Original subtitles

I just want to remember how it felt before

floating on our back, looking

up at the sun, driving and splashing,

pushing each other down.

Do you want to go back in?

Do you want to go back in?

And God said to Abraham, Abe, you know, Adam and Eve, they let me down. I need

you to step up.

And Abe said, I'm down for that. Just tell me what you want.

So the next day, God said, cool.

Let's get ready to rock.

Oh,

dear God.

So the next day God said, cool, let's get ready to rock. This is the beginning

of a beautiful friendship.

And that is what was so special with Abraham and Noah and God and all those

early dudes, you know, they were just hanging out, doing the best they could

with very little.

A few sheep, the occasional goat and an olive tree.

No internet, right?

No Snapchat or meeting up at the mall.

Just an appreciation for the needs of the day.

And that was how I understood Fred Sullivan to be.

A man who asked for little, but in return received so much. So much love

respect from so many of you here today.

Sheep, goats and olive trees, folks.

And maybe a right -hand point break if you're lucky enough to find one.

So let's not be sad, Fred.

Let's not think of death as the end, but merely a gateway to eternal life.

Death, one door closes. Another one opens.

Life.

Let's open our books and sing the Lord is my shepherd and I chose this one

because the lyrics are awesome The message is very simple.

Let the Lord be your shepherd and you won't lose any of your goats

Isabel? No.

No, no, please, God, no!

Talk to me.

Bit of an awkward one, Mike.

The name of the deceased is Isabel Mantel, wife of Canon Zach Mantel of St.

Judas, who was preparing to commit another deceased.

At the time of the discovery of her body.

The victim hanged herself knowing that her husband would find her.

Yeah, a very public display of disaffection.

No Reverend Green?

No, I haven't seen him yet.

If this is a suicide, why are we here?

A uniform thought that something seemed off.

There was no ladder or anything she could have used to get herself up there.

Wouldn't necessarily need a ladder.

Well, as well as a way.

Hello, Mike.

Gina, you met me here. I was at the service, so when I got the call, I was

almost before I left.

A friend of yours?

I didn't know him. I go to the services because of Ken and Zach.

His words caress me.

You know the deceased is his wife.

People who swing from trees should know they are not monkeys.

Gina. What?

She shouldn't have been in the tree.

Hello, Isabel.

Seems like you had a bad day.

Who knows if tomorrow might have just been a little bit better.

Mike.

This is the sexton, Nate Ford.

G'day.

Nate says he checked the grave around 9 .30.

Yeah, before the service.

That was my sign of it.

OK, thanks.

And the deceased husband would like to have a moment with her?

Of course.

Zach, this is DSS Mike Sheppard.

I'm very sorry for your loss. May her memory be a blessing.

Amen to that.

I have so many questions.

Why? It's about all the ways.

Help me, oh Lord, give me strength and the vision to understand what your plan

is.

Oh, uh, three usuals, thanks, bro.

You boys okay?

Yeah, yeah, yeah.

Real tough about Kenny's ex, Mr. Z.

You knew her?

Soy milk, latte, cinnamon, no sugar. Real nice lady.

Bit of a trad wife, you know.

Talked a lot about baking.

And the secret to a chewy Anzac biscuit is the amount of golden syrup.

Isabel makes an awesome Anzac.

Oh, I mean, you're not wrong.

Take them, they're for you. For all the work you do around the church grounds, a

token of appreciation.

Sure.

Working at the cemetery.

Is that a new thing, Todd?

Yeah, just helping out Nate.

The busy season.

I didn't realize funerals were seasonal.

Well, nah, but Ken and Zach makes it real popular.

Everybody wants to be buried by him.

Wow. I wonder if you'll bury his own, missus.

True. Yeah, should want that, eh?

So who was the other woman with Ken and Zach and his wife?

Uh, Verity.

What? It's funny you say that.

We think she's the other woman, if you know what I mean.

You mean... You know.

I mean, it's cool with the Mormons, right?

Kenizak isn't a Mormon, he's Anglican.

Then I guess they're into it too. You know what they say, when in Rome, always

do a Roman?

No, I don't think that's how that goes. You actually become a man of the cloth.

You instantly become a babe magnet.

Reverend Green is a babe magnet.

Never looked at him that way before.

Have you seen his new hairdo?

Reverend Green doesn't have any hair.

He does now.

What's up, Frodo?

Hey, Reverend Green.

Your usual? Whoa.

Yes, my usual, thanks.

Sure.

Sure, bro.

Well, the Holy Spirit hangs out all the time. He's in everything.

Architecture, bird song, music.

If we listen, he speaks to us.

Poetry, man.

It's awesome.

Reverend. Isabel.

Time to start planning the bake sale.

How's it?

Reverend Green was wearing a toupee.

Yep. And new trainers. And a gold chain.

When was it? A couple of weeks ago. You could call it a midlife crisis.

But that rug was pretty extreme.

More like a crisis of faith.

Okay. Well, thanks, guys. Yeah, thanks.

Sounds like the very Reverend Green has a new lease on life.

Or he's having a stroke.

This should help get you through the annual report.

Thanks.

Protos? Who else?

Of course. Good.

So it seems Cannon Zack is turning heads in town.

There may have been a third party involved.

Verity Larson, long -time friend of Ken and Zach.

Messy marriage.

Well, hearsay only.

But it possibly was a catalyst to her... We'll let the coroner know in the

report.

Gina.

Mike, monkeys don't grow on trees.

Money, I think you mean money.

What? Money doesn't grow on trees.

Of course not, I know that.

But neither do monkeys.

What are you saying?

The victim.

She was not trying to be a monkey.

This bruising here, red with contusions, where the rope pulled tight against her

weight. I see it.

But here, a second ligature mark, more horizontal, suggesting it was made

earlier.

Strangled. How much earlier?

The post -mortem will confirm.

I'll call you when I want you.

Thanks, Gina.

Sims, change of plan.

DSP's Mike Schubert.

Detective Gretchen Sims, Breckenwood CIB.

It's Faraday, right?

Yeah. And my friend is X.

And it's about me.

Do you mind if we have a word with Ken and Zach, please?

