Ep 1. Blood & Water

In the first episode of The Brokenwood Mysteries season 1, titled "Blood & Water," viewers are introduced to Detective Inspector Mike Shepherd, a gruff and methodical detective from Auckland who has been reassigned to the small town of Brokenwood. Shepherd is partnered with Detective Kristin Sims, a local police officer who is initially skeptical of Shepherd's methods.

The episode begins with the discovery of a body in a river by a group of school children on a field trip. The victim is identified as Gavin Fisher, a local businessman who owned a vineyard and was known for his contentious relationships with various members of the community. Shepherd and Sims begin their investigation by interviewing those who knew Fisher, including his wife and business partner, as well as a rival vineyard owner who had a long-standing feud with Fisher.

As the investigation continues, Shepherd and Sims discover that Fisher was not as beloved as he initially appeared. They uncover evidence that suggests he was involved in shady business dealings, including bribery of local officials and labor violations. The detectives also learn of Fisher's extramarital affairs, which provide several potential suspects.

Throughout the episode, Shepherd employs his unorthodox detective methods, including wandering around crime scenes aimlessly and spouting random facts. Sims initially finds his approach annoying, but gradually begins to see the value in his unorthodox methods. Together, they examine the evidence and interview suspects, piecing together the events leading up to Fisher's murder.

As the investigation progresses, the detectives find themselves at odds with the local police force, who are more concerned with covering up the town's negative reputation than solving the crime. Shepherd and Sims persist, however, and ultimately uncover the shocking truth behind Fisher's murder.

Overall, "Blood & Water" sets the stage for the remainder of the series, introducing viewers to the quirky, small-town world of Brokenwood and the unlikely partnership between Shepherd and Sims. The episode also sets a high standard for the show's future mysteries, balancing suspenseful twists with comedic moments and character development.