Ep 5. Toil and Trouble

Shakespeare & Hathaway season 1 episode 5 is titled "Toil and Trouble" and it follows private investigator Frank Hathaway and his sidekick Luella Shakespeare as they investigate a case involving a cursed play. When a local theater troupe puts on a performance of Macbeth, strange things start to happen both on and off stage. The lead actor is replaced at the last minute with a former soap star, a critic is murdered and the theater's producer is convinced that the play is cursed. With tensions high and superstitions running rampant, Frank and Luella must determine if the curse is real or if someone is using it as a cover for their own sinister motives.

As they delve deeper into the case, Frank and Luella discover that each member of the theater troupe has their own secrets and motives. They investigate the relationships between the actors, the director, and the producer, trying to uncover any possible motives for murder. Along the way, they encounter ghosts, curses and hidden agendas as they try to solve the case.

As they work to untangle the web of lies and secrets surrounding the cursed play, Frank and Luella must also deal with their own personal issues. Luella's love life is complicated by a shocking revelation about her past, while Frank's estranged daughter returns to his life unexpectedly. Meanwhile, the investigation takes its toll on both of them as they deal with the pressures and danger of their work.

The episode culminates in a dramatic confrontation between the murderer and Frank and Luella, as they race against time to stop the play from being performed and to solve the case before it's too late. Along the way, the episode touches on themes of superstition, betrayal, and the power of performance.

Overall, "Toil and Trouble" is an engaging and entertaining episode of Shakespeare & Hathaway that will keep viewers on the edge of their seats. With its combination of humor, drama, and mystery, it provides a great showcase for the talents of the show's talented cast and the wit of its writers. Whether you're a fan of Shakespeare or just enjoy a good detective story, this episode is sure to satisfy.