Masterpiece Season 10 Episode 1 Crime and Punishment (1)

Crime and Punishment (1) takes place in the 19th century and follows the story of impoverished ex-student Raskolnikov (John Simm), who lives in St. Petersburg, Russia. Raskolnikov has become consumed with thoughts of a moral theory in which some individuals are required to commit any crime necessary in order to serve a greater good. He begins to think about this theory more often and becomes fixated on the idea of whether or not he himself is capable of committing such a crime.

One day Raskolnikov sees his landlady, whom he owes money to, speaking with a friendly local official about how she will evict Raskolnikov if he cannot come up with the money he owes her. Raskolnikov grows agitated by this encounter and immediately leaves the room. He heads to a pawnbroker’s shop, where he hatches a plan to kill the pawnbroker by stealing her valuables and using the money to help himself and his family financially.

As Raskolnikov is attempting to execute his plan, things don't quite go as smoothly as he planned, and a series of twists and turns lead him to become even more unsettled. Raskolnikov's mental and emotional state begin to unravel as guilt and paranoia consume him, and he becomes the prime suspect in the pawnbroker's murder.

Meanwhile, detective Porfiry Petrovich (Ian McDiarmid) begins to investigate the murder, and his relationship with Raskolnikov becomes increasingly complex. Raskolnikov's sister, Dunya (Lara Pulver), and her fiance, Luzhin (Phil Davis), become involved in the unfolding events as well, adding to the dramatic tension surrounding the central mystery.

As the investigation deepens and more details come to light, Raskolnikov's guilty conscience and fragile mental state become even more precarious. He struggles to keep his true feelings and involvement in the murder hidden, all the while realizing that he may have committed an unspeakable and unforgivable crime.

Crime and Punishment (1) is a compelling and haunting exploration of morality, guilt, and the human psyche. With a talented cast, stunning period design, and a tightly-woven plot, this episode sets the stage for an unforgettable journey into the depths of the human soul.