ITV Midsomer Murders fans distracted by major change to key character: 'Lot of time passed!'

The synopsis for the episode read: "Gated estate Challis Court is a tight-knit community for retired police officers, but when a new arrival is found dead, the other residents regard the murder as both an affront and a challenge.

"Barnaby investigates and realises that the killer is likely to be an ex-police officer too."

While plenty of fans were thrilled to have the show back on their screens, some eagle-eyed viewers couldn't help but notice how much time - narratively - had passed between seasons 22 and 23.

One character in particular sparked the discussion amongst viewers, as they noticed that Barnaby's daughter Betty (Isabel Shaw) had grown a lot since she last appeared in the previous season.

An avid viewer penned: "If ever I needed proof that there's always such a gap between episodes of #MidsomerMurders, it's seeing how Barnaby's daughter has gone from literal toddler to schoolgirl in a matter of no episodes at all."

"Betty has grown up so fast," another noted before a third said: "Betty must be the fastest-growing child in human history."

A fourth added: "I get the feeling a lot of time has passed (narratively) since the last #MidsomerMurders. 5-10 years, in fact. Everyone looks much older including Betty!"

It wasn't just the aging which sparked a conversation among viewers, as many shared their disappointment with the "boring" episode and begged the show writers to go back to the "early days" of the series.

One fumed: "This isn’t doing it for me. I prefer the early, funny ones. But the tweets are great! #MidsomerMurders."

"Terrible acting. Terrible casting. Terrible script. Just terrible. #MidsomerMurders," a second added before another agreed: "It’s always the most famous actor on #MidsomerMurders that did it! Fail-safe conclusion every time!"

Not all viewers were left unsatisfied with the episode as many were thrilled to see the team back together, including one who praised: "New Midsomer Murders, just what the doctor ordered #MidsomerMurders." (sic)

The backlash of the latest series doesn't bode well as rumours have begun to swirl that the programme could soon be coming to an end.

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According to Bookmakers betideas.com, the current odds for the drama to end soon are at 8/11 and prompted spokesperson Lee Astley to say: "The new series of Midsomer Murders was met with a mixed reception and with no confirmed date for its second episode, it appears ITV could be losing patience with its long-running drama.

"Series 23, whenever it does resume, could well be the last one to hit our screens, with the show now just 8/11 to be canned after the latest season is aired.

"Meanwhile, ITV bosses could look to keep hold of the show but instead give it a major revamp to appeal to new viewers, including a new cast, with Midsomer Murders 6/4 to receive a significant rebrand."