The episode unfolds amidst the hallowed halls of the Hedd Wynn Theatre, where Ben Yarwood (Vahid Gold), immersed in the role of Hamlet by William Shakespeare, captivates the audience. Wendy Harries (Sian Gibson), assistant director, meticulously oversees the production. However, Ben's frustration peaks as the toxic cloud ghost wobbles uncertainly on stage, prompting him to request an abrupt five-minute break before exiting, leaving Wendy's reply unuttered. Meanwhile, a pregnant Rowena Davidson (Bethan Mary-James) inquires about donning a boiler suit akin to her male counterparts. Wendy gently reminds her that their play embodies a post-apocalyptic patriarchy. Amidst this, Ben steals a tender moment with Rowena and asserts to Wendy that his portrayal of Hamlet must exude authenticity, urging her to adhere strictly to the script. He proposes consulting Menna Hughes (Pina Harrington), but Wendy responds that Menna, a fierce advocate for her solitude, should be respected, as she has dedicated her life to this theater.
The scene shifts to Menna, lying lifelessly on the floor of her office, now transformed into a grim crime scene. Medical Examiner Helen Baxter (Alexandria Riley) examines the bruising around Menna's neck, concluding that she was strangled with a rope or cord. Detective Constable Evan Chaudhry (Rithvik Andugula) informs Detective Sergeant Janie Mallowan (Gwyneth Keyworth) of Menna's dual identity as an influential property developer and theater director. Janie then breaks the news of Menna's will change to Wendy, who reacts with denial and distress, insisting that the privilege of being mentored by Menna outweighed any monetary gains. Janie offers a Kleenex, which Wendy gracelessly uses before tossing it back, only for Janie to accidentally drop it on the floor. Suggesting the cancellation of Hamlet, Janie is met with Wendy's firm refusal, highlighting the sold-out performance and its promise to a veteran charity, insisting Menna would disapprove of such a decision.
Later, Janie pays an unexpected visit to John Chapel (Timothy Spall), sharing her presence in the vicinity. Chapel reveals that he anticipated her arrival due to Menna's murder. Their conversation delves into the intricacies of the case, with Janie voicing her suspicion towards Wendy. Chapel diverts the conversation momentarily by inquiring about her relationship with Rhiannon Hopkins (Remy Beasley), which Janie describes as complex before refocusing on the case. Scanning a synopsis of Hamlet, Janie notices an "urgent call for Claudius," to be portrayed by Leonard Price (William Thomas). Chapel, reminiscing about his own Hamlet days, muses about the importance of casting and wonders why Menna would hesitate in replacing Leonard. Studying a photograph of Leonard, Chapel observes a deceitful glint in his eyes, sparking Janie's curiosity about his acting past. She playfully mocks his retirement before the ravages of time caught up with him.
Upon arriving at Leonard's abode, Janie's ears are serenaded by the haunting melodies of bagpipe music. She promptly informs Leonard of Menna's tragic demise and inquires about the circumstances that led to his estrangement from the Hedd Wyn Theatre Group. He reveals that he was poised to embody Claudius on stage when his beloved dog, Chester, unfortunately bit Menna. He recounts how she wielded her influence to persuade the Council to exile Chester, a decision that left him unable to bear her presence any longer. Janie then seeks his whereabouts between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. on Saturday, to which he attests he was riding the waves at Traeth Olaf, evidenced by a parking ticket as proof.
Leonard further shares that Menna's rental property had suffered vandalism and how she undercut Rowena and Ben at the eleventh hour in a home purchase. Later, at the theater, Janie arrives mid-rehearsal, prompting Wendy to halt proceedings. Wendy confides in Janie about the esteemed actor, Chapel, who has been recruited to portray Claudius. Overhearing this, Greg Pickton (Fergus Craig), his face contorted with anger, insists he is a legitimate actor. Wendy concedes but mutters under her breath that he isn't quite the part. They feign ignorance of a personal acquaintance while she reprimands him for jeopardizing her promotion. He counters that it could serve the investigation well, to which she reluctantly agrees.
Rowena confesses to being incandescent with rage when Menna swooped in to snatch the house from beneath their feet. Ben urges her to calm down, but she refuses, describing Menna's actions as underhanded, especially given her position as his former headmistress. Chapel repeatedly interrupts the conversation until Janie silences him with a stern look. Rowena alleges that Menna reprimanded Wendy for neglecting to dispatch vital documents. Wendy tells Chapel that Menna doubted her capability to lead the group, a role Wendy now cherishes with reverence. Chapel offers words of encouragement, urging her not to dwell on self-doubt as she giggles and asks him to perform Claudius' confession. He stresses the importance of preparation, amidst Ben's rehearsal.
At the police station, Janie briefs DCI Barry Clarke (Steffan Rhodri) on Menna's decision to drop the vandalism case. Clarke, surprised by the lack of progress, jokingly suggests she might be a flash in the pan. Janie disagrees firmly, vowing to unravel the mystery. Meanwhile, Rhiannon informs Desk Sergeant Tony (Mike Bubbins) that her vehicle has been stolen. Janie, somewhat awkwardly, takes the report until Evan kindly offers to take over. Later, Chapel reveals to Janie that Yvonne Mallowan has been bringing him meals, a gesture she warns is unstoppable. He ponders why Menna would abandon the vandalism case after securing Chester's removal. Janie mentions Leonard's possession of Chester's leash, potentially the murder weapon. Chapel speculates that Rowena's presence in the group is merely to keep an eye on Ben. insecurities are unfounded and urges him to stay, insisting he has what it takes to shine.
