Inspector George Gently Season 4 Episode 1 Gently Upside Down

Inspector George Gently is a British television crime drama that follows the investigations of Inspector George Gently, played by Martin Shaw, and his colleague Detective Sergeant John Bacchus, played by Lee Ingleby. The show is set in the 1960s and is inspired by the novels of Alan Hunter.

In the first episode of season 4, titled "Gently Upside Down", Inspector Gently and Bacchus are called to investigate the murder of a young woman found in a car submerged in a river. The car belongs to a wealthy businessman named Michael Clements, who is convinced that his daughter, Lorna, is the victim. However, when Gently and Bacchus inform Clements that the victim was not his daughter, he seems strangely relieved.

The detectives soon learn that the victim is a local dancehall singer named Ruby Lane, who had taken on the identity of Lorna Clements in order to escape the abusive relationship she had with her husband, Teddy. As Gently and Bacchus dig deeper into Ruby's life, they discover that she was involved in a complicated web of relationships and secrets that may have led to her death.

Uncovering the truth about Ruby's murder becomes increasingly complicated as Gently and Bacchus encounter a cast of characters with their own agendas and motivations. Ruby's landlady, Mrs. Marnock, reveals that Ruby had a mysterious visitor the day before her death, while a local musician named Eddie Wells seems to know more than he's letting on. Gently and Bacchus also cross paths with a group of anti-nuclear activists who may have been involved in Ruby's death.

As the investigation progresses, Gently begins to question his own beliefs and methods. He is forced to confront the darker aspects of human nature, including the violence and corruption that exist beneath the surface of seemingly respectable society. Bacchus, meanwhile, struggles to balance his professional duties with the demands of his personal life, as his relationship with his wife becomes increasingly strained.

Throughout "Gently Upside Down", the show explores themes of identity, class, and gender, as the detectives navigate the complexities of a society in transition. The episode offers a nuanced portrayal of the era, highlighting both its promise and its limitations. It also showcases the strong chemistry between Shaw and Ingleby, who bring depth and nuance to their characters.

Overall, "Gently Upside Down" is a gripping start to season 4 of Inspector George Gently, offering a complex and compelling mystery that keeps viewers on the edge of their seats. With its richly drawn characters and evocative setting, the show offers a fascinating glimpse into a bygone era, while also speaking to the universal themes of justice and morality that transcend time and place.