Ep 4. The Sign of the Broken Sword

In the Father Brown season 3 episode 4, titled "The Sign of the Broken Sword," the beloved priest and amateur detective is on the case again. This time, he is investigating a murder in the sleepy village of Abbotsbury, where tensions run high between the local military base and the surrounding community.

When Major General Sir Timothry Gerard (played by James Cosmo) is found dead in his bedroom, Father Brown (Mark Williams) is called in to assist the police in solving the case. The investigation quickly reveals that the victim was killed by a blow to the head with a broken sword. With no murder weapon, no witnesses, and a list of suspects that includes the victim's wife, son, and fellow military officers, Father Brown has his work cut out for him.

As he delves deeper into the case, Father Brown uncovers a web of secrets and lies that lead him to suspect that the murder may not have been random. He also learns that the victim was a member of an elite society of former soldiers who swore to uphold a code of honor and protect their fellow members. But as Father Brown uncovers more about the society, he begins to wonder if their code of honor is worth killing for.

Throughout the episode, Father Brown must navigate his way through the labyrinth of false leads and red herrings to uncover the truth behind the murder. Along the way, he enlists the help of his trusted allies, including the loyal parish secretary Lady Felicia (Nancy Carroll) and the curious journalist Monty (Alexander Hanson), to uncover the secrets that have been buried for years.

"The Sign of the Broken Sword" is a classic whodunit that showcases Father Brown's keen intellect, sharp wit, and unwavering commitment to justice. Amidst the charming backdrop of the English countryside, viewers will be kept guessing until the very end as to who the true culprit is. With top-notch acting, clever writing, and plenty of suspenseful twists and turns, this episode of Father Brown is a must-watch for fans of classic murder mysteries.