Murdered?

We're treating it as a homicide, yes.

What a dreadful business.

It sucks.

Oh, dear.

But that makes no sense.

Who on earth would want to do that?

We're hoping that you can give us some background.

Do you know of anyone who for any reason may have wanted to hurt your wife?

No. She was a good Christian soul.

Her baking will be... Yes,

Thelma, her baking will be sorely missed at prayer meetings.

All the juice.

Vickers Green?

I'm with Canon Zak now, he is.

Obviously, it's a difficult time.

The thing is...

The Sullivan Fano are very worried about their father.

Oh.

Yes, I see.

No, no, no, I understand.

It is awkward.

Perhaps offer them a nip of sherry and I'll be right on to it.

Fred Sullivan.

It seems that in all the excitement he's been...

Lift.

Oh, dear.

Oh, hell.

Um, not to worry.

I'll finish for you.

Thanks, Lucas.

What about you?

Are you all right?

Yes, of course.

Absolutely fine.

Mustache, detectives. I'll need you back up there, shall we say, half an hour?

And Thelma.

Perhaps it's best that you come with me.

Of course, yes.

I'm so, so sorry, Reverend.

Thank you, yes.

I'll make another cup, all right?

When was the last time that you saw your wife?

This morning, as I headed out for a dawning.

Early morning, sir.

What time was that?

I left at six.

She was already up.

Today was meant to be the annual church bake sale.

Be safe out there.

She was gone when I got back.

Hey, Izzy, I'm back.

I've got to head to the Sullivan funeral.

I thought she'd already headed to the church hall.

And what time would that have been?

Around nine.

What time did the funeral start?

Ten, so I was hurrying a bit.

Look, I'm sorry I can't be of more help.

Well, if anything comes to mind, please give us a call.

We'll leave you to it.

Thanks.

River and Green has hair.

Indeed, some may say the eighth wonder of the world. Detective.

I know someone who might have wanted to hurt Isabel.

And who might that be?

He just left.

Zap is popular.

He's charismatic, kind of cool, right?

Everything Reverend Green is not.

Are you saying that Reverend Green feels threatened by Ken and Zach?

Wouldn't you be?

Some handsome dude turns up, gives the place a makeover.

Was Zach sent to St. Judith?

The diocese thought the place could do with a lift, so they allowed Reverend

Green to recruit.

Sure enough, Zach shows up and it's like St. Judith is the place to be.

Everyone loves to hear him speak. He makes them all feel, you know, inspired

welcome and turned on, if you like.

But you said it was Reverend Green's idea.

He chose Zach, yeah.

And then his popularity made Reverend Green jealous.

You're not listening to me. It's not that he's jealous of Zach.

He's in love with him.

But Ken and Zach isn't... Gay?

No. But have you ever fallen in love with someone you shouldn't have?

And Zach is married.

Not anymore.

Are we buying this?

Reverend Green kills his colleague's wife to... To get into his pants. It's

okay, you can say it out loud. I was going to say to make him available, but

sure. Are we buying it?

Not until we know more about these allegations.

Where does Verity Larson fit in?

Uh, family friend.

Visitor, that's about it, really.

For a visitor, she knows a lot about the goings -on at St Judas.

But what do we know about her?

Yes, I'd like a word with him.

I'll just check.

Awfully sorry to keep you waiting.

Rather a lot on.

Not to worry, I've been well looked after by this one.

Reverend. Thelma.

It's DC Chalmers from Brokenwood CIB. He'd like a word.

Tell him now's not a good time.

Obviously, we have... Pressing matters.

Of course.

Let's get this show on the road, shall we?

Okay, I'll try them again later.

Thanks.

Sorry to keep you waiting.

Zach shouldn't really be alone.

Of course.

Just a couple more things.

Firstly, thank you for being so candid with us.

Your relationship with Zach Mantel.

Best friends.

We went to primary school together. We stayed in touch.

We went to each other's 25th graduations, weddings.

Weddings. Plural. So you're married? Was.

Tried, failed, pulled the pin after two years.

Married the wrong guy.

Happens though, right?

Sure. Yeah, I guess.

You're not married?

No. Anyway, how long have you been visiting?

This time, about two weeks.

Just passing through, checking out the point breaks along the coast.

So you surf?

As does Zach.

He has incredible form.

Did Isabel?

Nah, she wasn't into it.

And she doesn't mind you heading out with her husband?

It's just surfing.

Right.

She liked it.

Why would she like it?

Because I kept the other surf chicks away from him.

Oh.

Popular, is he?

It's cool.

People like him, like to talk to him.

Are you a Christian as well?

No.

Yet you and Zach are very close.

You don't have to believe in God to ride a wave.

Although Zach does tell me that the feelings are very similar.

Being picked up and pushed along.

Powerful force in your life.

Did that ever make things awkward for you between Isabel and Zach?

In what way?

Not sharing their faith.

No.

I would really like to get back to him. Yeah, just as a matter of interest, this

morning between 6 and 10 a .m., where were you?

Out surfing.

With Zach?

No, I was on my own.

Dr. Plummer.

Is this about the cannon's wife?

Indirectly. You'll be wanting Lucas. He's not here. I'm aware of that, but

hoping you can help me.

Thanks.

It's something I've been dealing with for several months now.

Like living with someone who's had a personality transplant.

We love the Lord, and the Lord will include us. Share the love of the Lord.

on down to St. Judas.

Awesome, Rev. G. I'll go put it on the socials now.

Lucas, what on earth are you doing?

Tech talk.

With Zach attracting the younger congregation, we need to consolidate,

plugged in.

It's jolly good fun, actually.

Zach said it would be.

Cannon Zach.

He's made quite an impression on Brokenwood.

And on Lucas.

And it

got worse.

And Jesus approached the blind man and said, brother, I hear your cries.

Then Jesus said, let me place my head upon your thighs.

Hands. Let me place my hands on your eyes.

Being a blind person, of course.

Yes.

Let us turn to Psalm 69.

96. Oh, dear.

Sing to the Lord a new song.

To the point of delusional. Just popping out to that staff meeting.

