Ep 1. A Man Lay Dead

In Inspector Alleyn Mysteries season 1 episode 1, titled "A Man Lay Dead," we are introduced to Detective Chief Inspector Roderick Alleyn of Scotland Yard. The episode is based on the 1934 novel of the same name by Ngaio Marsh, and takes place at a country house party in England.

The party is to celebrate the 21st birthday of Nigel Bathgate, the nephew of the host, Sir Hubert Handesley. Guests include Nigel's friends, family members, and a few acquaintances of Sir Hubert's. The atmosphere is jovial and festive, but things take a turn for the worse when one of the guests, the Austrian Count Eberhard von Löwenjäger, is found dead in one of the bedrooms.

Inspector Alleyn is called to the scene to investigate, and he quickly discovers that the Count was murdered. The suspects are numerous, as everyone at the party had some kind of motive for wanting the Count dead. He was known to be a ladies man and had offended several people with his womanizing ways. In addition, he was involved in a business deal with Sir Hubert that had turned sour, and there were also rumors that he had secret information that could ruin the reputations of some of the other guests.

Alleyn, with the help of his assistant, Sergeant Fox, starts to interview the guests and investigate the crime scene. He soon realizes that everyone has something to hide, and it becomes difficult to determine who is telling the truth and who is lying. Alleyn is a thoughtful and observant detective, and he picks up on small clues that lead him towards the truth.

The episode is set in the 1930s, and it is interesting to see how the investigation is conducted using techniques that are now outdated. Alleyn and Fox rely on their intuition and deductive reasoning to solve the case, rather than relying on forensic evidence or modern technology. The lack of these aids only adds to the suspense and intrigue of the episode.

The acting in "A Man Lay Dead" is excellent, with each character playing their role flawlessly. The tension between the suspects and the detectives is palpable, and it keeps the viewer guessing until the very end. The setting of the country house party is picturesque and adds to the overall charm of the show.

In conclusion, "A Man Lay Dead" is an excellent first episode for Inspector Alleyn Mysteries. It is a well-paced, intriguing, and well-acted mystery that keeps the viewer engaged throughout. Inspector Alleyn is a fascinating character, and it will be interesting to see how he develops throughout the series. Overall, this is a must-watch for fans of classic mysteries and detective shows.