Ep 1. Castles in the Air

In Vera season 3, episode 1, titled "Castles in the Air," Detective Chief Inspector Vera Stanhope (played by Brenda Blethyn) is called to investigate the death of a young man who was found at the foot of a cliff. The man's death is ruled as accidental by the police, but Vera has a feeling that there's more to the case than meets the eye.

As Vera delves deeper into the case, she discovers that the young man, a geology student named Jamie, had just returned from a trip to Afghanistan, where he had been working with a team of archaeologists. Vera quickly realizes that Jamie's death may be connected to his work in Afghanistan, and she begins to investigate a group of local treasure hunters who may have been involved in a dangerous expedition to the war-torn country.

As she follows the clues, Vera uncovers a sinister plot involving stolen artifacts and illicit antiquities trading. She also reunites with her former colleague, Detective Sergeant Joe Ashworth (played by David Leon), who joins her on the case.

With the help of Joe and her team of detectives, Vera works tirelessly to uncover the truth behind Jamie's death and bring those responsible to justice. Along the way, she must navigate the tense relationships between the treasure hunters and their families, as well as the dangers posed by the secret world of antiquities trading.

As always, Vera's unconventional methods and instinctive approach to policing lead her down unexpected paths and ultimately to a shocking conclusion. "Castles in the Air" is a thrilling episode of Vera that showcases the strengths of the series: strong characters, complex plots, and a deep appreciation for both the beauty and the darkness of the Northumberland landscape.