Agatha Raisin (2014–…): Season 4, Episode 1 - Kissing Christmas Goodbye - full transcript

Agatha's in need of a well-earned break and with Christmas just around the corner it looks like the perfect opportunity to relax. When she receives a letter from an old lady begging for protection, she can't help but spring into action.

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*AGATHA RAISIN*

*AGATHA RAISIN*
Season 04 Episode 01

Aired on:
December 20, 2021.

Episode Title:
"Kissing Christmas Goodbye"

♪ Ding dong merrily on high ♪

♪ In heaven,
the bells are ringing ♪

♪ Ding dong verily the sky ♪

♪ Is rhythm with angels
singing ♪

- ♪ La, la, la, la, la, la ♪
- Oh!

I told you it was too big!

How on earth are we gonna
get it inside, so to speak?



You can't have Christmas
without a tree.

Blame Prince Albert!

Oh, I blame him
for more than that.

My post piercing swelling
was off the scale.

I've got a photo of it here
somewhere.

I really don't need that image
in my head right now, Roy.

Christmas is supposed to be

a magical time of the year,
joyful.

The most wonderful time
of the year and all that.

So yours never are.

Excuse me!

Last year wasn't that bad.

Bad? It was awful.

I couldn't sit down for a week
and not for the usual reasons.



Eggnog followed by salmonella.

Fine then!

You do it!

What?

Organize Christmas!

And it better be bloody perfect!

I'm gonna need your help.

Is it a bit skew-wiff?

Yeah, but then, so are we.

And we're about to get
a whole lot skew-wiffier.

Last year, you got your head
stuck up the turkey.

That wasn't your finest hour.

No, it was the worst stuffing

myself or the turkey
had ever had.

Should have booked that hotel.

No.

"Jingle Bells" chimes...

Roy, what have you done
to my doorbell?!

You did ask.

Yuletide greetings!

Your tree's a bit wonky, Agatha.

Yes. It's a style choice,
apparently.

Where do we want these?

The bins in the kitchen,
next to the mulled wine.

Toni get tipsy.
Wong get wasted.

Hi!

We had a spare one
at the Church.

Great. That will look perfect
right next to the candles.

I'll not use the shepherds
for kindling this year, then.

Hmm, I'd appreciate that.

Yo, ho, ho!

- And a Merry Christmas!
- Now we're talking.

You didn't get that
in the village shop.

Not exactly. It was left over
at the Barfield Yuletide Fayre.

Half the back's missing.

Well, mice may have had
a little bit of a gnaw,

but, uh, no one will notice
if you turn it around.

Should've known you wouldn't put
your hand in your pocket.

Well, the important thing is

that Charles has
honored us with a gift,

as the Magi did
for the infant Jesus.

You're starting to sound
proper holier than thou, Sarah.

Well, that's just as well
because I'm now officially...

Stripper gram!

Parish curate!

Oh, Sarah!

Congratulations!

- Thank you.
- Thank God for that.

Oh...

Anyone for a Dirty Vicar?

Roy!

Chill it, Wong.

It's a festive cocktail...

Vodka, orange,
and pomegranate juice.

Please don't start
walking on eggshells for me.

Perfect!

Well, I think we're done.

Oh!

Your safety is my only concern,
I assure you.

Always such a gentleman,
Sir Charles.

Toni, can you get
the lights please?

- ♪ Silent night ♪
- Thank you. Thank you.

- ♪ Holy night ♪
- Ahh.

- ♪ All is calm ♪
- "Silent Night" always reminds me

of my first Christmas with Jez.

- I'll turn it off.
- No, no.

It's fine, please.

I'm completely over him.

Calling it a day has been
the best thing for both of us.

Okay!

This is going to be
the best Christmas ever!

Isn't it, Roy?

Yes.

♪ Sleep in heavenly peace ♪

Right, the butcher's
five minutes away.

Giant candy canes on order.

The wicker reindeer
arrive tomorrow.

What do you think about
an angel ice sculpture

as the centerpiece
for the champagne fountain?

You don't think that's going
just a little over the top?

I'm not cutting corners now,
Aggie.

Item 4, Subsection B.

