Ep 5. A Shot in the Dark

Set in the picturesque village of Middleton, "Pie in the Sky" follows the life of retired detective-turned-chef, Henry Crabbe, who finds himself caught up in the drama of crime solving while running his own restaurant. In the fifth episode of season one, titled "A Shot in the Dark," Henry's culinary talents take a backseat as he delves into a case involving a mysterious gunshot.

The episode opens with Henry Crabbe (played by Richard Griffiths) preparing for another busy day at his restaurant, Pie in the Sky. As his head chef Bill (played by Malcolm Sinclair) expertly instructs the kitchen staff, Henry receives an unexpected visit from Detective Inspector Montague (played by Bella Enahoro). Montague informs Henry that a gunshot was reported in a nearby woods, and as the local police force is stretched thin, they could use his expertise to assist in the investigation.

Reluctant but intrigued, Henry agrees to lend a hand. He arrives at the crime scene to find his former colleague and friend, Detective Inspector Freddy Fisher (played by Nicholas Lamont), overseeing the investigation. It becomes apparent that tensions are high between Montague and Fisher, as they debate the details of the mysterious gunshot.

As Henry immerses himself in the case, he discovers that the gunshot occurred near a notorious poaching hotspot. With this information, he decides to visit the local gamekeeper, Alec (played by Robert Reynolds), who has a reputation for being involved in illicit activities. Henry delves into the world of poaching, maneuvering through a clandestine network of hunters and the black market.

Meanwhile, Maggie (played by Bella Enahoro), Henry's wife, becomes suspicious of Montague's motives. She senses that there is more to the case than meets the eye and starts investigating on her own. Maggie's natural curiosity and intuitive skills lead her down unexpected paths, uncovering secrets that could threaten her own safety and that of their family. As she uncovers clues, a parallel investigation unfolds, adding a layer of intensity to the overall narrative.

Back on the poaching front, Henry uncovers an underground network of rival gangs, each vying for control of the illicit trade. He soon finds himself entangled in a dangerous web of deceit and betrayal. With each lead Henry follows, he inches closer to the truth but also closer to danger. Along the way, he encounters a cast of intriguing characters, including an enigmatic gunsmith, a secretive farmer, and a mysterious woman with a hidden past.

As the investigation reaches its climax, Henry finds himself in a perilous situation where he must confront the culprits and expose the truth behind the gunshot. With time running out and the delicate balance between law and justice at stake, he must rely on his sharp wit and impeccable culinary skills to solve the case.

"A Shot in the Dark" is a thrilling episode filled with suspense, twists, and unexpected turns. Henry Crabbe's resilience and determination shine through as he faces danger head-on, navigating through the dark underbelly of crime. As the episode concludes, the consequences of Henry's actions reverberate throughout Middleton, leaving a lasting impact on the characters and the viewer alike.

Note: "Pie in the Sky" is a fictional crime drama series set in the United Kingdom and aired from 1994 to 1997. The show showcases a unique blend of crime-solving and gastronomy, with each episode featuring a tantalizing murder mystery intertwined with Henry Crabbe's culinary exploits.