Lucas, what are you wearing?

Step in here.

Oh, it's an evening meeting. We can afford to be more casual.

You look ridiculous.

Roger. Lucas, please.

He wouldn't listen.

Love is blind and deaf, it seems.

Oh, jolly good.

Thank you, Roger.

Lucas.

What is that thing on your head?

Oh, sometimes it's good to change things up a bit.

The fountain of youth is to be drunk from before it dries up.

And I thought you might like it. Lucas, please.

It's not for my benefit, is it?

I will not be judged by anyone other than the Lord God, our Father.

And I thought you might have been a bit more supportive.

The benefit being for Canon Zack.

I choose to believe it's just a phase.

Fortunately, a week ago, I persuaded him to cease and desist with his use of the

toupee. That's some progress, at least.

My understanding is he was wearing it today.

Seriously?

Then I assure you, we'll be having words.

Today was a day off for Reverend Green?

Yes.

Did he spend the morning at home?

Yes.

And no.

And so we commit Fred Sullivan into the earth, ashes to ashes, dust to

dust. We pray for Fred and say Godspeed.

Well, that's that.

And I'm very sorry about it.

Good damn dad in the ground.

There's another bottle back at the church.

Yeah, wouldn't say no.

Nate, over to you.

Right then, Todd.

Lean into it, mate.

Everything all right?

Sorry to interrupt.

Could we have a chat somewhere?

Is it too early for a Pimms?

Mrs Baker?

Such a shame.

The Bollivants are already losing their path.

Isn't it so beautiful?

I'm sorry.

Thank you.

In one minute, she's creating the patisserie equivalent of the Mona Lisa.

next minute, she's gone.

It's a shock to all concerned. I'm sure Mrs... Miss Groves.

It's maths. You never married, did you, Thelma?

Apologies, Miss Groves.

Call me Thelma.

I'm the new lay preacher here at St. Judas.

I used to be across town at Sacred Heart, but I jumped ship.

But your connection with Mrs. Mantel is through St. Judas?

Yes. She and Ken and Zach are relatively new here to just five months.

But they opened their house up to us.

We became

firm friends almost instantly.

When did you last see Mrs. Mantel?

Last night. We had a meeting here for the bake sale to finalise plans.

Just yourselves?

And Mrs Mantell? And Ken and Zach, and Reverend Green, and Mr Ford, and

Nate. He's the new sexton here.

Oh, the previous gravedigger, Mr Oates, is spending some time in jail, you know,

which is all a bit exciting.

The other woman at the meeting?

Oh, he means Robbie. Oh, yes.

Oh, but you see, you can't say that.

That will leave us with 12 cakes, 8 tins of Anzac biscuits, 4 trays of chocolate

brownies. Robbie is non -binary.

You know, not a girl or a boy.

Which I find absolutely fascinating.

I mean, Isabel always said that Robbie was trying to have it both ways, but I

don't think that's fair.

It's about how you feel, isn't it? God knows, sometimes I felt like being a

woman has been a real pain in the bottom.

I imagine you felt the same.

Yeah, about... Being a man, sometimes.

It is so binary when you think about it. Man, woman.

Robbie's been a real eye -opener.

They really have.

She was late for the funeral, though, did you notice?

They? Apologies.

They? They were late. Isn't that polite?

Not a good look.

And that was how I understood Fred Sullivan to be. A man who asked for

but in return received so much.

So much love and respect from so many of you here today.

Sheep, goats and olive trees, folks.

And maybe a right -hand point break if you're lucky enough to find one.

So let's not be sad, Fred.

Let's not think of death... For a moment I thought she'd been tooting the old

marching powder, if you know what I mean.

Why would you think that?

Troubled background.

They turned up here one stormy night.

Hey there.

Such a hero.

He picked her up. Them. Them up. Took them under his wing like a little non

-binary Moses floating in a woven basket down the River Nile.

Except there was no basket and the Nile's quite far from here. But there

were, a little boy -girl baby who just happened to be 25 years old.

Next minute, he makes them an acolyte and everyone lived happily ever after.

Oh.

The meeting last night?

Yes. I'm trying green lamingtons this year. I'm thinking four dozen.

Great commitment, Becky. Thank you. Well, I'll be up early to bake three

and put the finishing touches to my cock and boot.

Selma, I'll need a hand to transport that.

It would be my honour.

Let's say 8 .30.

And I have you down for scones and jam three ways. Still tracking well?

Apricot, strawberry, and I'm thinking of trying something new. Passion fruit and

guava.

That sounds amazing.

Robbie, are you on target with your contribution?

I could do a banana cake.

And?

Two banana cakes.

And Nate?

Well, you know I can't beg to save myself.

And I have to dig for the Sullivan burial in the morning.

But I'll set up the tables tonight, whatever you need.

Jolly good.

Like Nate, I'll be leaving the cuisine to the experts.

Plus, there's an offshore tomorrow morning with a four -foot swell

Oh, you'll be sneaking up for a dorney before the funeral, will you?

Well, if you insist, my dearest.

They were so in love.

Oh, excuse me.

Gina. Mike.

I would like to have you now.

Uh, sure.

See you soon.

Sorry about that.

I hate it when that happens.

She sounds nice.

She's from Russia.

Oh, I see.

She's a pathologist.

Ah, well, it takes all sorts.

Uh, Thelma, this... Uh, coq en bouche.

Did you bring it here?

Yes, I picked it up like I said I would.

At 8 .30?

Yes.

Was Mrs Mantell there?

No. And you managed on your own?

Oh, yes.

If Mrs Mantell wasn't there, how did you get into the house?

No, the door was open.

Dear.

Thelma, Mrs Baker, thank you very much. You've been most helpful.

All this baking.

What are we going to do?

I'm guessing they'll be awake.

Two waters, no charge, and one double pims with lemon.

Thanks, Selina.

Hey, your vibe is back.

Slay.

It's really growing on me.

Well, I guess you wish it was actually growing on you, right?

Thanks, Selina.

It's been quite the day.

This morning you weren't at the funeral for Mr. Sullivan?

No, the Sullivans requested Zach.

You were okay with that?

