Midsomer Murders season 17 episode 2 Recap and FAQ

Episode Summary

In Midsomer Oaks, a magic show fundraiser turns tragic when Hannah Altman is killed by a collapsing magic box, rigged with explosives. Investigations reveal deep-seated village tensions around paganism, led by Vicar Magnus Soane's wife, Lorna. The curate, Andrew Maplin, opposed to Gideon Latimer's magic acts, is found ritualistically murdered. Gideon's protective mother, Carole Latimer, orchestrates these murders to shield him from a past incident, involving Luke Altman, where a man died. Carole is arrested, revealing a tale of extreme maternal protection intertwined with the village's dark history and paganism.

Full Episode S17E02 Recap

### Scene: The Magic Show - **At St Cyprian's Church, Midsomer Oaks**: A magic show fundraiser is underway. - Hannah Altman plays the piano. - Gideon Latimer, a famous illusionist, performs in a magic box. - A tragic accident occurs: Gideon survives, but Hannah is killed by the collapsing box. - Investigators determine the accident was orchestrated with explosives. - DCI Barnaby and Sergeant Nelson begin their investigation, learning that Gideon recently moved to the area. ### Scene: Investigating the Accident - **At the Magic Show Aftermath**: - The police question witnesses and the illusionist team. - Gideon’s mother is protective, asserting her son's shock. - Luke Altman, Hannah’s husband, confronts Gideon, blaming him for her death. - The team discovers the magic box was rigged, suggesting a murder plot. ### Scene: Luke Altman's Grief - **At The Green Man Pub**: - Luke reveals he had marital problems with Hannah, including her affair with Rhodri Probert. - DCI Barnaby and Nelson investigate the dynamics of Hannah and Luke’s relationship. ### Scene: Tensions in Midsomer Oaks - **Various Locations in Midsomer Oaks**: - Gideon and his mother discuss the murder and its impact. - Curate Andrew Maplin expresses his disdain for Gideon’s magic, hinting at a dark history in the village. - Vicar Magnus Soane and his wife Lorna reveal church financial troubles, exacerbated by the incident. ### Scene: Andrew Maplin's Murder - **At the Pagan Temple**: - Andrew Maplin is found dead, masked and laid on an altar stone, evoking pagan rituals. - The team uncovers connections to paganism and Sir Hugo Melmoth, a historical figure with a dark legacy. - Luke Altman becomes a suspect due to his connection to the pagan community. ### Scene: Gideon's Struggles and Theories - **At Melmoth Hall**: - Gideon and his team prepare for another fundraiser amidst rising tensions. - Gideon’s focus on paganism and its integration into his act is revealed. - The team delves into the history of Sir Hugo Melmoth and his influence on the village. ### Scene: Unraveling the Truth - **Investigative Discoveries**: - The police unravel complex relationships and secrets among the villagers. - Connections between the victims, Gideon, and paganism come to light. - Luke Altman’s true identity and past are uncovered, deepening the mystery. ### Scene: The Final Showdown - **At Melmoth Hall - Midsummer Eve**: - A dramatic performance ends in tragedy as Gideon’s mother, Carole Latimer, is arrested for the murders. - The motive is revealed: a mother’s extreme actions to protect her son’s secrets and success. - The village confronts its dark past and the influence of Sir Hugo Melmoth. ### Conclusion - **Resolution**: - The village of Midsomer Oaks begins to recover from the tragic events. - The true motivations behind the murders are understood, revolving around familial love and the legacy of Sir Hugo.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who was killed during the magic show at St Cyprian's Church?

Hannah Altman was killed when the magic box collapsed.

What was Gideon Latimer's role in the magic show?

Gideon Latimer, a famous illusionist, performed a stunt involving a magic box.

How did the police conclude that the magic show incident was a murder?

They discovered the use of explosives in the rigging of the magic box.

Who is Luke Altman?

Luke Altman is the husband of the deceased, Hannah Altman.

What relationship issues did Luke and Hannah Altman have?

They had marital problems, including Hannah's affair with

Midsomer Murders season 17 episode 2

Murder by Magic