Festive feast!

Turkey with all the trimmings.
Job done.

It's not that simple,
Aggie.

You like roast potatoes.

Charles likes dauphinoise.

Sarah is insisting
on bread sauce

and loves sprouts,
but they make you gag.

As long as we've got the
ingredients for a Dirty Vicar,

I don't really care.

- It'll be fine.
- Agreed.

But fine isn't perfect, Aggie.

Who's that from?

A Phyllis Tamworthy
of Lower Tapor Manor.

Ooh, she's looking
for protection.

Aggie, no! You're supposed to be
icing the Nutcracker biscuits.

You've still got 25 soldiers
to go.

Well, there's no harm in just
paying her a visit, is there?

I'm not going to take the job.

Now, come on.

So...

we are all agreed?

By the power of three...

So mote it be!

- Merry Christmas one and all!
- Yuletide greet...

We don't do Christmas here.

- We should leave.
- Yeah, we're...

We're a little lost, is all.

Like Mary and Joseph.

But we don't need a room
at the inn.

Some assistance with directions
would be lovely.

Where to?

Lower Tapor Manor.

Any friend of the Tamworthys

is no friend of ours!

Bit much!

And don't come back!

No wonder
he doesn't like Christmas.

Did you see his tattoo?

It's a Pagan symbol used
in magic and witchcraft.

- How do you know?
- Well, I had a Pagan lover once.

I was quite partial
to his pentacles.

Turn back!

Before it's too late.

The Tamworthys are
all vessels of evil.

Vessels of evil?
Well, if you could just point us

in the right direction?

Straight down Warlock's Walk,

turn left at the old
hanging tree, but...

don't say I didn't warn you.

Oh, when did that man
last have a bath?

1972 by the smell of him.
But what if he's right?

What if we're walking
into some sort of trap?

She's probably just
one of these aristocrats

that treat villagers
like peasants.

It takes one to know one.

I'm not sure about that angel.

Oh, come on, Roy.

Inside, it's all gonna
be garlands of holly

around the fireplace,

real candles
on the Christmas tree

and chestnuts roasting
on an open fire.

Alright, Ag?

Phyllis Tamworthy.

But everyone calls me Phyll.

Let's be having ya!

Ho ho ho!

Merry Christmas!

Gert lush, innit?

I bloody love Christmas.

Yes, I can see.

Very festive.

Glass of sherry?

Yes.

British, of course.

Uh, no, thank you.

Maybe later.

You said you needed
some protection?

I had an unwanted visitation
from my husband.

You could always get
a restraining order?

Wouldn't do much good.

He's 6 feet under.

Came to me in a ghostly vision.

Chains clanking,

breath like ice.

Thought I was going
to cack me pants.

Cute.

Pardon?

Uh, what did he say, exactly?

He said I was going to hell

unless I did something
pretty smartish.

About what?

I wasn't always honest
with old Marley.

Buried things I didn't want him
to know about.

I made a lot of enemies
in my time.

We met some of them in the pub.

Those scumbags.

They deserve everything
that's coming to them.

Uh, what do you mean?

I own
the whole village.

Cottages,

pub, land.

And they've had their notices

to quit.

Oh, so you intend to sell
the entire estate?

That was the plan.

But after the warning
from old Marley,

I'm gonna give it away.

Who to?

A foundation
for poor disabled kiddies

who'll turn the house
into a school,

named after yours truly.

The Phyllis Tamworthy Academy.

They all think
I'm bona fide angel.

But the villagers take a less
charitable view, I expect?

They'd rather see me dead.

And they're not the only ones.

Who else?

My grasping, ungrateful kids.

They encouraged me to sell...

when they thought
they was gonna get their share.

But they won't be
too pleased now

when they hear
they're getting diddly squat.

And when are you telling them?

Tonight.

They're coming for
a pre-Christmas get-together.

That's where you come in.

I need someone to watch me back

in case things get a bit lairy.

You don't seriously think
you could be in danger

from your own children?

You haven't met 'em.

Tomorrow, I sign all
the legal documents.

After that, there's sod all
they can do about it.

And you're absolutely sure

you want to go through
with this?

