Ep 6. Clash of Wills

A complex case lands on the desk of Graham Hetrick, the coroner of Dauphin County, Pennsylvania, in the sixth episode of season one of The Coroner: I Speak for the Dead, titled Clash of Wills. Hetrick faces the unenviable task of piecing together the circumstances that led to the death of Tom, a middle-aged man found dead in his apartment with no clues as to what might have caused his sudden death.

Hetrick begins his investigation by examining the scene of the crime, a cluttered apartment that betrays little of the victim's personality or lifestyle. Tom's body is found on the bed, and a preliminary examination reveals no clear cause of death. Hetrick, however, is not one to be deterred by ambiguous evidence, and sets out to uncover any clues that might point him in the right direction.

As Hetrick begins to delve into Tom's life, certain inconsistencies begin to emerge. Tom's brother, Mike, who initially appears to be a close ally in the investigation, becomes evasive when Hetrick begins to ask pointed questions about their relationship. An ex-girlfriend of Tom's, who hadn't seen him in years, offers similarly ambiguous responses when Hetrick begins to investigate further.

Despite these roadblocks, Hetrick is undeterred, and his persistence begins to pay off as he uncovers evidence that suggests a possible motive for Tom's death. Multiple witnesses come forward, painting a picture of a man who was increasingly isolated and angry in the weeks leading up to his death. More ominously, they reveal that Tom may have been suffering from a serious illness that he had kept from his family and friends.

With his investigation gathering momentum, Hetrick zeroes in on what he believes may have been the ultimate cause of Tom's death: a deadly cocktail of prescription medications that he had been taking in increasing doses. The trail eventually leads him to a doctor who had been prescribing Tom drugs for years, and the revelations that emerge will shock both Hetrick and viewers alike.

Throughout the episode, Hetrick's trademark sense of empathy and clarity shines through as he unravels the mysteries surrounding Tom's death. His ability to connect with witnesses and get to the heart of difficult situations makes him a compelling figure on screen, and his insights into the darker corners of human nature offer much food for thought.

As always, The Coroner: I Speak for the Dead explores the deeply human side of crime investigation, broaching complex ethical issues and shining a light on the emotional fallout that follows a violent death. Clash of Wills is a standout episode in a gripping series that is not to be missed.