Hetty Wainthropp Investigates

Hetty investigates the apparent suicide of Robert's uncle, probing the circumstances surrounding his death in depth. She discovers that the whole village where he lived is gripped by superstition, shaping the villagers' beliefs and influencing the community's response to the incident.

Widdershins is a programme presented as an episode within its series. Classified under the genre of an episode, it forms part of the broader Widdershins title. Each episode stands alone, offering a self‑contained story that still ties into the series' world. In this particular instalment, the central character, Hetty, takes on the task of probing what appears to be a suicide involving Robert's uncle. She approaches the case with a methodical mindset, seeking to uncover the truth behind the death that has initially been presented as self‑inflicted. She questions locals and examines the circumstances, keeping a skeptical outlook. As Hetty delves deeper, she realises that the entire village where the uncle lived is steeped in superstition. The local populace's beliefs and folklore seem to permeate every aspect of daily life, creating an atmosphere that influences how the incident is perceived and discussed. The superstition shows in whispered rumours and rituals that colour villagers' reactions. The episode therefore juxtaposes Hetty's rational investigation with the pervasive, almost palpable, superstitious mood of the community. Thus, Hetty must navigate evidence and belief, trying to separate myth from fact.