I'm not gonna burn my ass
off in hell for anyone.

You promised me
you wouldn't take it!

It's a Christmas mystery
in an English country manor!

How could I possibly refuse?

Because Christmas
is only three days away!

And you've put me in charge!

Oh, stop stressing.
It's only one night.

You don't understand...
I've got to do the big shop.

Buy presents, wrap presents.

What was that?

This place really puts
the willies up me,

and not in a good way.

Oh, come along.
We have bags to pack!

I'm really not sure
about this, Toni.

Agatha'll never know.

- She will if you crash it!
- Oh!

You need to
check your mirrors.

Every 15 seconds.
Yes, I know!

And...

you should be in third.

Mind the verge!

Ever since the roof jammed,
Marilyn hasn't been anywhere.

She needs a run.

But taking a vehicle
without permission

is a crime, Toni.

Why not just ask her?

Because she'll say no.

But that makes me an accessory!

Ah, the bottom line Bill is,
I've got my test Christmas Eve,

and I'm gonna fail
if I don't get the practice.

About Christmas...

Yeah?

Woah! Woah!

Mum was rather hoping
you'd join us for lunch?

Oh, but I like to chill
at Christmas, Bill.

Watch TV in my PJs, eat crap.

I only get dressed
to go to the pub.

It is a rather more formal
at my house.

Black tie, in fact.

Just for the three of you?

Uh, mum takes it very seriously.

Lunch at 1:00, pudding at 2:00,
queen's speech at 3:00.

Christ.
Do you get any pee breaks?

Look, I know it's not really
what you're used to,

but I'd really love
it if you could...

- That was very reckless!
- Shhhh!

You alright?

Sure.

Yeah, I'll get on to it.

Alright, bye.

On to what?

New job just in.
Agatha needs my help.

We're supposed to be spending
quality time together.

And we will at Christmas,
at your Mum and Dad's.

Seriously?
You'll come?

You've got to survive three
more days of my driving first.

Toni!

What do you mean,
she's got friends staying?

Mother doesn't have any friends.

I just saw them go upstairs
with their cases...

A vulgar looking woman
in lurid colors

and inappropriate heels

and her rather
mincing companion.

More tea anyone?

No, thank you, dear.

Fran!

Glad to see you made an effort.

When did you get here?

Yesterday.

I'm surprised Mother
let you come a day early.

She didn't know,

which is how
I caught her off guard.

What do you mean?

Well, the house was quiet
when I arrived.

Thought she must still
be in bed,

so I went up to her room,

and I found all
the family jewelry

dumped on her dressing table.

Why would she do that?

Because she's selling the lot!

I found e-mails
to an auction house

asking them to transfer
the proceeds

- to her preferred charity.
- Charity?

The woman doesn't know
the meaning of the word.

But that jewelry
belongs to all of us.

I'm sure there must be
some reasonable explanation.

I very much doubt it.

I've been doing some
digging of my own.

I found this.

She's changing the terms
of the sale of the estate.

It doesn't say how exactly,

but she's done this behind
our back for a reason.

But father left everything
in her name.

- You don't think...
- That's exactly what I think.

Well, we have to stop her.

But how?

By any means necessary.

Please don't make me stay.
The bed's got nylon sheets!

I'll start crackling
and be on fire by 2:00 a.m.!

Ag!

We're in here!

This is Agatha Raisin
and her son, Roy.

Hi. Mum.

Roy...
Roy is just a friend.

Oh, Toy Boy, is it?

I had him down
as a woolly woofter.

That's a shame.

This is Fran,
my eldest.

And least attractive.

And that pimped up poodle
is Sadie.

She thinks I'm beneath her
'cause she married a knob.

No, I married into
the nobility, Mother.

Sir Henry is also

a massive knob.

- I quite like a massive...
- No.

It's all the inbreeding.

And last,

and most definitely least,

we have little Jeffrey.

Should've been a girl.

Namby bloody pamby!

Won't eat meat,
drink booze.

Chews leaves instead
of having proper medicine.

That's why he's such
a sickly weed.

It's called homeopathy, Mother,

and I'm perfectly well.

I got your cardie from the car,
Jeff.

