Midsomer Murders Star's Shocking Confession: Why He'll Never Rewatch the Show

John Nettles, the beloved actor who portrayed Detective Chief Inspector Tom Barnaby in the long-running British crime drama Midsomer Murders, has made a surprising confession. In a recent interview, the 81-year-old star revealed that he has absolutely no interest in revisiting the show that made him a household name. His reason? It's not what you might expect.

The Reason Behind Nettles' Decision

Nettles, who appeared in an impressive 81 episodes of the murder mystery drama between 1997 and 2011, explained his aversion to rewatching Midsomer Murders in an interview with The Times. He stated that after years of portraying the intricacies of police procedurals, from the initial investigation to the gruesome crime scenes, he's simply seen it all before. He eloquently described the feeling of being saturated with the genre’s tropes and tired of witnessing actors feigning death on screen. His involvement in the show spanned numerous years, days, and months, effectively leaving him feeling utterly saturated by the experience.

His words paint a vivid picture of his experience: “I’ve seen every trope, every curiosity, every plot manoeuvre that belongs to the genre, over and over and over again. I never want to see another actor pretending to be a dead body. It’s just too much. I’ve done it for so many years, for days and months at a time, 24/7, more or less.” He likened the process of filming the show to “building a wall,” meticulously crafted with great care. The idea of watching others 'build' that same wall, potentially with different materials, clearly holds little appeal for him.

Criticism of Modern Crime Dramas

Nettles' candid interview also extended to his thoughts on the current state of detective dramas. He expressed strong disapproval of the alarming frequency of violence against women depicted in many modern shows, deeming the trope “awful” and ever-worsening. He poignantly stated, “I tell you what is awful is the obligatory appearance of the tortured woman, the raped woman, the murdered woman,” adding, “Jesus, God. It’s very difficult to do that stuff and to use it as a bit of plot line. It gets worse and worse and worse.”

A Unique Appeal: Unreality

Interestingly, Nettles noted that part of the unique charm of Midsomer Murders resided in the often outlandish and sometimes unbelievable nature of the crimes. He explained that the “extraordinary murders” in the show contributed to its overall appeal, making the crimes seem almost unreal. This, in contrast to the grim reality presented in much contemporary television, seems to be a key differentiator for Nettles.

Legacy and Future Projects

Despite his decision not to rewatch Midsomer Murders, Nettles clearly holds fond memories of his time on the show. He expressed amazement at the global appeal of the series, noting its widespread presence in international territories and even a dedicated 24/7 channel in the United States. He has also shown support for the new Bergerac reboot, starring Damien Molony, but chose to forgo a cameo role to avoid “muddy[ing] the waters.” His continued relevance in the industry, even with his retirement, is a testament to his enduring impact on British television.

A Final Thought: Preserving the Craft

Nettles' decision not to rewatch Midsomer Murders speaks volumes about his perspective on his craft. His statement reflects a level of artistic integrity, highlighting the emotional toll involved in creating such a show and emphasizing the need to respect the integrity of his own carefully constructed work. His reluctance to watch others reinterpret his role is a sentiment echoed by many creative individuals who pour their heart and soul into their projects. The legacy of his work stands tall. A truly remarkable career.

His candidness about the prevalence of violence against women in modern crime dramas also serves as a noteworthy critique, prompting reflection on the portrayal of such sensitive topics in popular entertainment. His words, while reflecting personal preference, also highlight a wider conversation within the industry. His journey from Bergerac to Midsomer Murders has established a profound presence in the world of television and crime fiction, influencing countless other actors and creatives.