Ep 1. The Honourable Policeman

In the season 3 premiere of Hamish Macbeth, titled "The Honourable Policeman," our beloved Scottish police officer finds himself entangled in a dangerous political game. The episode opens with a group of government officials arriving in Lochdubh, much to the surprise of the locals. The newcomers have come to assess the viability of the town hosting a military base, and the community is divided about whether or not they should support the proposal.

Hamish (played by Robert Carlyle) is wary of getting involved in politics, but he can't help but be drawn into the conversation when he discovers that one of the officials in charge of the assessment is his old college acquaintance, Major Forbes. They catch up over a few drinks and Hamish learns that Forbes is in a tight spot - he's been tasked with fast-tracking the military base project, but he's also secretly trying to undermine it.

Meanwhile, a local artist named Effie has caught the attention of the town's men, including Hamish's constable, Willie. But Effie has her sights set on bigger things than settling down with a Highland police officer, and she invites Forbes to a party she's holding at her home. Hamish is suspicious of the whole affair, but he's soon distracted when he receives news that a local man has gone missing.

As Hamish launches an investigation into the man's disappearance, he begins to uncover secrets that threaten to dismantle the entire community. The missing man's wife is carrying on an affair with one of the town's wealthiest landowners, and the landowner's brother is in cahoots with Forbes, using his political connections to ensure that the military base assessment goes smoothly.

Hamish's investigation takes him to some dark places, as he learns that the missing man had a violent streak and may have been involved with some unsavory characters. But he's determined to solve the case and bring the culprit to justice, even as the political machinations around him threaten to derail his efforts.

In the end, Hamish is able to crack the case and bring those responsible to justice, but not before he finds himself in mortal danger. It's clear that the forces at work in Lochdubh are more powerful than he had ever imagined, and he's left wondering whether he can truly protect his community from the dangerous outside world.

"The Honourable Policeman" is a thrilling and suspenseful season premiere that sets the stage for the drama and intrigue to come. With a cast of colorful characters, stunning Scottish scenery, and a gripping plot, this episode is a must-see for fans of crime dramas and British television.