Ep 2. Gently Upside Down

George Gently Season 4 Episode 2 - Gently Upside Down:

The popular and critically acclaimed British crime drama, George Gently, returns with a gripping and emotionally charged episode titled 'Gently Upside Down' in season 4. The episode opens up with a sequence where a group of men is seen hauling a car from the depths of a river. As the car surfaces, a body is discovered inside, and a murder investigation begins.

The body is identified as that of a young woman named Lisa Watson, who had been reported missing six weeks before. She had been last seen at a local bar, where she had gone to meet someone. The investigation takes George Gently and his team into the labyrinthine world of prostitution and drugs, and a seedy strip club known as 'The Paradise.'

Intriguingly enough, the case takes a personal turn for Gently as he is reunited with an old flame, Isabella, who he had last seen 20 years ago. She now runs a popular strip-club, 'The Paradise,' which is at the epicenter of the investigation. Gently's reunion with Isabella is more than just an awkward exchange, and the chemistry between the two is palpable.

As the case unfolds, Gently and his team uncover a web of deceit, jealousy, and greed that may have led to Lisa's murder. A ruthless and violent pimp named Jackie Stoker seems to be at the center of it all. Gently's investigation leads to some intense confrontations with Stoker, and the team eventually unravels the mystery behind Lisa's disappearance.

The episode is significant for its gritty realism, with the seedy underbelly of society being exposed in all its ugliness. It is also marked by some outstanding performances by the cast, with Martin Shaw as George Gently, delivering yet another fine performance as the avuncular and methodical detective.

The episode also gives a glimpse into Gently's personal life, with Isabella's appearance shedding some light on Gently's backstory, and providing a glimpse into his emotional world. It is a significant departure from the usual police procedural drama and adds a layer of nuance to the show's character development.

Overall, 'Gently Upside Down' is a captivating and engrossing episode that keeps the viewers on edge with its twists and turns. With an excellent soundtrack, stellar performances, and masterful direction, this episode is a must-watch for fans of the show and lovers of crime drama in general.