Ep 4. No Refuge

Set in the fictional town of Denton, A Touch of Frost is a British police procedural drama that follows Detective Inspector Jack Frost as he investigates various crimes and murders in the area. Season 3 episode 4, titled No Refuge, opens with Frost and Detective Sergeant Liz Maud, his new partner, investigating the robbery of a security van that has left one guard dead and another missing. The case takes an unexpected turn when a group of animal rights activists, who are illegally protesting at a nearby farm, claim responsibility for the crime.

As Frost and Maud delve further into the investigation, they discover that there is more to the attack than just a simple robbery. The missing guard, Harry Cross, is found dead in a nearby river, and it becomes clear that the animal rights activists are not the only suspects in the case. One of the security van drivers, Bruce Randall, also comes under suspicion when his alibi for the night of the robbery is revealed to be false.

Meanwhile, Frost is dealing with personal issues. His wife, Doreen, is still struggling to come to terms with their son's death, and Frost himself is haunted by nightmares about the accident that killed his son. As the investigation intensifies, Frost's erratic behavior begins to worry his colleagues, and he is forced to confront his personal demons before he can solve the case.

The tension in the episode builds steadily as Frost and Maud race against time to solve the case before another crime is committed. The dynamic between the two detectives is explored further as they clash over their differing approaches to police work. Maud is keen to play by the book and follow procedure, while Frost is more likely to bend the rules to get results. As they work together, they begin to understand each other's strengths and weaknesses, and form a strong partnership despite their differences.

No Refuge is a gripping episode of A Touch of Frost that showcases David Jason's excellent performance as DI Frost. The character's dry wit and unorthodox methods make for an entertaining watch, while the serious subject matter provides a thought-provoking commentary on the issues of animal rights and ethical farming. The episode also delves deeper into Frost's personal life, adding an emotional depth to the story that keeps the viewer engaged throughout.

Overall, No Refuge is a must-watch for fans of crime dramas. Its combination of compelling characters, intricate plot, and social commentary make it a standout episode in an already excellent series.