and Howard needed it." Connie says, "So, all that stuff about supporting the school..." Zukie starts to cry. Howard says, "I'd like to go now, please." Zukie tries to grab him as he leaves. (Murmur of conversations) Jane says to those at her table, "You know, as a cabaret, I think we're going to have trouble topping this next year." Zukie stands looking sad. Then she smiles slightly.

At home, Barnaby explains to Joyce that Frobisher Night was a success. There was a bidding frenzy. They had a record night. They also got a full confession from Howard:

Jim Hanley was the Peeping Tom, and Howard caught him in the act. (Flashback: Howard took photos of Jim with his binoculars.) Howard knew that if the council granted Connie planning permission for the extension, and Connie's sister moved in with her three kids, then that school could go on for one, two years, at least. But Howard needed that school to fail, so he'd get back possession of the building...and sell it. But the good Councillor was not for bribing. (Flashback: Jim says, "I've decided to grant planning permission, so you can do your worst. And if you decide to tell people what you saw that night, I shall tell them that you tried to...to blackmail me... which won't do your reputation much good, either. It's up to you. Howard tells Jim, "Well, it's all sort of academic now, anyway. She doesn't want you to grant planning permission. What are you talking about? She's decided she can't face the thought of her sister and all the children coming to stay. But she wants it to look as if she's tried, so as not to upset her sister. Jim says, "I don't believe you. Howard says, "Well, look. Why don't we go and ask her? Get it from the horse's mouth. She'll still be up. I only spoke to her five minutes ago. Give me a moment. I'll just get a jacket.") Joyce says, "And he took the Councillor to Connie's cottage, to make it look as though Connie was involved." Barnaby says, "Initially, it was to get him away from his own house - that's what he said." (Flashback: When he saw Connie go to the back door of her cottage to let the dog out, he thought, "Ah, I'll take advantage of that."' He slices Jim's throat) He said it was an opportunity he could not refuse.' So, he nipped inside, hid, waited for Connie to go to bed, and then, using her boots, put her muddy footprints by her back door." Joyce asks about the builder- (Flashback: Howard found out that Laurence knew he was the murderer and was blackmailing him, to boot, well, he had no choice. He slits Laurence's throat.). Barnaby continues, "Then all Howard had to do... ..was to put Connie's fingerprints on the end of the knife, and leave that knife where it could easily be found, as indeed it was, by the little dog." Howard put all those transmitters in the house himself. "Electrical engineer. Boffin par excellence, apparently." Joyce says, "You can't trust anyone." Barnaby says, "No, you can't. Well, we can hope we get a decent night's sleep tonight." Joyce says, "I wouldn't count on it." They turn out the lights.