Ep 1. Gently with the Innocents

George Gently is a British crime drama TV series set in the 1960s and 1970s. The show follows the investigations of George Gently (played by Martin Shaw), an experienced and intuitive detective who refuses to compromise his principles in pursuit of justice. In season 2 episode 1 titled "Gently with the Innocents," Gently and his partner Bacchus (played by Lee Ingleby) are tasked with solving a murder case that seems disturbingly familiar to Gently.

The episode opens with Gently attending the prison execution of a young man named John. Gently had previously arrested and charged John for the murder of a young girl. However, as John is led to the gallows, he expresses his innocence and asks Gently to find the real killer. Gently is left haunted by John's words, and he decides to reopen the case and find out the truth.

Gently and Bacchus begin their investigation by revisiting the crime scene and talking to the witnesses and suspects again. They quickly discover that there may have been a miscarriage of justice in John's case, as there are several inconsistencies in the evidence and testimony that were presented in court.

As Gently and Bacchus delve deeper into the case, they discover that John's alibi was never properly investigated, and that there were other suspects who were not thoroughly questioned at the time. They also uncover a web of lies and secrets within the victim's family and personal life.

As the investigation progresses, Gently begins to experience vivid flashbacks and nightmares of his own traumatic past, which seem to be linked to the current case. Bacchus becomes increasingly concerned about Gently's mental state and tries to persuade him to take a break from the investigation. However, Gently is determined to solve the case and make amends for any mistakes he may have made in the past.

The episode builds up to a tense and dramatic climax, as Gently and Bacchus finally piece together the truth behind the murder. The real killer turns out to be someone close to the victim, and their motive is both shocking and heartbreaking.

Overall, "Gently with the Innocents" is a gripping and emotional episode that explores the themes of justice, redemption, and the consequences of past mistakes. It showcases the strong chemistry and dynamic between Gently and Bacchus, as they work together to solve a case that hits close to home for them both. Fans of the show will certainly not be disappointed by this intense and thought-provoking episode.