Ep 1. Fall From Grace

In The Brokenwood Mysteries season 4 episode 1 titled "Fall From Grace," viewers are catapulted into another riveting and thrilling mystery set in the quaint town of Brokenwood. The episode opens up with a young girl chasing after a runaway horse in a paddock. While trying to calm it down, she discovers a dead body nearby. The victim is identified as the local mayor, Allister Jenkins, who had been preparing for a re-election campaign.

Detective Senior Sergeant Mike Shepherd and his loyal sidekick Detective Kristin Sims are back to investigate the case. They arrive at the scene and quickly get to work. They interview the young girl and other witnesses, trying to piece together a timeline of events leading up to Jenkins's death. The broken fence and tire tracks around the paddock suggest that the horse might have been let loose intentionally to cover up the murder.

As they delve deeper into the case, they learn that Jenkins was a highly controversial figure in the community, with many people opposing his policies. He had recently announced plans to sell part of the town's public land to a developer, which had angered many people in Brokenwood, including a group of protesters. One of the prime suspects is a member of this group, who had been vocal about opposing Jenkins.

The detectives soon discover that there is more to the case than meets the eye. A mystery woman has been seen near the site of the murder, and footage from a security camera outside a nearby motel shows her checking in. Her identity is unknown, but her involvement in the case becomes increasingly evident as they progress.

Meanwhile, Shepherd's personal life is put under the microscope as his estranged daughter, a successful CEO, visits him in Brokenwood. Their relationship has been strained, and Shepherd takes the opportunity to reconnect with her and seek her assistance in the case. However, his daughter is not the only family member to cause Shepherd some stress in the episode, as his feisty mother-in-law, who is in town for a visit, is not shy about getting involved in the case herself.

As the case continues, Shepherd and Sims uncover more suspects, motives, and clues that lead them on a wild hunt for the killer. It all comes to a head as they race to piece together the final moments of Jenkins's life before the murderer strikes again.

Overall, this episode of The Brokenwood Mysteries is a masterful blend of mystery, drama, humor, and family dynamics. The complex plot keeps viewers on the edge of their seats with twists and turns at every corner. The characters are well-developed and relatable, making it easy to get invested in the story. The stunning New Zealand countryside provides a picturesque backdrop for this enthralling episode. With strong performances from the cast and ingenious writing, The Brokenwood Mysteries season 4 episode 1 "Fall From Grace" is a must-watch for all fans of crime dramas.