Ep 1. The Bearded Lady

Hetty Wainthropp Investigates is a British crime drama series that holds the distinction of being one of the earliest, female-led crime shows. The series was broadcasted on BBC One in the United Kingdom from January 1996 to September 1998. The series centers around Hetty Wainthropp (played by Patricia Routledge), an elderly woman living in Lancashire who becomes a private detective and investigates various cases. The show incorporates a mix of comedy and suspense, making it a unique show for its time.

In season 1, episode 1, titled "The Bearded Lady," Hetty Wainthropp, a bored and unfulfilled woman, who has just retired from factory work, decides to make a change in her life and pursue her lifelong dream of becoming a detective. When her husband, Robert, gifts her a magnifying glass and a book on criminal investigation, Hetty embarks on her journey as a private detective.

In her first case, Hetty is hired by a local businessman, Geoffrey Manners, to find his sister-in-law, Rosemary. According to him, Rosemary has run away with his brother's husband and stolen a large sum of money. While Hetty is initially hesitant to take on the case, she eventually agrees to help and sets off to London to investigate.

Hetty soon discovers that Rosemary had been working as a bearded lady in a circus in the city. With the help of a young street busker, Geoffrey Shawcross, Hetty starts to gather information about Rosemary's whereabouts. Hetty disguises herself as a fortune teller to get into the circus and search for the missing woman.

Throughout her investigation, Hetty encounters several colorful characters, including the circus owner, a ruthless ticket seller, and a group of eccentric performers. Hetty's keen observational skills and ability to think on her feet help her navigate the tricky situation and uncover the truth about Rosemary.

As the investigation progresses, Hetty begins to unravel a much more complicated scenario than a simple case of theft and disappears. She is increasingly aware of the rift Richard Manners's homosexuality has created between him and his family as well as the horror of being exposed as a bearded lady.

Hetty continues to dig deeper into the case, uncovering more secrets and lies along the way. She must use all her wit and intelligence to solve the case, rescue Rosemary, and bring the culprits to justice.

Overall, "The Bearded Lady" is a captivating and engaging introduction to Hetty Wainthropp's world. It sets up the tone of the series, introducing Hetty's character and her tenacious drive to solve cases. The episode is an excellent blend of suspense, humor, and drama, making it an enjoyable watch for fans of the genre.