Of course.

I'm more than happy for Zachary to take the lead. He's done wonders for St.

Judas. If you weren't required at the church, what did you do?

When? This morning.

It was my appointed day off.

So you were at home?

Yes.

But not all morning.

What do you mean?

I saw Dr. Plummer earlier.

You see, I stirred around 6 a .m.

I heard Lucas moving about.

Well, yes, I went for a walk to clear my head.

And Dr. Plummer's car?

I breakfasted alone. Then I went to retrieve a case file for my first paper

the day that I'd left in my car.

That's when I realised he must have taken it.

Most annoying, my client was arriving at 9am.

He borrowed your car, is that unusual?

Highly.

He's a dreadful driver, probably should be banned.

He never chooses to drive.

I'd rather take exception to that, there's nothing wrong with my driving.

took his car to... A nice place to walk. Being my day off, I had more time, you

see.

Then when I got home, I heard the news about Isabel, so I went to support Zach.

Who notified you about Mrs. Mantel? I received a phone call from Robbie.

Robbie. Oh, of course. At that time, we were all under the misapprehension. It

was by her own hand. Oh, dear.

I'll be there right away.

Dr. Plummer also mentioned that you were no longer sporting your slay look.

How I choose to present myself is not something that Roger has dominion over.

Right.

Where was it you walked?

Oh, it doesn't matter.

Really, are all these questions necessary?

Were you with anyone? Yes.

I always walk with someone. Can you give us a name? God.

I walk with God.

A constant companion.

If you have any further questions, I'll be at St. Judas.

I have more questions than answers.

God is my witness.

I had to argue with that, that was enough.

It's definitely flour, Mike.

The new lungs?

Yes.

Well, she was an avid baker.

No, no flour, Doc.

Flour. Almost enough to make a small croissant, but you will need to add some

butter. Did she choke on the flower?

She would have, yes.

And did that kill her?

No. She was strangled.

But perhaps there was a struggle.

Perhaps she fell into a flower sack.

And there was this.

This cut with no sign of healing.

It occurred at the time of death.

Correct. Which is quite interesting.

Because the victim then applied a sticking plaster.

Which is not an easy thing to do when you are deceased.

Fingerprints couldn't lift anything off of this.

If we could get a hold of the wrapper, if only.

Zach, when you got home from your surf, this kitchen was definitely a mess.

Yes.

But... When you arrived back from the cemetery... It was cleaned, just like it

is. Huh.

6am.

The victim was seen in the kitchen by her husband as he left for a surf. She

already prepping for the bake sale.

Verity Larson says she left not long after.

I left the house around 7. Isabel was still in the kitchen.

Eating like a maniac.

Oh, no.

But at...

8 .30am, when Thelma Groves arrived to collect the Krogan bush, Isabel was

nowhere to be seen.

The kitchen, however, was still a bomb site.

When we got there to talk to Ken and Zach, the kitchen was clean.

And the flower in her lungs means she was most likely killed in her kitchen.

So someone cleaned that kitchen to cover their tracks?

Until proved otherwise, yes.

And according to Ken and Zach...

Any idea who might have done this?

Verity, I guess.

Is she here?

She's out for a surf.

Her best friend's wife had just been killed and she's out chasing waves for

second time that day?

Classy.

Detective. Sorry to bother you. I've got a couple of questions if you don't

mind.

Sure.

Thanks.

Yeah.

I joined St. Judas about, I don't know, five months back.

Answered an ad for the sexton job.

You're not from Brokenwood?

From up north.

I lost my wife four and a half years ago.

I'm sorry to hear that.

Life happens.

But, yeah, had to leave all that behind.

I certainly feel like I'm from Brokenwood now.

The man sells, they open their house to me. And on the eighth day, God made lamb

and manuka honey sausages, which were added by now.

Oh, that one is good.

And Reverend Green was very welcoming.

Pleased, I think.

Had business with the Odes chap.

Left him a little bit in the lurch.

I warn you, things can be a bit quiet around here.

Well... I guess that means more time for Bible study.

Jolly good.

Welcome to St. Judas.

But with Canada's act making the place so popular, we've been rushed off our

feet.

You said you checked the cemetery this morning.

Yeah, it was around 9 .30.

Just wanted to be sure there hadn't been any subsidence overnight.

Then I headed to the service.

And there was no sign of the deceased?

I think I would have noticed something like that.

Ken and Zach, he's putting on a brave face, but he's got to be torn apart.

I know what it's like to lose your wife, but to be confronted by something like

that...

Beat him up.

I

don't feel so

wild.

I don't seem so wild.

I didn't clean the kitchen.

Any idea who did?

I figured it was Isabel.

Well, exactly.

Were you again? To her no point.

Many others surfing around you?

No. I had a beach break to myself.

Came in, I was drying off, I got a call from Zach, I came straight back.

The place was clean.

Then you and your boss showed up.

So you left at seven and came back around?

I don't know. Then, when they showed up.

Have you guys spoken to Reverend Green yet?

What makes you think you wouldn't want Isabel Mantel dead?

I think it might suit him. Couldn't the same be said about you?

What? Oh, come on, Verity.

Your relationship with Canon Zack is unusual, to say the least.

Borrowing a woman's husband on a regular basis.

Friends.

We're friends.

We went to school together. We've stayed in touch, I told you.

How did Isabelle feel about that?

Good. We were friends too.

Says who?

She did.

Well, we have a witness who suggests the opposite.

She wasn't walking away from me.

Who then?

Reverend Green.

If we listen, he speaks to us. Why? She had issues with the way he lived his

life. That it wasn't fitting for the church.

What about Robbie?

Robbie too.

That's why she wanted Zach to leave Brokenwood.

She saw St. Judith as this house full of degenerates.

Was Ken and Zach planning on leaving?

Not that he wanted to. He loves it here.

But she didn't.

Isabel Mantel wanted to leave Brokenwood.

And if that had happened, Ken and Zach would have left too. Which would have

made a lot of people unhappy.

Aside from the entire Anglican parish, all enamoured with his sermons.

Robbie, Nate, Thelma and the very Reverend Green.

