In the third episode of Season 9, Grantchester is thrown into a maelstrom with the arrival of a fresh vicar, Alphy Kotteram (Rishi Nair). Immediate friction sparks as Alphy stumbles upon a burglary at the vicarage, only to realize with astonishment that the perpetrator is none other than himself, clueless about the local custom of heralding his presence.
Meanwhile, beneath the tranquil exterior, tensions between the Baron and Walker families bubble over a protracted land dispute. This boiling cauldron reaches its zenith when Albert Baron, the patriarch, is found deceased in what seems like a suicide. However, Harvey (Ned Porteous), his grieving son, remains unconvinced, his suspicions peaking when he discovers that the rifle used doesn't belong to his late father.
Unbeknownst to Alphy, Geordie Keating (Robson Green) has a past reliant on vicars for aid in unraveling mysteries. Though initially hesitant, Alphy finds himself drawn into the intriguing case when Harvey lays bare his suspicions. Together, they embark on a journey into the shadowy depths hidden beneath Grantchester's serene facade.
The investigation takes a surreal twist when Alphy uncovers a clandestine love letter, addressed to Harvey, not Rachel, from her fiancé Jamie Walker (Daniel Fraser). This unexpected revelation casts a shadow of doubt over the legitimacy of their impending nuptials and hints at a more profound bond between the two men.
Adding another intricate layer to his emotions, Alphy finds himself inexorably drawn to Rachel (Sophie Jones), culminating in an unexpected, passionate kiss that sends ripples through their world. The significance of this encounter escalates when it transpires that Rachel was an unwitting witness to the altercation between Albert and Lionel Walker (Jay Villiers), mere moments before Albert's purported suicide.
As Geordie unearths a blood-stained handkerchief bearing Lionel's initials at the crime scene, the veil is slowly lifted from the true circumstances surrounding Albert's demise. Lionel admits to being a bystander during the tumultuous confrontation but steadfastly denies being the one who pulled the trigger. A haunting flashback reveals a desperate struggle for the gun, with Lionel insisting that he was consumed by panic and fled the scene in the aftermath of Albert being shot.
However, suspicion once again shifts towards Rachel when Alphy discovers a picture of her clutching the same incriminating handkerchief. The investigative threads converge as it becomes undeniably clear that Rachel witnessed the entire harrowing incident and allowed Albert to perish, safeguarding the secret of Jamie and Harvey's forbidden relationship. In a calculating move, she plants the handkerchief on Lionel, framing him for the crime and ensuring the wedding proceeds as planned.
Ultimately, justice triumphs as Rachel is apprehended for her role in Albert's tragic death. Despite her earnest pleas for a future with Jamie, she must confront the stark reality of her actions. The episode draws to a close with a heartfelt camaraderie blooming between Geordie and Alphy, as they share a pint at the local pub, acknowledging their unspoken reliance on each other. As Alphy becomes a cherished part of the Grantchester community, a glimmer of hope emerges, piercing through the shadows cast by the recent tragic events.