Don't want to get your cold
any worse.

And this is his dull
as ditch water wife, Alison.

Right, who's up for
a Christmas tipple?

Mother, please! No one's drunk
British Cream Sherry since 1973.

I always bring my own.

Smells like cat piss.

But each to their own.

- Cheesy football?
- Oh, yes, cheers.

I wouldn't.
They're ancient.

How do you two know each other?

- Well, we met years...
- We met at... bingo.

- Didn't we, Ag?
- Yes.

Yeah.

Got on like a house on fire.

Peas in a pod.

Could be sisters.

Identical twin sisters.

Dinner is served.

Never mind the staff.

Let's go and stuff our faces.

And then I've got an exciting

Christmas surprise!

I just need to, uh, freshen up.

Oh, bog's through there, Ag.

Apologies if Jeffrey
got there first.

- Keep her talking.
- What...

Just charm her.

We need to get Mrs. Boggle
on message.

She could be very useful
undercover.

- Go on.
- Yeah.

Beautiful home, Phyll.

Oh, cheers, Roy.

I have literally never seen
anything like it.

You nancy boys always appreciate
a classy interior.

- I'll give you that.
- I'll take it.

Shall we go through?

Allow me to be your third leg.

Oh!

Me belly thinks
me throat's been cut.

She's loving every minute
of this.

What are we gonna do?

Nothing... yet.

Put your cardie on, Jeff.

Keep warm.

I wanted you to have these
for Christmas.

Oh, Jeff, they're beautiful,
but I can't -

Father would've wanted you
to have something.

Everyone's waiting.

Oh, right.

Okay.

Here we go.

What on earth are
you doing here?

Stopping me from murdering
the lot of them!

I give Doris a hand
from time to time.

Mr. Boggle wants leather
trousers for Christmas

and they do not come cheap.

Are you here
in an official capacity?

Yes, I am.

But the family must not know.

I need you, Mrs. B, to have
eyes and ears everywhere.

Secret Squirrel.

Say no more.

Shall I, um, bring the salads
through from the pantry?

No.

The old bat likes them after.

Don't often see you in here,
Madam.

There was no salad cream
on the table, Doris.

Mother would have had a fit.

Are you lost, Mrs. Raisin?

This house can be
a bit of a labyrinth.

Why is Santa's sack
always bulging?

Because he only
comes once a year!

Oh, Phyll, I used to think
Santa wasn't real

until he let me
feel his presents.

Pardon?

How on earth did you get
these vile crackers, Mother?

Oh, take that big rod
out your ass.

We're supposed to be
enjoying ourselves!

That might come in handy,

eh, Ag?

She was a goer at the Bingo
back in the day.

I thought the doctor
told you to cut it down.

My ticker's not giving out
on me any time soon.

I'm sorry to disappoint you all.

Sorry I'm late.

I got caught short.

Again?

Never off the bloody bog.

He has a nervous stomach.

I'm not surprised.

Now...

for the speciality
de la maison.

Salad...

a la Phyll.

- Oh!
- Oh, flashbacks.

Enjoy!

And I thought
my family were dysfunctional.

I'll kill her myself
if we stay much longer.

Agent Boggle reporting.

They are gathering
for a Christmas surprise.

Over and out.

Promise me we'll be done
with this tonight.

Listen.

It's those jingle bells again.

Oh, that'll be Rudolph

doing a recce.

Now come on.
We don't want to miss the drama!

Well...

isn't this cozy.

Just get on with it, Mother.

Uh, if you wouldn't mind...

Stay where you are!

Christmas is a time
for reflection,

for thinking of others

less fortunate than ourselves.

So like Ebenezer Scrooge
himself,

I'm turning over a new leaf.

I'm gonna become the generous,
selfless person

you've always wanted me to be.

Maybe you got it wrong?

No, she hasn't finished yet.

Generous? To whom?

I've decided

to donate the entire proceeds

of the sale of the estate to...

a charitable foundation!

I don't understand.

Oh, poor little Jeffrey.

Always was thick as a brick.

None of you are getting
a single penny.

You're on your own.

We always were on our own,
you evil, vindictive woman.