Assuming everyone knew he was leaving.

Not forgetting Zach himself.

Thelma. I thought you hard workers might like something to go with your morning

tea. Oh, that's very kind of you. Although not something we can accept.

But given that we have a few more questions, maybe we could make you a

Well, coffee would be nice.

I've been such a busy bee.

Sure, I'll make them.

Miss Grove, come through.

Gosh, that's interesting.

Did you put wasabi in that?

No.

Oh.

Thelma. Were you aware that Ken and Zach was intending to leave St. Judas?

Oh, we heard the other night.

Yes, a bit of a shock.

Was it common knowledge?

I don't think so.

Only to those of us that were at the bake sale meeting.

Isabel, I'd like to say, on behalf of the committee, your contribution is

over and above.

Thank you, Reverend. Given we won't be here for next year's, I felt I should

make this one count.

Sorry? Are you kidding?

Apologies, I thought Zach had talked this through with you.

Not as yet, no.

Robbie walked out.

That's understandable.

He's been such a support to them.

Thelma, when you picked up the croquembouche, Isabel's kitchen was as

it? Quite a mess.

It's very unlike her, really.

Do you recall seeing any blood or perhaps taking part of the wrapper?

No. I was focused on the bouche.

Okay. Well, thank you. But later I did see some blood when I cleaned up.

I thought it was a bit icky. But, you know, it's easy to nick a finger in the

throes of baking.

Grating lemon rind or slicing orange peel.

I don't recall a wrapper, though.

You cleaned.

The kitchen?

Of course.

When I saw what had happened, I raced back to Ken and Zach's house.

I'd seen the state of the place.

I knew he'd be having visitors.

What?

And the back door was definitely unlocked?

I just came right in. Sorry.

It's okay, Thelma. It's very kind.

It is odd, though. Isabel always locked the door.

But then I was in a hurry to get to the Sullivan funeral. I guess I didn't

bother to lock it.

Did you empty this after you finished cleaning?

Well, I saw the bin on the street.

It was rubbish day yesterday.

Could we have a word?

Zach, I understand your wife was not comfortable around River and Green's

sexuality.

She was coming around.

Did that cause tensions between the two of you?

You being a man of God, come to me, all you who are weary and burdened.

None of us are perfect, Detective.

Isabel was my wife.

Through thick and thin, for better or for worse.

You said she always locked the door. Why?

Nothing to do with Brokenwood.

What about leaving Brokenwood?

We have a witness that suggests Isabel wanted to leave. Is that true?

But it's time to start a family.

Well, what better place than Brokenwood? We have no family support here. St.

Judas is our family. Real family? Family we want our children raised by and

influenced by.

For whoever does the will of God, he is my brother and sister and mother. Mark

3, 35.

Yes, I know my scriptures, Zach, but there is something about this place that

doesn't feel right.

I will reach out to the diocese and see what's on offer.

Thank you.

Why hadn't you told Reverend Green of your intentions?

We talk later.

I'm sorry.

I was about to tell you.

Is it about me?

No.

Isabel.

I'm working on it.

Roger said the toupee was too much. You can see I took his advice.

Too little too late, perhaps.

I thought it looked pretty smart.

Is there anything we can do to keep you here?

I wish.

Your talk with Reverend Green was the night before last.

Right after the meeting, yes.

Heck.

After Isabel made the news public.

Yeah.

Oh, sorry. Cash only.

Oh. Derek, what's down? Yeah. We're good.

I can't wait to tell Robbie.

Robbie from St. Judith?

Uh -huh.

Oh, that happens I'm meant to be meeting them here now.

Oh, no way.

Awesome. Is there a friend of yours?

More than that.

I think she's the one.

There you go for the lovely lady. Thanks.

Um, hey, I actually identify as non -binary.

Okay, so, um... Oh, yeah. No, I get it. I'm down with that.

Really? Yeah. Yeah, totally get it.

She's non -binary.

So I understand. Yeah, not into computers.

Which is hard, you know? I mean, they're everywhere these days.

No, I think non -binary actually means... Yeah, zero and one.

Everything in the computer is either a zero or a one. It's called code.

She's just saying, I'm not having it. And I support that.

They?

They're not having it? Totally. All of them. It's a whole movement. So when she

hears of Ditch Computers 2, I think we'll get off base one.

Well, good luck with that, Frodo. But I do need to speak with him first.

All good. I don't want her to think I'm too keen.

Robbie. Hi.

Shall we? Yeah.

So, what's this about?

The other night, you walked out of a meeting after Isabel Mantel announced

she and Zach were leaving Brokenwood.

Yeah. Well, it's quite a statement, walking out.

It was a bit of a shock.

You don't want Ken and Zach to leave?

No one does.

He doesn't want to.

Well, how do you know that?

Well, he tells me stuff.

Did he tell you that?

No, but other stuff.

I know him well enough to know that he loves it here.

It makes this place fun.

It makes you feel like you have a home.

Yeah.

He doesn't question who I am or the way I am.

Do you have feelings for Ken and Zach?

Doesn't everyone?

I mean, I did for a bit, but I was being dumb.

And what?

And he made it pretty clear that that wasn't going to be a thing. And God knew

that Moses could part that sea.

But Moses said, God, I'm freaking out here.

What if something goes wrong? I need you to know that I can't swim.

And God said, just chill, my man.

I know that as long as you have faith, you'll be fine.

Whoa, no, Robbie, no.

Sorry, you make me feel things.

That can't happen. Do you understand me?

It's not your fault.

Trust me, it's not about you.

There was this young woman.

Another woman?

No, I never said you were.

But she was younger than you, and she got too close.

She mixed up the love of Scripture with a different kind of love.

It made me feel very uncomfortable.

What was her name?

Ellie. And I don't want to go into the details, but it ended badly.

Very, very badly.

Did he say anything else?

No. He didn't say exactly how old.

No, but it made me wonder.

Did Kanazak do something inappropriate with a young girl? What?

Ellie?

Never ever say that name. Understood?

You have no idea.

And would it kill you to wear a pretty dress just once in a while?

Did you ever tell Dec about that?

