Ep 1. Pilot: Agatha Raisin & The Quiche of Death

Pilot: Agatha Raisin & The Quiche of Death is the first episode of the British detective comedy-drama series Agatha Raisin. The episode is based on the first novel in the Agatha Raisin series, written by Marion Chesney.

The show follows the life of Agatha Raisin, a public relations executive turned amateur detective, who moves from London to the idyllic village of Carsely in the Cotswolds. As she tries to fit into the community, she becomes entangled in a murder investigation.

The episode begins with Agatha (played by Ashley Jensen) resigning from her job in London and moving to the picturesque village of Carsely. She is ready for a quiet life, but she soon realizes that the seemingly peaceful village is not as innocent as it seems. In an attempt to impress the members of the village's Women's Institute, Agatha enters a quiche competition, but her quiche is found to be poisonous, resulting in the death of the judge, Mr. Cummings-Browne.

The police investigate the case, and Agatha is determined to clear her name, as she believes someone tampered with her quiche. She joins forces with James Lacey (played by Jamie Glover), a wealthy and charming retired military man, who becomes her love interest throughout the series. Their investigations lead them to the real culprit, who is eventually brought to justice.

The episode introduces the viewers to the quirky characters that make up the village of Carsely, including Mrs. Bloxby (played by Lucy Liemann), the vicar's wife, who quickly becomes Agatha's confidante and ally in her attempts to solve the murder mystery. The episode also shows the charming countryside of the Cotswolds, which becomes an integral part of the show's setting.

Overall, the episode sets the tone for the rest of the series, with its witty humor, engaging plot, and charming characters. Ashley Jensen, who was known for her role as Christina McKinney in the US television series Ugly Betty, delivers an excellent performance as the titular character, Agatha Raisin.

Pilot: Agatha Raisin & The Quiche of Death is a delightful and entertaining episode that sets the stage for a stellar series that will leave viewers wanting more. The episode introduces us to the world of Agatha Raisin, a world filled with delightful characters, picturesque landscapes, and intriguing mysteries. The series is a must-watch for fans of British crime dramas and fans of cozy mysteries.