Ep 5. Problems in Moral Philosophy

Mma Ramotswe is back with her fifth case on the show "The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency", but this time, the case is about a philosopher. In this episode called "Problems in Moral Philosophy," the agency tackles a case involving an American psychology professor who has been accused of murder. The victim, Dr. James Okafor, was also a professor of philosophy at the University of Botswana, and the two scholars had a longstanding philosophical debate.

The episode opens with the professor in question, Dr. Anita Balekian, seeking out Mma Ramotswe's services. Dr. Balekian is a psychologist from California, who had come to Botswana to work on a book about the country's traditional healing techniques. In the course of this work, she meets Dr. Okafor, and soon, their philosophical disagreement escalates into a personal vendetta.

With the help of her associate, Mma Makutsi, Mma Ramotswe sets out to investigate the case. They soon discover that it is not as simple as it seems. There are numerous suspects, each with a motive, and the detectives must navigate a web of lies and deceit to unravel the truth. Along the way, they are assisted by their friend Mr. J.L.B. Matekoni, who runs a car repair shop and is always willing to lend a hand.

The detectives soon discover that the case involves not just a dispute over philosophy but also a matter of cultural sensitivity. Dr. Okafor was a proponent of traditional African philosophy, while Dr. Balekian believed in the Western approach. In the process of their investigation, they come across various individuals, including Botswana's top philosopher, Professor Lepokola, who engage in a philosophical discussion on the nature of morality, justice, and ethics.

As the investigation progresses, they discover a pattern in the suspect's thinking that goes back to their upbringing, and they begin to question their own philosophical leanings. They come to understand that morality is not universal, and one needs to understand the context to appreciate the situation thoroughly. The detectives' understanding of the case evolves, and they learn that the accused is not a simple villain but someone who has had a difficult life.

The episode is a thought-provoking, well-acted, and beautifully shot instalment in the series. It presents the philosophy underpinnings Botswana's culture and challenges western perspective of the African continent. Like other episodes of the series, "Problems in Moral Philosophy" is compelling and highly engaging, with a strong emphasis on local culture and traditions. It is a refreshing change of pace for those who are tired of the usual crime dramas and shows that lack cultural diversity.

In the end, the episode does not offer a clear-cut resolution. Instead, it leaves the audience grappling with the moral questions posed by the case and prompts them to think about their own moral beliefs. In that sense, this episode not only delivers an intriguing murder mystery but also a timely lesson on cultural relativity and moral philosophy. It is an intelligent, witty, and inspiring episode that makes the series stand out from others in the genre.