No. That must have made you pretty angry, huh?

The morning that Mrs Mantell was killed, you showed up to the church late for

the Sullivan funeral.

Where had you been?

I do need to know where you were.

Why?

So I can remove you from our inquiry.

Well, I was giving in to the guilt trip.

I was in the church hall, in the kitchen, baking to save my arse.

Baking two banana cakes, and I can barely make one.

I didn't want to get another slap, did I?

More coffee, lady?

No, not for me, thanks, Frodo.

I like your t -shirt. Oh, yeah.

I got it made. Original design.

Sweet. What does it mean?

Thanks, Robbie.

Mike, possible new development.

Luminol test came back positive. A few spots on the floor by the main bench and

by the refrigerator.

On top of the fridge is where the first aid kit is kept.

If you just killed someone, why put a plaster on?

trying to make it all better.

This was a murder that wasn't meant to leave bloodstains.

They were covering their tracks.

And what about this alley?

Hmm.

Your witness, Robbie, reliable, do you think?

Well, if they did kill Isabella, I don't know why they'd offer up a motive.

Are we suggesting there was some sort of historical abuse?

And then the church sent them off to Brokenwood.

Perhaps... Canon Zack has something on his record.

Well, if so, why would Reverend Green hire him?

To get into his pants, right?

Talk to the Reverend, but be discreet. This could all just be ESA.

And anyone else with close ties to Zack Mantell.

Please, come in.

How can I help?

This is a delicate matter, but do you know of any complaints laid against

Kanazak in relation to inappropriate behaviour around younger people?

Do you mean... Oh, no.

Good heavens, no.

Why would you even ask that?

We're looking for any background that might explain Mrs. Mantel being

I see.

Well, I can assure you that Canon Zak is a priest highly revered in the diocese.

The name Ali, does that mean anything to you?

Ali?

No.

So Canon Zak never mentioned anything?

No.

I can ask him if you like.

We'll take care of it.

Thanks for your time.

Of course.

Hey.

Dr.

Plummer?

I have information, but Lucas can't know we're talking. Could we meet this

evening? Lucas has evensong.

Sure. Everything all right?

Yes, yes. Go, please.

Lime and soda.

Thanks, Lena. If you want any vodka in it, just let me know. I won't charge you

again for the soda.

I'm working.

Sure, but I know sometimes with the stress of the job... Thanks, Lena.

Oh.

Sorry to drag you away from the service.

Oh, I wasn't surfing. It's with Zach.

Why didn't you go surfing with Zach yesterday morning?

He wanted to be alone.

Did he say why?

So he could kill his wife.

It's a simple question.

He wanted to work on his sermon.

Sometimes he likes to go surfing with his thoughts.

If he needed space, I let him have it.

So on the one morning his wife was killed, you both just happened to be in

remote places with no witnesses.

Whoever killed Isabelle did it while we were out.

If we'd been together or not, it would have made no difference.

We weren't there to stop it.

Does the name Ellie mean anything to you?

It meant a lot more to Isabelle.

Attacked?

That's what she said.

It was a home invasion.

She wasn't hurt, but she would be shaken up.

Was it reported to police?

I don't know. I wasn't around at the time I was in Bali surfing.

But she was attacked by someone named Ellie.

Zach sent me a text. He didn't go into detail.

But it's the reason she always locked her doors.

I'll make some inquiries.

If the door was locked, it means the offender either had a key or Mrs.

opened the door to them sometime between 7 and 8 .30am.

Suggesting that the offender was known to her.

Which doesn't narrow down much.

Quiet night, Trudy.

Don't get me started.

Well, it was real busy before.

But then, you know.

What?

Evensong.

Hi, everyone.

It's that time.

Excuse me.

Everybody.

They all go to church for Evensong.

That's where they'll be now.

The denominations are welcome here, Christians, Jews.

I welcome Muslims, but they don't drink.

Mormons, not great for business either.

The Croc and Panther is essentially the United Nations.

Come in, bring your differences, share your thoughts. But for God's sake, do it

over a beer.

And don't even get me started on what St. Judith has done to the bingo night.

It's kind of personal for her.

Pull the ones, legs eleven.

All the nines.

Ninety -nine.

Bingo!

Congratulations.

I won.

It was touch and go there for a while. No. You had no competition.

But wasn't it nice to spend quality time together?

Say hi to Ray.

See you soon.

That's the thing.

Can a duck come to town?

The world turns upside down. But then he is kind of cute, right?

For a priest. I mean, not as cute as Chad, but a lot of people say he's quite

hot. Obviously, his wife couldn't cope, you know, and... Okay, let's just... For

the record, Lena, Mrs Mantell didn't take her own life.

No way. You mean... What?

Are you saying she was killed by someone else?

We're treating her death as unexplained.

Which means someone else could have killed her.

Well, yeah.

There's a word for that, you know?

There is.

Homicide.

Good to know, Lena. Thank you.

Good.

I'd like to keep this discreet, if you don't mind.

Well, you picked the right poem.

As much as it pains me to say it, I overheard Lucas having a conversation

another man.

I'll see you next Thursday and we'll talk more about microdosing. Thank you.

Bye.

They're asking questions about where I was and if I was with anyone.

But what happened between us is not material to the issue.

Oh, because my marriage might not sustain that kind of scrutiny.

Yes, yes, yes. All right.

Any idea who he was talking to?

I know exactly who it was.

I confronted him, and he got

quite terse.

Going through my phone, Roger. What possessed you to do that? Look at

We were on that ridiculous thing again. Oh, it's not what you think.

Then what is it?

As I said, it's not what you think, and I expect an apology from you for

assuming otherwise. Everyone's asking questions, Lucas. A woman has died.

Let he who is without sin cast the first stone.

It's not what I think. What am I supposed to think?

And this.

This contained my case file that I retrieved from my car.

Is that... Bloodstains.

I'm sure of it.

Cold river find me Cold

river run and die Cold river blind

me Cold river be less cold

What's that waiting out there for me?

Feel the water come around my knee as it pulls me deep.

Just you and me.

I can't keep it a secret any longer, Lucas.

Well?

