Ep 1. Picking it Up

Bergerac is a British detective show that aired in the 1980s. Set on the island of Jersey, the series follows the investigations of detective sergeant Jim Bergerac, a former Royal Military Police officer turned police detective.

Season 1 episode 1, titled "Picking it Up," introduces viewers to Bergerac and his team. The episode opens with the discovery of a body on a beach. The victim is identified as a local man named George LeFavre. While the cause of death is not immediately apparent, there are signs that LeFavre may have been involved in smuggling.

Bergerac is tasked with investigating LeFavre's death, which leads him to a local farm. There he meets farmer Jack Lemoine, who claims to have seen two men carrying a large package on the night that LeFavre died. Lemoine is uncooperative with the police, however, and Bergerac begins to suspect that he may be involved in the smuggling operation.

As Bergerac continues his investigation, he soon realizes that LeFavre's death may be connected to a larger smuggling ring operating on the island. He also begins to feel a personal desire to solve the case, as LeFavre was a childhood friend of his.

Throughout the episode, Bergerac faces numerous obstacles as he tries to unravel the mystery surrounding LeFavre's death. He butts heads with his boss, Inspector Barney Crozier, who is more concerned with keeping the island's reputation clean than solving the crime. He also faces resistance from members of the local community, who are protective of their smuggling operation.

Despite these challenges, Bergerac remains determined to solve the case. He enlists the help of local journalist Nancy Dee, who is initially skeptical of his theories but eventually becomes convinced that he is on the right track.

As the episode progresses, Bergerac gets closer to identifying the smugglers responsible for LeFavre's death. He also starts to uncover some of the personal connections between the various suspects and LeFavre himself.

The climax of the episode is a tense standoff in a warehouse, where Bergerac confronts the smugglers and tries to bring them to justice. It's a thrilling sequence that showcases Bergerac's courage and determination, as well as his ability to think on his feet in high-pressure situations.

In the end, Bergerac is able to solve the case and bring the smugglers to justice. Along the way, he forms a close bond with Nancy Dee and sets the stage for future investigations on the island of Jersey.

Overall, "Picking it Up" is a solid introduction to the world of Bergerac. It establishes the main character and his supporting cast, introduces viewers to the setting of Jersey, and sets the stage for future mysteries and adventures. Fans of detective shows from the 1980s and 1990s will find lots to enjoy in this engaging and entertaining episode.