Ep 2. Gently With Class

In "George Gently" season 5 episode 2, titled "Gently With Class," Detective Inspector George Gently (played by Martin Shaw) and his partner Detective Sergeant John Bacchus (played by Lee Ingleby) investigate the murder of a young schoolteacher during the height of class-based tensions in 1968.

The episode opens with the discovery of the victim, Miss Olive Lacey, in her classroom by one of the students. Her body has been posed in a way that suggests the killer had a specific message to send. Miss Lacey, who had just started teaching at the posh private school, was well-liked by both her colleagues and pupils, and it's not immediately clear what motive there could be for killing her.

As they start to investigate, Gently and Bacchus learn that Miss Lacey's personal life is shrouded in mystery. She had been living under a false name, and there are whispers of a romantic relationship with one of her students. The two detectives are also met with a hostile climate at the school, as the headmaster and some of the staff are dismissive and condescending towards them. They quickly discover that the victim was a woman ahead of her time, with progressive ideals and a non-traditional approach to teaching, which made her unpopular with some of her colleagues.

The investigation takes a darker turn when they uncover the existence of a secret society among the students, calling themselves "The Sons of Lucifer." The group is made up of boys from wealthy and prominent families who enjoy breaking the rules and engaging in dangerous activities, making them prime suspects in the murder. However, as they delve deeper into the group's activities, Gently and Bacchus start to unravel a web of secrets and lies that go beyond the school community.

As always, the show is set against the backdrop of the social and political turmoil of the 1960s, with class divisions and student unrest adding complexity to the case. The tension between Gently and Bacchus, who have a well-established rapport by this point in the series, also adds an additional layer to the story. Gently, who is known for his adherence to traditional policing methods and gentlemanly demeanor, clashes with Bacchus's more brash and impulsive style. Their differences are highlighted in this episode, as they navigate the tricky terrain of the school's hierarchical structure and its implications for the investigation.

Throughout the episode, the audience is kept on their toes as new clues emerge, and suspects are cleared only to be reintroduced later in the story. The plot twists and turns, building to a satisfying conclusion that ties up all loose ends and leaves the viewer with a sense of resolution.

In conclusion, "George Gently" season 5 episode 2, "Gently With Class," is a gripping and well-crafted murder mystery set against the backdrop of 1960s Britain. The show's attention to detail and commitment to historical accuracy adds depth and richness to the story, while the performances by the cast are top-notch. This episode is a must-watch for fans of crime dramas and anyone looking for a riveting story that keeps them guessing until the very end.