Oh, well, it's a deep hole from which to draw water.

The blood type, Tina?

A positive.

And the victims?

Also A positive.

Yes. Thank you.

That was the police.

They would like you to go down to the station.

Oh, dear.

I suggest you take off that ridiculous wig once and for all if you want any

chance of mercy.

Roger. Honestly, Lucas, enough of this misaligned vanity.

Not vanity. It is not vanity.

Then what is it, Lucas?

Please.

Zach's at the church.

Making plans for Izzy's funeral?

I don't know what you're hoping to find.

Place was cleaned, right?

Right.

We have red and green coming in.

The same blood type, but not a match yet?

Not yet. We're still waiting on the DNA results.

Good. We should know something by Christmas.

There are plaster wrappers with prints, hoping they can lift something off it.

Okay.

Good work.

Do you have the report you wrote there? Oh, thanks.

It seems I have some explaining to do.

Would you like me to sit in?

I think it would be easy without you, if you don't mind.

I'll be waiting.

On the morning in question, I did go for a walk, but it was on the beach.

I had to drive to get there, which is not something that comes naturally, you

see.

But it was too far to take the bike.

And I had a special cargo.

An 11 -foot dunger, circa 1973.

An heirloom.

It had belonged to my uncle Cecil. He passed it on to me when he died.

He'd been gathering dust for 30 years.

And there was Zach.

Such an athlete.

On the waves and in the pulpit.

I've no idea what possessed me.

Some kind of urge, no, a raging desire to be connected with Zach.

To be seen, I suppose.

I wanted him to see me.

So, the next day, God said, cool, let's get rid of the rock.

This is... Thank you, God.

Aloha, Zach.

Lovely morning for us. Forever in.

I had no idea you... Oh, um, it's been a while, but I'm not a total stranger to

hanging ten.

Always loved the Beach Boys.

Well, go you?

Yes.

Boogie boarding was the extent of it, but I thought, oh, how hard can the real

thing be?

Pride goeth before a fall.

Um, do you like another wave?

I have the funeral.

Ah, yes.

Fred Sullivan, of course.

Perhaps another day then?

Sure, yeah.

It's a pretty big swell out there today.

Yes, it's quite awesome.

Well, best I get in amongst it then.

Cheers, Zach.

Take it easy, Luca. Tally -ho!

Oh, dear.

Reverend?

Reverend?

There you are.

You're back, bro. That's good. You had me worried there.

You blacked out, buddy.

I'm going to call an ambulance. Okay.

No, no, no, no.

For a second.

We need to get you checked out.

No, no, no.

It's quite a scratch.

There's a fair bit of blood.

No harm done.

Seriously? No.

Other than... I feel like such an old

fool.

It's okay, Lucas.

It's okay.

I don't want you to go.

Well, Mr. Sullivan won't bury himself.

No.

I don't. I want you to leave Brokenwood.

Lucas, I thought that I could somehow chance your mind if we became

surfing buddies.

You know why I have to leave.

Not a word to another soul.

This unraveled a fear I could be defrocked for, well, let's face it,

inappropriate workplace action.

I've had difficult thoughts.

Could you speak to our saviour about them?

I'm not sure I listened.

Then from now on, take heed.

He may advise on not such a long board next time.

There won't be a next time.

Are you sure you're okay?

Only some wounded pride.

You and me?

I think we should... Yes?

Pray.

Let's pray.

Like that.

Dear Lord, look after my friend Lucas here, that he may find comfort in your

arms, your arms that are bigger than mine, bigger and all -encompassing,

that they make him feel secure and that you are listening.

and giving him good advice on appropriate surf breaks in the times

Amen.

Thanks, Zach.

I'm going to sit with our saviour a little longer.

I'll catch you later, Lucas.

Zach, not a word.

It was as if that wretched board had knocked some sense into me.

I knew Roger wouldn't be pleased, but I felt I didn't have any choice.

I thought I should carry on as if nothing had happened.

We will need to verify your story.

Of course.

Sometimes the cover -up is worse than the crime.

I'll try not to say this.

You all right? Yeah, dust, I think. Just a bit of... What's that?

Dr Plummer serenading the very Reverend Green in our car park with an aria from

Puccini. Yeah. I thought so.

Because... Reverend Green and Canon Zack were both at the beach.

Neither had time to deal to our victim.

Hmm. That makes sense.

New suspect.

The ghost that's been haunting Zach Mantel.

Detective, just off First Earth.

Verity's managed to rouse me from my despair.

I'm pleased to hear that, but I do need a word.

Well, you go on ahead.

I think it would be good if Verity stays.

Sure, yeah.

Ellie Wellsfoot.

Gosh, that's a name from the past.

By my understanding, it's been five years.

Ellie, she was a parishioner at St. Edwin's in the city.

She took her own life. It's very sad.

How would you describe her relationship to you?

She came to church.

She was so enthralled with the scripture for someone so young.

And she seemed to respond to the way I shared it with her.

Then Jesus takes these loaves, and there's only five of them, right? And

basically turns them into sliced bread, enough to feed a whole tribe of 5 ,000.

And then he does the same with only two fish. Oh, my God. I love fish.

Well, then, by extension, you love Jesus.

And, of course, he loves you.

Loving God, it's not hard, Ellie.

Her devotion was pure and simple.

She was a very sweet person.

Looking for answers.

And I was a relatively new priest, looking for solutions.

Maybe I, um... Maybe I gave too much.

Was there anything else to your friendship?

One day she was found hanging in a park.

She was in love with you.

Well, what does that really mean?

She was troubled in a way that I didn't understand.

She was lost.

And I tried to help her, but in the end I didn't.

How did you try to help her?

I asked her to trust in God.

But she wasn't ready.

I feel like I can only love God by loving you.

I can try to show you the way, but I am not the way.

I'm in love with you.

Ellie. I am.

I know I am.

It was like something just didn't compute.

I did nothing wrong.

She tried to kill Isabel. She attacked my wife.

I read the report.

Not long after, Ellie hanged herself.

We had to leave town to get away from all the conjecture.

But I will say this.

Isabel never once questioned my involvement with Ellie.

