Shakespeare & Hathaway Season 4 Episode 1 If It Be Man's Work

Set in the picturesque town of Stratford-Upon-Avon, Shakespeare & Hathaway season 4 episode 1 titled If It Be Man's Work follows the quirky detective duo Frank Hathaway (Mark Benton) and Luella Shakespeare (Jo Joyner) as they navigate another intriguing case.

The episode begins with a bang as an explosion takes place in the town's iconic chicken shop, the Golden Plucks. Things take a turn for the worse when it is discovered that the explosion was not caused by a gas leak, but rather a bomb. The chicken shop's owner, Eric Street (Simon Callow), is understandably shaken by the incident and hires Frank and Luella to investigate the matter.

As the investigation deepens, Frank and Luella realise that Eric is not telling them the full truth, and they begin to uncover a web of deceit. The duo soon discovers that Eric has been receiving threats and blackmail from a local gang, but he refuses to reveal their identity.

Meanwhile, Frank's personal life takes an unexpected turn when his estranged wife, Tricia (Becci Gemmell), turns up in town. The two have a complicated relationship, and Tricia's arrival adds a layer of tension to Frank's already complicated life.

As the investigation unravels, Frank and Luella find themselves in dangerous territory and must use all their wit and cunning to solve the case. With the help of their trusty sidekicks, Sebastian (Patrick Walshe McBride) and DI Marlowe (Amelia Bullmore), they race against time to catch the culprit before it's too late.

The episode offers a rich tapestry of characters, with each of the suspects having their own motives and agendas. The writing is sharp and witty, with excellent one-liners and snappy dialogue that keeps the pace of the show moving along nicely.

The performances are top-notch as well, with Benton and Joyner delivering excellent performances as the dynamic duo. Callow is superb as Eric, bringing an intensity and depth to his character that keeps the audience guessing. Gemmell is equally impressive as Tricia, bringing a vulnerability and complexity to her character.

Overall, If It Be Man's Work is a gripping and entertaining episode that delivers on all fronts. It's a fantastic start to what promises to be an exciting season of Shakespeare & Hathaway, and fans of the show will not be disappointed.