Chapel hesitates to rehearse his lines in front of the ensemble, a visible tremor in his resolve. Rowena notices and inquiries if anxiety gnaws at him. He nods, acknowledging his unease. She then weaves a tale of how acting served as her sanctuary, a refuge from life's storms. Reluctantly, Chapel steps onto the stage, the weight of his trepidation almost tangible.
Meanwhile, at the morgue, Helen imparts grim details to Janie: the murder weapon was a slender, 12mm black rope, its use necessitated by little force given Menna's terminal lymphoma that slowly ebbed her life force.
Back at the theatre, Chapel's performance captures the audience's heart, earning him a resounding ovation. Ben offers heartfelt praise, while Wendy expresses a poignant wish that Menna could witness her son's triumph. Ben excuses himself for some fresh air, and Chapel, following suit, asks if Menna was his mother. Ben clarifies that she wasn't, but she was a beacon of support when he entered the foster care system. He confesses to sabotaging her properties out of frustration when she purchased their dream home. Chapel reassures him that Menna's decision not to drop the charges stemmed from her deep-seated love. He proposes that dedicating themselves to the play could serve as penance.
Returning to rehearsal, Chapel compliments Linda Humphreys' (Kath Hughes) poignant portrayal of Gertrude. Janie interrupts with the solemn news of Menna's battle with terminal cancer, suggesting that Hamlet was her final, triumphant performance. She reveals that Ben and Rowena stand to inherit Menna's cottage, but Chapel suspects Wendy might be the true beneficiary of her estate. Janie is dismayed by his deduction. He defends Wendy's innocence but mentions her oversight in forgetting to wash the costumes.
Janie confronts Wendy about Menna's murder, presenting the incriminating evidence – a black rope, a costume tie, found amidst the laundry. She informs Wendy of the will's recent amendment, naming her as the sole heir. Wendy vehemently denies any wrongdoing, protesting her innocence. Janie challenges her tolerance for Menna's mistreatment, to which Wendy responds that she has always been accommodating, finding fulfillment in serving others. She admits the challenges of working amidst the temperamental actors but insists on her love for Menna and her innocence in her death.
Clarke predicts Wendy's imminent breakdown, though Janie remains unsure. She encounters Rhiannon, who has been awaiting her, aware of the lingering tension stemming from past conflicts involving Sian. Janie accuses Rhiannon of causing her distress and warns against repeating past mistakes. Rhiannon expresses her awareness of Janie's past anger and her subsequent avoidance, acknowledging her past cruelties. They reconcile, agreeing to reconnect over drinks.
Later, Janie confides in John about Wendy's plight. He disputes her guilt, pointing out Wendy's meticulous arrangement of Menna's diary, suggesting her intimate knowledge of Menna's affairs. Janie admits the circumstances are perplexing. Evan's call interrupts, updating them on Leonard Price's alibi investigation.
Despite the ticket's authenticity, Leonard's surfing escapade seemed implausible, given the tranquility of the sea on that particular day. Janie, determined to uncover the truth, confronted Leonard about his deceit regarding his whereabouts during Menna's tragic murder. Just as tensions escalated, John stepped in, mistakenly asserting that Leonard hadn't killed Leonard, clarifying instead that Leonard had kept the dog leader due to his loyalty to Chester. Leonard reluctantly conceded, unable to abandon his old friend.
That evening, John and Janie found solace in each other's company. Janie, hinting at her appetite, joked that she needed to loosen her belt so she could taste more delicious food. She professed her belief in knowing the culprit's identity, leading them both to visit the actors. They warned that the show couldn't proceed with a main cast member entangled in a murder investigation.
Addressing Rowena, Janie inquired about her comfort in her costume, noticing its newfound ease—notably, the absence of a belt that Janie now possessed. Their conversation shifted to Rowena's house, now legally Janie's following Menna's demise, as the latter had willed it to both of them. Janie revealed Menna's guilt-ridden conscience, which Ben could corroborate. Menna, who had once raised an alarm about Ben's wellbeing, had inadvertently led to his separation from his family, prompting her deep remorse.
Ben, initially denying any knowledge of Menna's intentions, eventually confessed that she sought him out during her final days, seeking redemption. Despite Rowena's insistence that Ben would never harm Menna, Ben revealed his momentary lapse in judgment, using a rope to silence Menna—albeit briefly, as her weakened state due to cancer made her vulnerable. He admitted to discarding the rope in Wendy's basket, devastating Rowena and shattering their family unity.
Post-mystery, John and Janie bonded, with John revealing his offer to assist at the theater. The group, still reeling from the revelations, was in disbelief. Wendy ensured Rowena's claim to the cottage remained intact, hinting that John suspected Rowena's awareness of the situation, despite her attempts to ignore it and pretend it never happened. Janie, ever the optimist, invited John to join her at the theater to celebrate their resolve. John, eagerly accepting, looked forward to the evening with anticipation.