That money is rightfully ours.

Father promised
we'd be looked after.

This is just another one
of your cruel games.

Even you...

Oh, she doesn't care
about any of us, Jeffrey.

- She never has!
- And why should I?

Because that's what mothers
are supposed to do.

I never wanted you.

Any of you.

I never want any of you
anywhere near me ever again.

Understand!

Happy bloody Christmas!

What...

These people are all
completely insane.

If we leave now,
I can start marinating my ham,

if you'll pardon the expression.

- Shhh.
- Mother!

Get down!

Mother!
Open the door!

Can we just talk about this?

- Please.
- What's she doing?

She's locked herself in.

Why don't you try talking
to her, Jeffrey?

No, thanks.

I've had enough abuse
for one night.

I'm going to bed.

Best let her sleep it off.

Did you bring
my toothbrush?

- Yes.
- The blue one?

Yes.

Good, because the other one
gives me pain.

Mrs. Raisin?

Yes?

I'm so sorry about this.

It must be awful for you
to witness dear Mother

in such a dreadful state.

Well...

As you are such a close friend.

Goodnight.

Goodnight.

Put your jim-jams on.
Come to bed.

I can't just put my jim-jams on
and come to bed!

I can't relax!

I think she's on to me.

That woman, Sadie.

So...?
Phyll's safely tucked up in bed.

Is she, though? I mean,
do we know that for sure?

We're supposed to be
watching her back.

And what are you gonna do?
Break the door down?

No, Aggie.

Aggie.

Ugh.

You've got to be kidding!

Come on, Roy?!
Get a move on!

I can't do this.

Well, don't look down!

We were supposed to be watching
"Love Actually,"

followed by a mini minced pie
for...

And now I'm going to die!

Ah.

Come on, help me open
this window, please!

I can't move it!
It's stuck!

Ohh!

Phyllis?

Phyll?

It's Agatha.

We've just come to check
that you're... okay.

She looks like you after
a night on the Negronis.

Excuse me...
That's very hurtful.

Take that back!

I would never go to my bed
with shoes on.

Well, go on.
Check her pulse!

I'm not touching that.
It's definitely dead.

What's that in her hand?

Why, is it...

in her hand?

What's going on in there?

Nobody touch anything.

I think your mother
has been murdered.

Mrs. Raisin jumped the gun,
Detective Wong.

My mother has a history
of heart disease.

Well, I assumed foul play
for very good reason.

I am not
your mother's bingo chum.

I am a private detective.

She's got a badge
and everything.

Yes, she hired me

because she thought
that her life was in danger.

- In danger from who?
- Anyone.

Everyone with a vested interest

in preventing the sale
of this estate.

As if we'd kill our own mother!

She had a heart attack,
pure and simple.

The doctor confirmed it.

Well, that will now be a matter

for the pathologist to decide.

Get in!

8-0 to me.

You better get one soon
or you'll be off your face

- before breakfast.
- I am.

I was right!

Bill said that Phyll's death

was not caused by heart failure.

She was poisoned.

Well, she had enough bile
to poison herself.

- Let's face it.
- Listen.

I was employed to protect her
and she died.

So the least I can do is
try and find out the truth.

Aggie, Christmas
is three days away!

I've got a to-do list as long
as my ass and no magical elves!

My elf guy let me down.

Well, I'm terribly sorry,
but Christmas is canceled

until this case is solved!

The family hate you.

How can you investigate
their mother's murder

without consent?

I need to speak
to Agatha.

Alone.

I looked online,
and it seems you're known

for solving unusual cases
like ours.

I am.

But why not just leave it
to the police?

If the murderer isn't found,

we'll always be the family
who killed their mother.

Jeffrey's a fragile character,
Agatha.

He deserves the chance
to reinvent himself.

Well, I can't do anything
without everyone's consent.

Sadie and Fran want
everything settled quickly.

The sale would be tainted
by an unsolved murder

so they agreed
we should get you involved.

Okay, but if the family
are beyond suspicion,

where do you suggest I start?

The Crazy Fox.

Paul Chambers knows everything
that goes on in this village.

Ask him why he wanted
Phyllis Tamworthy dead.

