John Nettles Critiques Crime Dramas and Refuses to Rewatch 'Midsomer Murders'
John Nettles, who became a household name through his role as the meticulous Detective Chief Inspector Tom Barnaby in the popular British series Midsomer Murders, has made an intriguing confession: He has no plans to watch the show ever again. During his tenure from 1997 to 2011, Nettles embodied the character of Barnaby for 81 gripping episodes, captivating audiences with his sleuthing skills. Yet, he now finds himself disenchanted with the very genre that brought him fame.
Nettles has voiced a sharp critique against the repetitive plotlines that appear to plague crime dramas. "I've encountered every trope, every curious twist, every strategy used in these mysteries," Nettles commented, likening his experience to the monotonous task of 'building a wall'. For him, the redundancy of the genre has drained the enjoyment from watching them unravel on screen. The predictability, he suggests, strips the stories of their fresh allure.
But it’s not only the redundancy that Nettles can't stomach. He also finds the escalating trend of violence, especially against women in alleged 'modern detective' series, deeply concerning. "It's awful," Nettles remarked, emphasizing how this unsavory element is worsening. This distaste for increasing on-screen brutality adds another layer to his decision to distance himself from watching crime dramas, despite the nostalgia he might have had.
Continuing his steadfast stance on his past roles, Nettles turned down an offer for a cameo in the reboot of another well-loved series, Bergerac. In this earlier series, Nettles also played the lead role, solidifying his place in the detective drama hall of fame. Declining the cameo wasn't an easy decision, but as Nettles put it, he wished to avoid 'muddying the waters' as Damian Molony steps into the shoes of his iconic character.
In Midsomer Murders, the baton was passed to actor Neil Dudgeon, who took over as DCI John Barnaby, Tom Barnaby’s cousin. Nettles' departure marked the end of an era for the series, yet the show continues to thrive without him, proving its undeniable popularity. Meanwhile, Nettles seems content with his choice, standing by his critique of the shows that once made him a star.