Ep 1. The Lost Boys, Pt. 1

The Lost Boys, Pt. 1 is the first episode of the fourth season of the Irish crime drama, Single-Handed. The episode begins with Jack Driscoll, the protagonist, coming out of a coma after being shot in the previous season's finale. Jack has returned to his hometown of Dromord, where he is thrown right back into work. The episode revolves around a case where a group of teenage boys goes missing in the nearby forest. Jack is called to assist in the search for the boys, along with the local police department.

The families of the missing boys are distraught, and tensions run high as the search continues with no success. Jack quickly discovers that the boys were involved in some illegal activities, and he suspects that this had something to do with their disappearance. Jack, being the seasoned detective he is, decides to delve deeper into the matter, and the case takes on a more complex turn.

As the investigation progresses, Jack realizes that there is more to the case than what meets the eye, and there are other factors at play that he must consider. In the foreground is a power struggle between the new town council and the locals who own the land where the boys disappeared. This puts Jack in an awkward position, as he wants to do the right thing by the families of the missing boys, but also wants to maintain good relations with the town council.

Meanwhile, Jack's personal life is also in turmoil, with his estranged wife seeking a divorce, and the possibility of losing custody of his daughter looming over him. As Jack juggles his personal and professional life, he has to make some tough decisions that will affect not only his future but those of the families who are relying on him to solve the case.

The Lost Boys, Pt. 1 is a thrilling and emotionally charged episode, which sets the tone for the season. The show's creators have done an excellent job of building the suspense around the case while keeping the audience hooked with subplots and character development. The performances from the cast are excellent, with Owen McDonnell's portrayal of Jack Driscoll being a particular standout.

Overall, Single-Handed season 4 episode 1, The Lost Boys, Pt.1, promises an exciting and suspenseful season, with a lot at stake for Jack Driscoll and the residents of Dromord. Viewers looking for a captivating, character-driven crime drama will not be disappointed.