British Network Television
‘Father Brown’: S01.E10. “The Blue Cross”
Father Brown receives a mysterious note suggesting that the church’s priceless holy relic, the Blue Cross, will be stolen.
The first series final opens with a scene featuring Father Brown (Mark Williams) historically laughing at a seemingly comedic production he is enjoying on his wireless. The term wireless, during the period in which this series is set, is another word for radio.
An envelope is pushed through the letter box in Father Brown’s front door. On retrieving a piece of paper from the envelope, Father Brown reads: “To catch a thief, look to the cross.” This is a perplexing message. Father Brown discovers a monogrammed handkerchief at the church. It is Hercule Flambeau’s (John Light) calling card.
Hercule’s manipulations, getting Father Brown to involve both Bishop Talbot (Malcolm Storry) and Inspector Valentine (Hugo Speer), are skilfully designed. The thief knew the moves Father Brown would take before even he knew what he would do.
Whilst the bishop made his position clear, not trusting Father Brown with The Blue Cross, the Catholic priest wasn’t going to allow the police inspector to take charge of the religious relic. Father Brown fell into Hercule’s trap.
Justin De Vey (Christopher Villiers), not the gentleman he makes himself out to be, has a history of horse race fixing. Mr Dawson (Patrick Brennan), also criminally minded, has designs on taking Father Brown’s package.
Mr Dawson, according to Sidney “Sid” Carter (Alex Price), is also known as Arnold Quip. It quickly turns out that Mr Dawson / Mr Quip was working with Hercule. Hercule, disguised as army chaplain Captain Flynn, had designs of stealing The Blue Cross.
Causing a fire on the train tipped Father Brown off as to the identity of the thief that was after The Blue Cross. During their walk from the train, unbeknowst to Hercule, Father Brown was able to switch back his package with the one he had placed with the Catholic priest.
Father Brown reveals the extent of his knowledge when he offers to return Hercule is monogrammed handkerchief. The Catholic priest isn’t as shortsighted as he might seem.
Instead of killing Father Brown, something which might have been likely if this wasn’t the series title character, Hercule ties him to a tree and leaves with the boxed religious relic.
Displeased with Father Brown’s actions, placing the diocese in a somewhat awkward position, Bishop Talbot chooses to remove Father Brown from his position at St Mary’s Church.
The Blue Cross, after a few heroics from Sid, is recovered. Hercule, diving into the icy cold water, executes a daring escape from the police. Mr Quip is once again detained by the police.
The bishop, after after speaking with Cardinal Griffin, reverses his previous decision. Bishop Talbot reminds Father Brown that any further lapses in the liturgy will not be tolerated.
The episode closes with Father Brown having received a telegram presumably from Hercule. It contains a simple three word Latin phrase: “Donec obvium iterum” (English translation: Until we meet again).