Father Brown

A suspect in the murder of a police officer is spotted near Kembleford, prompting Mallory to pursue him relentlessly. When a sudden disaster strikes, he is forced immediately to enlist the assistance of the priest who specialises in sleuthing himself.

"The Sacrifice of Tantalus" is a programme presented as an episode‑length story. It falls squarely within the episode genre, offering a compact narrative that unfolds over a single instalment. The format keeps the focus tight, allowing the central mystery to drive the entire run‑time. The plot kicks off when a man suspected of murdering a police officer is spotted close to the village of Kembleford. Mallory, the determined investigator, immediately sets his sights on tracking the suspect down. His resolve is clear – he won’t let the alleged killer slip away, and he’s prepared to pursue every lead that comes his way. However, events take a sudden turn when a disaster erupts, throwing Mallory’s plans into disarray. Faced with circumstances beyond his control, he finds himself needing assistance from an unlikely ally – a priest who also has a reputation for sleuthing. The priest’s involvement adds a new dimension to the chase, as Mallory must now combine his own tactics with the clergy‑detective’s insights. Together, Mallory and the sleuthing priest work to untangle the case, each bringing their own skills to the fore. Their partnership underscores the episode’s focus on determination and resourcefulness, showing how even the most unexpected collaborations can become crucial when a crisis threatens to derail a pursuit.