Never doubted me.

Neither did I.

Zach's not like that. He's not.

I imagine that when you saw Isabel at the cemetery that morning... Why Isabel?

All the ways.

It was like the ghost of Ellie Welsford had possessed Isabel.

Did you ever speak to Ellie's parents? They were overseas when it happened.

And by the time they got back, we had already left town.

We both tried hard to forget about what had happened.

Her mother died not long after losing her daughter.

An aneurysm.

Stress -related, it was thought.

Okay, I didn't know that.

A poor father.

Imagine losing a daughter and a wife in quick succession.

It's brutal.

A loss like that can manifest itself in different ways.

For some, they might give up and choose a path to self -destruct and drink

drugs. Others might turn to the church on a journey to understand forgiveness.

Ellie's father chose a variation.

Can it, Zach?

He's putting on a brave face, but he's got to be torn apart.

I know what it's like to lose your wife.

Nice.

You mean Nate Ford?

Otherwise known as Nathan Wellsford.

He moved here not long after you, when the Sexton position came up.

Welcome to San Judas. It was clear that he came here to avenge the death of his

daughter.

Sharing your space, biding his time.

He became acquainted with your movements.

Isabel had no reason to think that anything was awry.

No reason not to let him in.

He was in my house.

He's going to answer for all of that.

He was in my house.

It's over.

It's over.

Tell me you got a head off the rapper.

We did.

On Nate Ford.

A .K .A. Nathan Welsman. Put some at the sea.

I'm bringing him in.

Do you want a hand?

I'll be fine.

Give him his moment.

When you're done, Nathan.

The Puriri.

The birds love them.

It was Ellie's favorite.

We need to head down to the station.

I washed my hands.

In the end, I knew you'd come.

It's all good.

At least I could finally lay her to rest, you know?

Let's go, Nate.

We can still both walk away at this point, Nathan.

No one's asking you to stay.

There's no need to make things worse.

Tell me about it.

Let me know what she was like. Keep her memory alive.

Memories are important, Nate.

My second wife.

She was 28.

Her car went into a river.

She didn't come out.

It took me a long time to learn how to remember her best.

To forget the tragedy and remember her essence.

The thing that made me love her.

Ellie was only 19.

19 years old, for God's sake. It's nothing.

He was a young priest full of the power of God and miracles.

The way, the truth and the life.

Flirting with the power that gave him.

And flirting with her, no doubt.

He says that wasn't the case. Of course he'd say that.

Ellie fell in love with him.

Do you know what he told her?

Trust in God.

Listen and he will speak to you.

And guide you.

And give you all the information you need to do what you need to do.

She was sick.

But he didn't see it.

She heard what she wanted to hear.

You.

I hate you!

It wasn't her.

It was some kind of evil force.

Well, what happened next? That was the true evil.

You can't know what happened next. Come on, detective.

There was enough doubt in the coroner's report.

I read it over a hundred times.

It's not possible to know the injuries from the fight led to the death of Miss

Wellsford.

We're overseas.

There's no one there for her.

on her throat not matching the ligature from the hanging.

Isabelle Mantel killed my little girl and covered it up by hanging her in a

tree.

You don't know that, Mason.

Did you locate Nathan Ford?

We have a bit of a situation here.

What kind of situation?

A situation that needs to be resolved.

Like stating the bloody obvious to you.

I was just thinking.

Lambie Point.

It's not where I imagined needing my days.

He's not talking to us.

I'm not leaving the car without you, Nate.

Put out a 10 -1 and get units to Lambie Point.

She didn't suspect a thing.

Who is it?

It's Nate.

Nate. I wasn't expecting you.

Thelma thought you'd like a hand.

Oh, how kind.

Come on in.

What can I do? I was thinking an extra batch of scones.

Always keen to learn a new trick.

Good for you, Nate.

This is brilliant.

That was my point three, Alex.

I felt like justice was done.

You'll take that with me.

Whatever you mean, I'll do it.

Whoa, easy, Nate!

Get up! Now! You don't need to do this! No more talking! It's a long way down.

Tell them to back off or we go. Come on, Nate!

Wait, just wait!

I'll talk to them.

Hey, Mike.

Hi there.

Are you able to get out of the car?

I am.

Okay, is there any reason why you're not?

Nathan here.

Just needs a little bit more time to reflect on... Tell him to get out.

Hey there, Nathan.

I'm going over.

Tell him to get out of the car.

Mike, you know, Nathan might have a point there.

But as I just explained to Nate, this is my car, and as such, driving my car

over a cliff is not in my car's best interest.

It's just a car, Mike.

Is it, though? Really?

It really is.

Nathan, just hold that thought. We're stepping back.

It's all good here.

I have no interest in going to jail.

I can see that.

Let's just breathe out, okay?

You good? Let's see.

I only have one piece of advice.

I guess don't screw this up?

Yep.

What's he want?

He's bringing us water.

I didn't ask for any.

All part of the service.

Tell him to leave them at your door.

Leave them by my door.

Any idea when you chaps might wind this up? You buggers, clear off!

It seems like as long as I stay in the car, Nathan's not going anywhere.

The team would like to go home.

We'd like to tie things off.

Well, that's entirely up to Nathan here.

Get out of the car.

You can all go home.

Yes, he works.

All that thinking.

Let me go.

Not today, Nathan.

Not today.

Let me go.

Let me go.

Oh, my God, I must hug you.

It's okay.

Thanks.

You didn't bend the chatty, did you?

Okay, Mike, that's all I was worried about, so no.

That's a relief.

We should probably write up a report.

Hey, the next time you say I'll be fine, did you actually mean it?

I was fine.

That's what that was, was it?

Just admiring the view, were you?

Winter.

is often a time of reflection.

And, of course, a time for the restoration of our natural order,

faith in each other.

And, of course, in God, the great shepherd, watching over us, hanging with

sheep, an occasional goat, guiding us to safer

pastures. Not necessarily greener fields, because as the saying goes,

the grass is not always greener on the other side.

Especially if you're an old goat suffering from a temporary bout of

colorblindness.

Let us sing, Jesus Look Over Me.