The grand finale of Grantchester's ninth season unfolds, weaving together
moments of emotional connection, thrilling suspense, and questionable plot
choices. As the episode opens, we find Alphy (Rishi Nair) and Sylvia (Tessa
Peake-Jones) preparing for the arrival of David, the newly appointed vicar.
Sylvia expresses her reservations about David, fearing his presence will
undermine Alphy's position.
Meanwhile, a letter arrives at the vicarage, hinting at a potential threat lurking beneath the surface. The mystery deepens when news of a suicide reaches Geordie (Robson Green) and Larry (Bradley Hall). The victim, Fred Eccles (guest star TBA), is a seemingly ordinary man who harbored a hidden passion for painting miniature war figures.
The investigation takes an unexpected turn when the landlady reveals Fred belonged to a church group called the Way Finders, led by the charismatic Sam White (Elliot Warren). As Geordie and Alphy delve deeper, they discover a web of deceit and manipulation surrounding Sam. Leonard (Al Weaver), still reeling from Daniel's (Oliver Dimsdale) disappearance, seeks solace in Alphy's company. His anxieties grow when he learns Daniel left a letter expressing his newfound purpose and desire for independence.
The pieces begin to fall into place as Geordie discovers Sam's real identity is John Amos (guest star TBA), a cunning conman who has been posing as a reformed individual. John preys on the vulnerabilities of those around him, particularly Daniel, exploiting their desire for belonging and purpose.
The episode escalates into a tense standoff when John's true nature is revealed. Alphy confronts John at his secluded residence, naively believing he can reason with him. Meanwhile, Geordie is occupied elsewhere, further highlighting a lack of coordination on the part of the authorities.
Despite the questionable decision to face a potentially violent criminal alone, Alphy manages to distract John long enough for Geordie to intervene. A struggle ensues, and John is apprehended.
The episode offers a sense of closure as Larry receives a well-deserved round of applause upon his return to the police station. Miss Scott (Melissa Johns), initially hesitant to express her feelings, shares a kiss with Larry, adding a touch of romantic intrigue.
Back at the vicarage, a sense of community and acceptance prevails. Esme (Bethany Antonia) confides in her parents about budding feelings of love, while Daniel hesitantly returns, welcomed back with open arms. The episode culminates in a heartwarming scene where everyone gathers for a meal, celebrating the resilience of their bonds and the comfort found in shared experiences.
However, the finale isn't without its flaws. The writing stumbles at times, relying on convenient plot devices and questionable decisions. The portrayal of David as an antagonist feels forced and unnecessary, detracting from the central storyline.
Furthermore, the lack of urgency and strategic planning during the confrontation with John undermines the suspense and believability of the situation. While some might overlook these inconsistencies, they highlight a larger issue with the show's writing direction since the departure of Will Davenport.