Ep 1. Devil's Bridge

In the first episode of Hinterland season 1, titled "Devil's Bridge," Detective Chief Inspector Tom Mathias arrives in the isolated and windswept town of Aberystwyth, Wales, to investigate the brutal murder of a young woman named Mali Pryce.

Mathias is a complex and haunted figure, with a troubled past and a tendency to keep his emotions closely guarded. He is an outsider in Aberystwyth, but that may be an advantage as he begins to dig into the case.

Mali was a student at the local university, and her body was found near Devil's Bridge, a picturesque tourist attraction in the area. Mathias is partnered with DI Mared Rhys, a local who knows the area and its residents intimately.

Together, they begin a methodical investigation that takes them into the heart of the town's close-knit community. There are many potential suspects, including some of Mali's friends and acquaintances, as well as a group of environmental activists who were protesting a new wind farm in the area.

As they delve deeper into the case, Mathias and Mared encounter resistance and suspicion from some of the locals, who resent the intrusion of outsiders into their affairs. They must navigate a web of secrets and lies to determine who killed Mali and why.

Meanwhile, we learn more about Mathias's personal life, including a strained relationship with his ex-wife and an ongoing struggle with addiction. He is haunted by a tragedy in his past, and it remains to be seen how it will affect his investigation and his ability to work with his new colleagues.

The Welsh countryside is a character in its own right, with its rugged beauty and harsh weather patterns creating an atmospheric backdrop to the investigation. Devil's Bridge, with its eerie legend of a pact with the devil, adds an extra layer of mystery to the proceedings.

The first episode of Hinterland sets up a compelling mystery with a cast of intriguing characters. Mathias is a fascinating lead, and the Welsh setting adds an extra element of intrigue to the proceedings. Viewers will be left eager to learn more about the investigation and the characters involved.