Ep 1. The Hammer Of God

"Father Brown" is a British crime drama series based on the popular stories by G.K. Chesterton. The show follows the investigations of Father Brown, a Catholic priest who has a talent for solving crimes in his small English village. Season 1, Episode 1 is titled "The Hammer of God."

The episode begins with the arrival of a new arrival in the village, Inspector Valentine. Inspector Valentine is dismissive of Father Brown's attempts to assist in the case of a murdered blacksmith, Peter Nicholson. However, Father Brown persists in his investigation and discovers that Peter was killed with a hammer.

As he delves deeper into the mystery, Father Brown finds himself caught up in a web of religious fervor. The village is in the grip of a religious cult called the Guardians of Mallory. The Guardians have strict ideas about sin and are convinced that God is punishing sinners with a series of eerie accidents.

Meanwhile, Inspector Valentine believes that the murder is linked to a case he worked on fifteen years ago. He thinks that a man named Henry Lee has returned to the village and is responsible for the murder. Father Brown is skeptical, but when another person is killed with a hammer, he begins to believe that there may be a connection.

Father Brown discovers that the Guardians of Mallory were involved in the previous case and that Henry Lee was wrongly convicted of the crime. He also uncovers a twisted plot involving a wealthy landowner and his greedy family. In the end, Father Brown solves the case and brings the murderer to justice.

The Hammer of God is an excellent introduction to the world of Father Brown. It showcases the unique blend of humor, mystery, and drama that makes the series so enjoyable. The performances are superb, with Mark Williams bringing warmth and intelligence to the role of Father Brown. Sorcha Cusack is also excellent as the matriarch of the Mallory family. The episode is well-paced, with plenty of twists and turns to keep the audience engaged.

One of the strengths of the episode is its exploration of religious themes. The Guardians of Mallory are portrayed as a dangerous cult, but the episode is careful not to mock religion or the religious beliefs of the characters. The show takes a nuanced approach to the subject matter, highlighting the dangers of fanaticism while also respecting the faith of the characters.

Overall, The Hammer of God is an engaging and entertaining episode of Father Brown. It establishes the show's unique tone and introduces the characters in a compelling way. The episode is well-written, well-acted, and full of surprises. Fans of mystery and crime drama will find plenty to enjoy in this excellent debut episode.