It worked, my Lord.

Blessed be.

Is it a shilling or
a sixpence in a Christmas pud?

I don't know.
It depends how tight you are.

Well, I choked on
one as a child,

and my gag reflex has improved
but even so,

I think I might take... Oh!

Mrs. Raisin!

Mr. Boggle thinks I might be
in the frame for murder!

Well, it's always
the quiet ones, Boggle.

Well, you might have
to answer a few questions

but I don't think
you're a prime suspect.

Oh.

Actually, you might
be able to help us.

Any idea what this is?

Oh, yeah. Oh!

I'd recognize that vile
rotten mousey smell anywhere.

- I thought it was Roy.
- Rude!

And it's even more repellent
when it's crushed.

What is it?

Conium macu-macla,

also known as poison parsley
or hemlock.

Hemlock?

Hemlock!

Oh, touching it won't hurt you.

But if it gets inside you...

It would chafe.

Now, hemlock leaves are
often mistaken for parsley

and the root for parsnip.

Mrs. B, you're a genius!

- Down, Boggle!
- Oh!

You're supposed
to avoid obstacles,

- not aim for them!
- Oh, sorry, Charlie.

I reckon this make up's

- making me see funny.
- Both hands on the wheel

at all times!

Alright!

What on earth's that?

Oh!

It's not permanent.

Paul Chambers has one.

I thought it'd be a way
of worming my way in.

What a cunning little minx
you are, Toni.

Just wish I was
as good at driving.

Oh!

Same!

A strong dose of hemlock
can cause symptoms

similar to inebriation,
loss of balance,

slurring, paralysis
of vocal chords and limbs.

Which is why she couldn't shout
for help.

But if she was paralyzed,
how could she lock the door?

And if she did lock it,
where was the key?

See what you can find out.

- Bill!
- Agatha?

I thought you'd been fired.

Oh, it seems I'm hired again.

Shall we?

Magpie!

I need a stiff drink after that.

You can't come in.

It's bloody freezing!

Well...

I need to get my flirt on.

And I can't do that
with you playing gooseberry.

How do I look?

Like a rather sinister
wood nymph.

I'll take that.

Right.

Wish me luck!

If you're another journalist
digging for dirt...

Do I look like one?

I just came in
for a quiet drink.

Really?

The day after a murder

when we've never
seen you before?

Elsie...

I'll serve this customer.

I'd heard this was a, uh...

a friendly pub.

Indeed it is.

Taking my break.

Is that why there are
police everywhere then,

this, uh, murder?

You won't see any tears
shed in here.

The woman was a monster.

So, she wasn't...

a friend?

Far from it.

If you let me buy you a drink,

I'll tell you why.

Is that 100%?

Okay, thank you.

Phyllis was poisoned
with hemlock leaves

found in her salad.

The pathologist
just confirmed it.

So Mrs. B was right.

Where is Wilkes, by the way?

Volunteered for the police
charity trip to Lapland.

It's... his lifelong ambition

to meet Father Christmas.

- He does know that he's not...
- I don't think he does, Agatha.

And I wasn't going to be
the one to tell him.

So, this is your first
solo murder case

without Denzel
breathing down your neck.

Yeah, and if I screw it up,
he'll never let me forget it.

- Well, that's not gonna happen.
- Well, how do you know that?

Because we are
going to solve it.

Together.

Come on.

We just have
to keep our nerve, Henry.

Take out another loan until
the money comes through.

At least we won't go under now.

And best of all...

...we're free of her.

The children all left the table
at some point,

so any one of them
could've added the hemlock

at any point, unseen.

As could the kitchen staff

or anyone from the village.

That door leads directly
onto the back lawn

and is kept unlocked
until the family go to bed.

So we're no further on.

Oh, Roy's found something.

Roy?!

Roy?

No key, but I did find this.

Fran's flat is about
to be repossessed.

So she needs money fast.

Just like her sister.

I heard Sadie on the phone
to Sir Henry.

It sounds like
they're in massive debt.

Well, that gives them
both motive,

but we need more than that.

My super wants me back
for a progress report.

Right, well we'll do
a little more digging here.

Well, you better find something.

