Ep 6. Exit, Pursued by a Bear

Shakespeare & Hathaway is a British crime-comedy series which follows the adventures of private detective Frank Hathaway and his eager apprentice Luella Shakespeare as they solve crime in the picturesque town of Stratford upon Avon. The series is set in today's world, but with an unmistakable nod to the Bard – especially in the colourful cast of characters who populate each episode's storylines.

In season 1 episode 6, 'Exit, Pursued by a Bear,' Frank (Mark Benton) receives a mysterious call informing him that his estranged daughter is getting married and needs him to provide her with some music. Seeing this as an opportunity to reconnect with his daughter and earn some extra cash, Frank jumps at the chance and enlists Lu (Jo Joyner) to help him put together a band.

However, their musical aspirations are soon interrupted by a case involving a local celebrity. When the town's beloved bear mascot is found dead and a bloodied hammer is discovered at the scene, all signs point to foul play. With no shortage of suspects – including the bear's owner, his jilted lover, and a disgruntled fan – Frank and Lu must use their detective skills to catch the killer before they strike again.

As they investigate the case, Frank and Lu find themselves uncovering a web of secrets and scandal that threatens to upend the town's peaceful facade. Along the way, they encounter a cast of eccentric characters – including an overbearing wedding planner, a jaded ex-cop, and a shady limo driver – who all seem to have something to hide.

As the investigation heats up, Frank's personal life begins to intrude on the case. With his daughter's wedding fast approaching, he must navigate a tricky family dynamic while also trying to catch a killer. Meanwhile, Lu struggles with her own romantic life as she tries to balance her feelings for her ex with her growing attraction to a fellow detective.

'Exit, Pursued by a Bear' is a thrilling, fast-paced episode that showcases the best of Shakespeare & Hathaway's unique blend of comedy and drama. With its colourful cast of characters, clever plot twists, and nods to the Bard, it is a must-watch for all fans of crime shows and Shakespeare alike.