Ep 1. And No Birds Sing

Rosemary & Thyme is a British mystery TV series that premiered in 2003 and ran for three seasons. The show focused on two gardeners, Rosemary Boxer and Laura Thyme, who also had a penchant for solving crimes. In the first episode of season one, titled "And No Birds Sing," Rosemary and Thyme find themselves embroiled in a murder mystery while working on a garden at a local church.

The episode begins with Rosemary and Thyme meeting for the first time. Rosemary is a retired university professor and Laura is a former policewoman. They both share a love of gardening and soon become fast friends when they're hired by the church to restore its overgrown garden. However, their idyllic garden restoration project soon takes a dark turn when they discover the body of the church verger, who appears to have been murdered.

The local police are called in to investigate the murder, but Rosemary and Thyme quickly become involved in the investigation when they realize that the police are not taking the case seriously. They gather their own evidence and interview witnesses, all while tending to the garden and dealing with the church's stern Bishop. As they uncover more clues, they begin to suspect that someone within the church is responsible for the verger's death.

As they delve deeper into the case, Rosemary and Thyme discover that the verger was a former birdwatcher who had become obsessed with a rare bird that used to nest in the church's garden. They soon realize that the bird may hold the key to solving the murder and set out to find it. Along the way, they have to deal with a jealous church organist, a mysterious stranger who may be connected to the verger's death, and a shocking revelation that turns the case on its head.

Throughout the episode, Rosemary and Thyme showcase their skills both as gardeners and amateur detectives. They use their knowledge of plants and nature to gather clues and deduce the verger's movements before his death. They also demonstrate their ingenuity and resourcefulness, using everything from a runaway garden roller to a pinecone bomb to thwart their enemies.

"And No Birds Sing" sets the stage for the rest of the series, introducing viewers to the dynamic duo of Rosemary and Thyme. The chemistry between the two leads is palpable, as they banter and bicker while solving the crime. The episode also establishes the show's formula, which combines elements of cozy mysteries, gardening, and British humor. Fans of British mysteries and gardening enthusiasts alike will find much to enjoy in Rosemary & Thyme.