Ep 1. Strange Affair (1)

The third season of DCI Banks begins with an episode entitled "Strange Affair (1)". This episode sees Detective Chief Inspector Alan Banks returning to work after a difficult period in his personal life. He is thrown back into the world of crime-solving with a case that seems to hit close to home.

A woman named Sarah Rowland has gone missing, and her husband Rob is the prime suspect. As Banks and his team investigate, they uncover a web of secrets and lies that suggests Sarah's disappearance may be connected to a larger criminal conspiracy.

Banks is aided in his investigation by his capable team, including his partner Detective Sergeant Annie Cabbot, and new addition to the team Detective Constable Ken Blackstone. The team soon discovers that Sarah was not the perfect wife and mother she appeared to be, and that there are many people who might have wanted her out of the picture.

One major suspect is Sarah's employer, a wealthy businessman named Marcus Payne. Payne had been funding Sarah's charity work, but Banks and his team soon discover that Payne's generosity may have been a cover for something more sinister.

As the investigation progresses, Banks must confront his own personal demons and the toll that his work has taken on his personal life. He must also fend off pressure from his superior, Superintendent Gerry Rydell, who wants to wrap up the case quickly and quietly.

The tension builds as Banks and his team race to uncover the truth about Sarah's disappearance and bring her abductor to justice. Along the way, they must navigate a tangled web of family secrets, professional rivalries, and personal betrayals.

"Strange Affair (1)" sets the stage for an intense and emotionally charged season of DCI Banks. As always, the show features strong performances from its talented ensemble cast and gripping storytelling that will keep viewers on the edge of their seats.