Inspector Tom Barnaby played by the wickedly good John Nettles is a classic in crime dramas. The fact that the series is played with a bit of black comedy set among all the carnage pays off beautifully. I like the fact that Barnaby has a great home life, loves his wife and his daughter and his more than occasional glass of wine, while the rest of the world lies in debauchery around him. It takes the village mystery to a whole new delicious level.