Ep 2. Cunning Old Fox

Dalziel & Pascoe season 5 episode 2 is titled "Cunning Old Fox." As the episode begins, members of the local fox hunt discover a body in the woods, and Detective Superintendent Andy Dalziel and Detective Inspector Peter Pascoe are called to the scene.

The victim is soon identified as local antique dealer Maurice Ardern, and the investigation leads Dalziel and Pascoe to a tangled web of secrets and lies within the small community. As they dig deeper, they discover a possible motive involving a rare antique piece that Ardern had recently acquired.

Suspects abound, including Ardern's estranged wife, a rival antique dealer, and a local veterinarian who had been treating Ardern's prized hunting dog. But the detectives soon realize that the solution to the mystery may lie in the past, and they must unravel a decades-old conspiracy to uncover the truth.

Along the way, Dalziel and Pascoe must navigate longstanding personal and professional tensions, as well as the complexities of the case itself. As the investigation unfolds, they confront their own mortality and the fragility of the human relationships that sustain them.

"Cunning Old Fox" is a gripping episode that explores themes of greed, betrayal, and the enduring power of secrets. It is a testament to the enduring popularity of the Dalziel & Pascoe series, with its signature blend of compelling characters and complex plots. Fans of the show will not be disappointed, and newcomers will be drawn in by the engaging storyline and nuanced performances.