Ep 2. Episode 2

Sidney Chambers returns in episode two of Grantchester season three to continue his duties as a vicar in the picturesque town, but he'll soon find himself mixed up in another death investigation. The Easter week has come around, bringing more life and color to the bustling streets of Grantchester. Amidst the cheer and celebrations, Sidney is confronted by an old acquaintance- a sex worker named Tanya. She asks him for his help, which he reluctantly does, promising to look into her missing roommate. But, as it turns out, Tanya was not the only one asking for help that day, and soon Sidney finds himself in the midst of a murder investigation. The victim is Gary Bell, a nightclub owner, who is found dead on the dance floor of his establishment on Easter Sunday.

Sidney's old friend Geordie Keating, the local detective, begins his investigation with his usual skepticism of Sidney's helpful attitude. The evidence points to Gary's son, Barry, who had recently returned from prison after a six-year stint. With motive and opportunity on his side, Barry is the first suspect to be arrested. However, as Sidney and Geordie delve deeper into the case, they discover that Gary's business was in serious trouble, with debts that were piling up high. Moreover, his business partner, Colin, is discovered to be involved in shady dealings and money laundering.

As the investigation continues, Sidney becomes emotionally involved in the case, escorting Gary's grieving wife, Anne, around town and helping her to find solace in prayer. At the same time, he starts to question his morality, trapped in a conflict between his priestly duties and his desire to help those who are suffering from injustice. Amidst the somber backdrop of death and despair, the episode does provide some moments of levity- in particular, a scene where Leonard, Sidney's curate, must “lie” to the church authorities about Sidney’s absences. It’s a rare flicker of silly fun in a fairly heavy episode.

As always, the episode is visually stunning, with the beautiful views of the town of Grantchester contrasting with the darkness of the crime scenes. The period setting of the 1950s is impeccably re-created, with perfect costumes and props used to create an authentic experience. The acting is superb as usual, led by James Norton's nuanced portrayal of Sidney and his difficulties in balancing his vocation as a clergyman and his strong social conscience.

All in all, episode two of season three of Grantchester is a captivating whodunit that will keep fans of the show on their toes. The storyline is gripping, and the actors portray the nuances of their characters' personalities and motivations with aplomb. With its stunning settings, excellent writing, and outstanding performances, it is a must-watch for anyone who loves murder mysteries or period dramas. So settle down with a cup of tea and a slice of cake and get ready to be immersed in the glorious world of Grantchester.