Ep 1. The Infernal Serpent

Inspector Morse season 4 episode 1, titled The Infernal Serpent, follows the iconic detective as he investigates a heinous crime that takes place at the luxurious Randolph Hotel in Oxford. Morse finds himself under pressure to solve the case quickly, as the victim is the daughter of a prominent ambassador, whose government is demanding the killer be brought to justice swiftly. In typical Morse fashion, he finds that the case is far more complicated than it first appears, and the deeper he delves into the investigation, the more perplexing it becomes.

The episode begins with the discovery of the body of Dr. Felix McClure, a renowned physicist who had been staying at the Randolph Hotel in Oxford. The initial suspicion is that his death is a result of natural causes, given his age and health issues. But as Morse begins his investigation, it becomes clear that there may be more sinister factors at play. For starters, McClure's room has been ransacked, and it appears that something valuable may have been stolen.

As Morse probes into Dr. McClure's background, he learns that the deceased was involved in some cutting-edge research in the field of nuclear physics. Could someone have killed him to gain access to classified information? Further complicating matters is the fact that McClure's former mistress, Susan Fallon, was also staying at the hotel. Susan is a successful businesswoman with questionable ethics, and Morse begins to wonder if she might be involved in the murder.

As the investigation progresses, Morse finds himself grappling with a complex web of relationships that seem to have played a role in McClure's death. He is forced to dig deep to uncover old secrets, and finds himself somewhat surprisingly drawn to Susan Fallon, despite her questionable ethics and involvement in the case. Meanwhile, Morse's long-suffering colleague, Sergeant Lewis, keeps a watchful eye on the case and serves as a sounding board for Morse's theories.

The episode features plenty of twists and turns, as Morse gets closer and closer to the truth behind Dr. McClure's murder. Along the way, we see the charismatic detective grappling with his own personal demons, including his long history of failed relationships and his love-hate relationship with Oxford itself. While the case presents plenty of challenges, Morse's sharp mind and determination ultimately allow him to unlock the secrets behind The Infernal Serpent.

Overall, Inspector Morse season 4 episode 1 is a gripping and multifaceted crime drama that will keep viewers on the edge of their seats. With complex characters, engaging dialogue, and airtight writing, the episode demonstrates why Inspector Morse remains beloved by audiences years after its original airing. Whether you're a longtime fan of the series or a newcomer looking to dive in, The Infernal Serpent is sure to satisfy.