Ep 3. The Hangman's Demise

Father Brown season 4 episode 3, "The Hangman's Demise" follows the unfurling of a series of murders that are committed against the members of the jury who were responsible for the conviction of a notorious hangman. This hangman, by the name of Jacko Argyle, was hanged himself almost 10 years ago, for the brutal murder of his wife and daughter - a crime he insisted he did not commit, and whose unreliability of the evidence was heavily debated.

The tension builds up as Father Brown finds himself in a quandary of solving the murders, while being morally conflicted about the guilt of the now-hanged Argyle. The case is further complicated by the fact that the murders seem to mimic the exact methods of execution that Argyle had employed to take the lives of his victims before he was apprehended.

The plot thickens as the jury is systematically targeted. At first Father Brown is alarmed to find that what appears to be a man of the cloth, reverend Belcour, has joined the jury as a stand-in. However, as the murders continue, it becomes clear that this is no man of God. Father Brown, with his keen intellect and investigative techniques, pieces together the clues and gets ever closer to the killer's identity.

Throughout the episode, the relationships between the various characters are explored and illuminated. The dynamics between the enigmatic hangman Argyle and his wife and daughter are shown in flashback sequences, bringing the characters to life even as they remain off-camera. The history between Father Brown and the reverend Belcour is also revealed and helps to cast suspicion in the reverend's direction.

As the episode reaches its climax, Father Brown discovers shocking truths about the murders, the killer's motivation, and their connection to the past. The reveal is a thrilling and emotional moment, which brings together the various plot threads that have been intertwined throughout the episode.

Overall, "The Hangman's Demise" is a classic murder mystery in the vein of Agatha Christie, with all of the intrigue, suspense, and twists that that entails. It is a testament to the quality of the show that it is able to maintain its high level of entertainment value even into season 4. The character of Father Brown remains a fascinating and nuanced lead, and the supporting cast holds up their end of the bargain by providing compelling performances and intriguing subplots. Anyone who enjoys a good mystery, or a good drama, would be well-served by watching this episode.