Grantchester Season 9, Episode 5 plunges us into a dark and disturbing world
of exploitation, hidden agendas, and a tragic past. The episode builds upon the
previous one, as Detective Inspector Geordie Keating (Robson Green) and the
newly arrived vicar, Alphy Kotteram (Rishi Nair), grapple with a series of
suspicious deaths linked to Harrison and Sons, a local factory employing young
women.
The episode opens with Esme (Skye Lucia Degruttola), Geordie's daughter, starting her new job at Harrison and Sons. We quickly learn that the work environment is far from ideal. The girls are objectified and subjected to a game played by the male employees, labeling them either "Doris Days" or "Marilyns." This sets the stage for the tragedy that unfolds.
One of the girls, Mae Jenkins (Phoebe Licorish), is found dead under mysterious circumstances. Geordie and Alphy investigate, uncovering a web of secrets within the factory walls. Miss Scott (Melissa Johns), a police officer posing undercover as a new employee, plays a pivotal role in gathering information and exposing the truth.
As the investigation progresses, a crucial detail comes to light – Mae was allergic to almonds. This revelation leads them to re-examine the birthday cake found at the crime scene. The bakery confirms that the cake did not contain almonds, suggesting foul play.
Meanwhile, Geordie notices Esme is using birth control pills. This discovery creates a rift between him and Cathy (Kacey Ainsworth), who feels helpless and frustrated about her daughter's situation. Cathy confides in Dr. Bennett (Andrew McLay), expressing her anxieties and feeling overwhelmed. Dr. Bennett prescribes her mood stabilizers.
The investigation takes a significant turn when Miss Scott uncovers a pattern of "cleaning fees" paid by Harrison and Sons. These payments, however, do not correspond to any actual cleaning services. Further investigation reveals a connection to a previous death – Jane Goldman, who died from a botched abortion 18 years ago.
With mounting evidence, Geordie and Alphy confront Mr. Harrison (Peter Polycarpou), the factory owner. Harrison deflects blame, painting the young women as manipulative and troublemakers. However, Miss Scott's discovery of a past death – Iris Buchanan, found dead in the factory storeroom with a suspicious "cleaning fee" payment – exposes a more sinister pattern.
Miss Scott infiltrates the storeroom and finds a bottle of almond essence. She confronts Miss Cheadle (Serena Evans), the factory supervisor, who reveals a shocking truth. Miss Cheadle admits to spiking the girls' birth control pills with almond essence, knowing it would render them ineffective due to Mae's allergy. Her motive? Fear of losing her job and the power she wields over the young women.
The episode reaches its climax with the arrest of Miss Cheadle. Justice prevails for the victims, but the emotional scars remain. Esme, still grappling with her own experience at the factory, finds solace in Miss Scott's company, hinting at a potential friendship formed through the ordeal.
Cathy, burdened by guilt and anxiety, decides to take the medication prescribed by Dr. Bennett. This decision marks a turning point for her character, suggesting a potential journey towards self-care and emotional stability.
The episode concludes with Sylvia Chapman (Tessa Peake-Jones), Alphy's housekeeper, offering a poignant reflection. She explains to Cathy how women, often unseen and underappreciated, hold families and communities together. This heartfelt conversation underscores the episode's exploration of female agency and resilience in the face of exploitation and societal pressures.