The peacefulness of the Midsomer community is shattered by violent crimes, suspects are placed under suspicion, and it is up to a veteran DCI and his young sergeant to calmly and diligently eliminate the innocent and ruthlessly pursue the guilty.

Frank Hathaway, a hardboiled private investigator, and his rookie sidekick Lu Shakespeare form the unlikeliest of partnerships as they investigate the secrets of rural Warwickshire's residents.

Six students — Vod Nordstrom, Oregon Shawcross, Josie Jones, Kingsley Owen, JP Pembersley, and Howard McGregor — are freshmen (save for second year Howard) at Manchester Medlock University. Having applied late to accommodation, they live in a shared, off-campus house in Whalley Range rather than the halls of residence.

Eccentric British painter J.M.W. Turner lives his last 25 years with gusto and secretly becomes involved with a seaside landlady, while his faithful housekeeper bears an unrequited love for him.

Each week, through their own selfishness and idiocy, we see Hannah and Dan — the worst brother and sister in the world — spectacularly wreck the lives of those around them — old friends, love interests, family members, and the unlucky individuals who just happen to cross their paths.

A trouble relationship is further provoked after a homeless man steals a jacket to cause Anarchy.

A violent street brawl between their rival families is the prelude to Romeo’s first encounter with Juliet. Despite this, and the fact that Juliet has been promised to another man in marriage, they fall in love. But any plans for their future happiness are cruelly destroyed by renewed violence between the two families – and while the adults remain almost comically preoccupied with their own affairs, among their children a hidden tragedy begins to unfold.