Ep 6. The Numbers of the Beast

Father Brown, the popular crime drama series, is back with another intriguing episode titled The Numbers of the Beast. Set in the idyllic Cotswold countryside, the show is based on the classic detective stories of G.K. Chesterton. The series follows Father Brown, the Catholic priest who may seem unassuming, but is a shrewd and observant detective with a knack for solving even the most perplexing of crimes.

In this episode, a group of archaeologists discovers an ancient burial site while excavating in the local area. The discovery is a significant find that could rewrite the entire history of the region. However, things take a deadly turn when one of the archaeologists is found murdered on the site. It appears that the murderer must have been someone from their own team, and the local police are baffled as to who could have committed such a heinous crime.

Father Brown (Mark Williams) is soon called in to help with the investigation. As he begins to dig deeper into the case, he discovers a connection between the murder and a nearby boarding school called St Ignatius. The school is curiously well-funded, with no apparent source of income. This leads Father Brown to suspect that something sinister is going on at St Ignatius and that the school may be involved in the crime.

With the help of his trusty sidekick, Sid (Alex Price), and the local police, Father Brown sets out to unravel the mystery. As he gets closer to the truth, he faces a deadly game of cat and mouse, and his own life is soon in danger. But Father Brown remains undaunted, and with his sharp mind and a steady hand, he manages to crack the case in the end.

The Numbers of the Beast is a gripping and thought-provoking episode of Father Brown that will keep viewers on the edge of their seats. It tackles themes of power, greed, and corruption, and explores the darker side of human nature. The writing is taut and suspenseful, and the direction is skillful, creating a tense and immersive atmosphere throughout.

The acting is top-notch, with Mark Williams delivering another strong performance as Father Brown. His interactions with Sid are as delightful as ever, and there's some excellent supporting work from the rest of the cast, including Nancy Carroll as Lady Felicia and Sorcha Cusack as Mrs McCarthy.

Overall, this is a must-watch episode for fans of the series and for anyone who enjoys a good crime drama. It's a testament to the enduring appeal of classic detective fiction and a reminder of why Father Brown remains one of the most popular crime dramas on television today.