Ep 1. Episode One

In the first episode of Grantchester's second season, titled Episode One, we find ourselves back in the charming village of Grantchester, where the local vicar, Sidney Chambers, continues to solve mysteries alongside Detective Inspector Geordie Keating.

The episode opens with Sidney attending the funeral of his best friend, Amanda's, husband, Guy. Amanda is struggling to cope with her loss and turns to Sidney for support, but their relationship becomes complicated when they share a moment of intimacy.

Meanwhile, Geordie is investigating the mysterious death of a local solicitor, Terry Price. The initial suspicion lies with his wife, who is the last person to have seen him alive, but as Geordie digs deeper, he uncovers a web of secrets and lies that lead him to some unexpected suspects.

As the investigation unfolds, Sidney becomes increasingly tangled in the case and struggles to maintain his objectivity as his personal connections to the suspects grow stronger.

The episode is filled with the show's trademark themes of love, loss, and redemption and features strong performances from the entire cast. James Norton, as Sidney, delivers a nuanced portrayal of a man torn between his duties as a vicar and his desire to be there for his friends. Robson Green, as Geordie, provides the perfect counterbalance to Sidney's introspection, with his gruff exterior hiding a deep compassion for the people he's sworn to serve and protect.

In addition to the central murder mystery, the episode also explores the various relationships between the characters, particularly the complicated dynamic between Sidney, Amanda, and her late husband. The show's attention to detail in its depiction of social norms and attitudes of the era helps to ground the story in its historical context while also highlighting how far we've come in terms of equality and acceptance.

All in all, the first episode of Grantchester's second season is a strong start that delivers on the promise of the show's first season. It sets up several intriguing plotlines that will undoubtedly keep viewers engaged throughout the rest of the season while also deepening our understanding of the characters we've grown to love. Whether you're a longtime fan of the show or just dipping your toes into the world of Grantchester, Episode One is the perfect introduction to another season of compelling mysteries and rich characters.