Shardlake – Episode 1 Recap & Review

Episode 1

The series takes place in a time of turmoil and power struggles, with King Henry VIII’s break from the Roman Catholic Church causing chaos everywhere. In the midst of this, a brutal murder occurs in the dead of night. The victim is Robin Singleton, a lawyer and a representative of Thomas Cromwell.

The royal counsellor, Thomas Cromwell, quickly orders a full investigation into the murder, given that Robin was one of his own. This is where our protagonist, Shardlake, steps in. He’s tasked with finding the murderer and ensuring justice is served.

After meeting with Cromwell, Shardlake learns that Robin was sent to St. Donatus to deliver news of its closure and persuade the abbot to surrender. Cromwell and the King are in the process of closing ten monasteries, and St. Donatus is on the list. Later, Shardlake is summoned by the Lord of Norfolk, who inquires about his meeting with Cromwell.

Shardlake explains that he is to travel to a place called Scarnsea to ensure the monastery surrenders and its wealth is handed over to the king. The Lord of Norfolk asks Shardlake to inform him as soon as his task at Scarnsea is completed.

Shardlake sets off for Scarnsea with Jack Barak, who seems to be tagging along to keep an eye on him. Upon arrival at St. Donatus, Shardlake immediately requests to see Dr. Goodhap, who happens to be Robin’s assistant and is currently holed up in his chambers, fearing he might meet the same fate as Robin, whose decapitated corpse was discovered in the kitchen.

When Shardlake meets with Goodhap, the latter is clearly frightened and relays his wish to leave the place as soon as possible. Goodhap admits that he has no knowledge of Robin’s findings, as Robin kept his thoughts to himself.

Goodhap also speaks about Abbot Fabian, describing him as a cunning man who understands that the monastery can only be closed if there is a serious misstep, which Goodhap doubts Shardlake will uncover. Fabian has trained his brethren well and is spreading the story that Robin was killed by invaders, not by someone from within the monastery.

During lunch, Brother Jerome goes off on a tirade against Cromwell, calling him names like a sodomite and antichrist, accusing him of lying and being responsible for the death of the King’s queen. Others intervene and take Brother Jerome away, while Abbot Fabian apologizes to Shardlake and Barak for Jerome’s outburst. However, Jerome’s mention of an axe finding a neck catches Shardlake’s attention, prompting him to request a private conversation with Jerome.

Later, Shardlake and Barak examine Robin’s decapitated body and deduce that he was killed by a skilled swordsman of medium height. The manner of death suggests that Robin was executed rather than murdered. Things take an interesting turn when Shardlake spots a hooded figure in the church. He tries to chase them, but the figure injures him and escapes. This mysterious person has been secretly spying on Shardlake ever since he arrived at the monastery.

On the same night, Master Bugge takes Brother Simon to be treated for a high fever and a head injury. In his tired state, Brother Simon asks for Shardlake and reveals that Robin wasn’t the first to be killed; there was another before her. When Shardlake presses for a name, Brother Guy insists that Simon needs rest and nourishment before further questioning.

The Episode Review

The show starts off with a bang, revealing some dark secrets lurking within St. Donatus. Cromwell, under the king’s orders, aims to shut down the monastery and others like it, with the goal of reallocating their wealth for the greater good.

However, he can’t just kick down the doors and evict everyone; there needs to be solid proof of corruption and wickedness. Imagine if Robin Singleton had stumbled upon evidence of this corruption, only to be silenced before he could expose the truth.

That could be the reason behind his untimely demise. At the episode’s close, Simon hints about another victim, leaving Brother Guy troubled. Why is this other victim such a cause for concern? Looks like there’s a lot more darkness to uncover in St. Donatus.