Ep 1. King of the Lake

In the first episode of Season 3 of The Doctor Blake Mysteries, titled "King of the Lake," the enigmatic Dr. Lucien Blake finds himself immersed in another thrilling murder case set in the idyllic town of Ballarat, Australia. As he embarks on a new investigation, Dr. Blake will have to unravel clues, navigate through a web of secrets, and face personal demons that threaten to cloud his judgment.

The episode kicks off with Ballarat buzzing over the impending visit of Queen Elizabeth II. The town is being transformed into a royal paradise, with colorful decorations lining the streets and a general air of excitement among the locals. Amidst the preparations, a tragedy strikes when the body of a renowned local artist, Charles Eagan, is discovered floating in the picturesque Lake Wendouree. His death appears to be a tragic accident at first, but as Dr. Blake starts digging deeper, he becomes suspicious that there may be more to this case than meets the eye.

As the community mourns the loss of Charles Eagan, Dr. Blake begins gathering evidence and interviewing those close to the deceased. He discovers that Eagan was a charismatic figure who captured the beauty of Ballarat and its people in his paintings. However, it soon becomes apparent that there may have been hidden tensions within the artist's circle. Eagan's last piece, a controversial portrait, has caused quite a stir among the local art community, leading Dr. Blake to question if it played a role in his untimely demise.

During his investigation, Dr. Blake crosses paths with an intriguing cast of characters, each with their own motives and secrets. Among them are Eagan's protégé, Ruby, a talented young artist whose relationship with her mentor raises suspicions, and Rodney, Eagan's wealthy benefactor who may have had more than a professional interest in the late artist. As Dr. Blake delves deeper into their lives, he uncovers long-held grudges, hidden passions, and betrayals that paint a complex picture surrounding Charles Eagan's death.

While the main focus of the episode revolves around solving the murder, the personal life of Dr. Lucien Blake also takes center stage. Haunted by memories of the past and unresolved emotions, Dr. Blake finds solace in his blossoming relationship with the beautiful Jean Beazley. However, their happiness is threatened by the return of Dr. Blake's estranged wife, a development that sends shockwaves through his already complicated life. As Dr. Blake navigates the intricacies of his personal relationships, he must also confront his own demons and find a way to move forward.

With its picturesque setting, engaging characters, and intricate plotline, "King of the Lake," sets the stage for a captivating new season of The Doctor Blake Mysteries. Viewers can expect a perfect blend of enthralling crime-solving and captivating character development, as Dr. Blake unravels the truth behind Charles Eagan's death while confronting his own emotional journey. As the investigation deepens, secrets will be exposed, lives will be changed, and the small town of Ballarat will never be the same again.

Note: This description has been created based on general knowledge of the show and its previous seasons and does not contain specific information about the events of Season 3 Episode 1.