The Coroner Season 1 Episode 1 First Love

Set in the picturesque seaside town of Lighthaven, "The Coroner" follows the investigations of coroner Jane Kennedy (played by Claire Goose), a determined single mother who has recently moved back to her hometown to escape her failed marriage. As the first episode, "First Love" sets the stage for the rest of the series by introducing Jane's crime-solving abilities and her complicated personal life.

The episode opens with a flashback to Jane's teenage years, as she reminisces about her first love, Davey Higgins. Shortly thereafter, the present-day plot kicks off with the discovery of a body on the beach. The victim is identified as Davey, who has been living in Lighthaven for several years and who was known to have a grudge against some of the other residents.

As Jane begins the autopsy, she is interrupted by a visit from her estranged father, Mick (played by Ian McElhinney). Mick abandoned Jane and her mother when Jane was a child, and he is now back in town to make amends. While Jane is understandably skeptical of her father's sudden reappearance, she does appreciate his help with the investigation.

The suspects in Davey's murder are plentiful and Jane and her partner, Detective Sergeant Davey Higgins (no relation), have their work cut out for them. First on the list is Paul Gabriel, the owner of the local pub, who had a recent altercation with Davey. Next is Ben Cartwright, a former classmate of Jane's who has a shady past and who also had a run-in with Davey. Lastly, there's Rachel, Davey's girlfriend, who seems to be hiding something.

As Jane and Davey dig deeper into the case, they uncover a web of lies and infidelities. They find evidence that Davey was involved in a blackmail scheme that targeted several of the town's residents, including Paul and Ben. They also discover that Rachel was cheating on Davey with Ben, and that Davey was planning to expose their affair.

Meanwhile, Jane is trying to navigate her own complicated relationships. She is torn between her feelings for her ex-husband, who is trying to win her back, and her attraction to her new neighbor, Liam. She also has to deal with Mick's presence in her life and his attempts to reconnect with her.

The climax of the episode sees Jane and Davey confronting the killer in a tense showdown. The identity of the murderer comes as a surprise, and the motive is revealed to be more complex than initially thought.

Overall, "First Love" sets the tone for the rest of the series by introducing us to Jane and her world, and by showcasing the stunning coastal setting and interesting cast of characters. The episode is well-paced and keeps the viewer engaged with its twists and turns. It also lays the groundwork for the ongoing storylines that will be explored in future episodes.