Ep 2. Breathe in the Air

Set in the 1970s, George Gently is a British crime drama series that follows the life of Detective Inspector George Gently as he investigates complex and often politically charged cases. In season 7 episode 2, titled "Breathe in the Air," Gently finds himself embroiled in a mysterious case that involves twisted family secrets, a local land dispute, and a suspicious death.

The episode begins with Gently and his loyal partner, Detective Sergeant John Bacchus, being called to the picturesque countryside of Northumberland. They arrive at the ancestral estate of the Armstrong family, a wealthy and influential landowning clan. The patriarch, Henry Armstrong, has recently passed away, and the circumstances surrounding his death raise suspicion.

As Gently and Bacchus start their investigation, they quickly realize that the Armstrong family is enveloped in a web of deceit and dysfunction. Henry's widow, Ruth, appears to be strangely detached from her husband's demise, causing Gently to question her involvement. Family members, including Ruth's two daughters, Jane and Ellen, and Henry's illegitimate son, Walter, all seem to have secrets of their own.

The plot thickens as Gently learns about a long-standing dispute between the Armstrongs and a neighboring community. The locals claim that the Armstrongs appropriated their land, stirring up tensions between the two factions. Gently suspects that this conflict may have roots in Henry's death and decides to dig deeper.

Amidst the investigation, Gently encounters a unique character named Richard Maguire. Maguire is an environmental activist advocating for the preservation of the local landscape against the encroachment of large estates like the Armstrongs'. His protests bring attention to the disappearing natural beauty of the area but also cast suspicions on his involvement in Henry's death.

As the clues unravel, Gently uncovers the Armstrongs' dark and hidden past. Secrets that were buried for years start resurfacing, revealing a history of betrayal, revenge, and greed. The tension between the family members rises to a boiling point, and Gently realizes that anyone could be the murderer.

With the clock ticking, Gently must navigate through the labyrinth of lies and half-truths to find the elusive killer. The investigation takes him to unexpected places, including the haunting beauty of the Northumberland coastline and the shadowy underbelly of the Armstrongs' connections with local authorities.

As the episode progresses, Gently's trademark intuition, sharp intellect, and relentless pursuit of justice are put to the test. The complex dynamics between the characters, the stunning period backdrop, and the underlying social commentary create a compelling narrative that keeps viewers on the edge of their seats.

"Breathe in the Air" is an atmospheric episode that not only explores the intricacies of a murder investigation but also delves into the deeper themes of identity, family, and the impact of social change. As Gently fights against the tide of corruption and deceit, he must confront his own beliefs and values, questioning the very fabric of society he is sworn to protect.

This gripping installment of George Gently delivers a thrilling and thought-provoking journey through a world filled with mystery, intrigue, and moral complexity. As the truth finally comes to light, Gently's pursuit of justice will forever change the lives of those involved and leave a lasting impact on the viewer.