Ep 1. Episode 1

In the first episode of Grantchester's fifth season, it's 1957 and the seemingly idyllic village is about to be rocked by a double murder. As always, the show's central character, Reverend Will Davenport (Tom Brittney), finds himself pulled into the investigation, even though he's not officially a member of the police force.

As the episode begins, Davenport is busy rehearsing with the church choir, but his attention is soon diverted when a blood-soaked man stumbles into the church yard. The man is one of the victims of the double homicide, and Davenport is quickly swept up into a whirlwind of police activity as they try to piece together what happened.

The second victim is soon discovered, and the police are particularly interested in a group of traveling fair workers who have set up camp nearby. Of course, this being Grantchester, things are never quite as simple as they seem, and Davenport soon finds himself drawn into a web of intrigue that involves not just the fair workers but also the wealthy landowners who provide their land.

Alongside the murder investigation, the episode also delves into the personal lives of the characters. As Davenport grapples with his own demons, Geordie (Robson Green) struggles to come to terms with the fact that his wife has left him for another man. Meanwhile, the curate Leonard (Al Weaver) finds himself torn between his faith and his sexuality.

Despite the serious subject matter, the show retains its trademark charm and wit. There are plenty of humorous moments, particularly in the scenes involving the fair workers, who provide some much-needed comic relief. The show also makes excellent use of its 1950s setting, with scenes set in the local pub and on the fairgrounds providing a glimpse into the changing social landscape of the era.

As always, the acting is superb, with Brittney continuing to excel as the charismatic but flawed Davenport. Green is also on top form as Geordie, bringing a depth and complexity to the character that is often missing from crime dramas. Meanwhile, Weaver brings a quiet strength to Leonard, who is struggling to reconcile his faith with his sexuality.

Overall, the first episode of Grantchester's fifth season is a great start to what promises to be another excellent run of episodes. With its intriguing murder mystery, engaging characters, and witty script, the show continues to be one of the best of its kind on television. Whether you're a longtime fan or a newcomer to the series, this episode is not to be missed.