He wants this all wrapped up
by the 25th!

Christmas is a time of miracles,
DS Wong.

You just have to believe!

Phyll Bucket was born
in this village.

One of our own.

But she was still prepared
to kick us off our sacred land,

make us homeless.

We tried to make a deal,
but she refused point blank.

Out of pure spite!

Really?

What did you do?

Prayed to the Universe.

And our prayers were answered.

So what now?

Tomorrow eve

is the Festival of Saturnalia.

And I'd very much like you
to be there.

We're all terribly upset.

Obviously, we...
We had our issues,

but...

she was still our mother.

I'm not sure Mrs. Raisin's
gonna buy your crocodile tears

after last night.

Oh, one has to grieve, Fran.

It's expected.

You said last night that
your... your father

wanted you all
to be looked after.

What happened to him?

Oh, he died of a broken heart.

Quite literally.

Father was a good man.

Stupidly loyal.

He knew Mother didn't love him,

but he was devoted to us.

After he'd passed,

she didn't have
to pretend anymore.

She packed us all off
to various boarding schools

the day after the funeral.

Jeffrey was only 7.

Got horribly bullied.

Never really recovered.

Fran and I left home
as soon as we could.

I think Jeffrey wanted to leave.

So why didn't he?

Mother said he was brain dead

like his father.

Oh.

Forced him to run
the village shop.

Poor Jeffrey.

He's the one that's been damaged
the most by all of this.

Hm, damaged enough
to kill his mother?

Hmm, maybe.

But why now?

Well, Sadie and Fran
both need the money.

Maybe Jeffrey does, too.

Hmm.

Well, he's not wasting any time,
is he?

Excuse me.

It must've been tough for you

given how extremely unpopular
your family are.

I think it gave her some kind
of perverse thrill,

me dealing with the abuse,

day in, day out.

Don't know how you stuck it.

Well, she's still my mother.

I always tried to understand
why she was...

well, how she was.

I always hoped she might change.

I never hated her.

Do you know anyone who did?

Enough to poison her, perhaps?

Doris, maybe?

Mother went out of her way
to make her life a misery.

They had a huge row.

I don't know what it was about,

but it was unlike Doris

to react the way she did.

Anyway, um,
you'll have to excuse me.

I've gotta continue packing up.

They've gone to the solicitors

to count their gold

so we won't be disturbed.

You really don't like them
very much at all, do you?

I know how staff
should be treated.

I worked for the Riptor family
for years.

Oh, they were well loved,
respected.

Everyone was very sad
to see them go.

So why did they?

Phyll wanted Lower Tapor

more than anything.

Made them an offer
they couldn't refuse.

Because she knew
by owning the village,

she would own everybody in it.

Exactly!

She had power over us all.

People were terrified of her.

But not you.

What do you mean?

Jeffrey said you had
a fight with her

just hours before she died.

I'd made a beef pie
for Christmas.

Thought the family deserved
something better

than her usual processed junk.

But she went nuts.

Threw it straight in the bin
and let rip.

Who did I think I was?

So, I told her.

A better person
than she'd ever be.

Told her she was going
straight to hell.

And she didn't like that.

Because she's not burning
her ass off there for anyone.

What killed her exactly?

Hemlock leaves...

in her salad.

Nothing to do with me!

Phyll wouldn't let anyone near
her precious salads.

Did she always use
the same bowl for these salads?

Oh, the red spotty one.

Where did the salad come from?

The gardener grows it all.

Scary old man with
the rancid body odor?

His name's Fred Instick.

He lives in the Manor Gatehouse.

Let's see what this Fred
has to say for himself.

Not now! It's the auditions
for the Carol Concert...

What?!
Are we still doing that?

Yes!

But we're getting so close.

Later.
We promised Sarah.

I am not missing...
Bloxby's biblical bash.

This is for Sarah?

And God.

And the spirit of Christmas.

Amen!

♪ Glory to the new born king ♪

Sorry we're late.

Oh, take a pew.
I'll be right with you.

Let's try the last verse.

Go from
"mild he lays his glory by"

with Mrs. Boggle
doing the descant.

♪ Hark!
The herald angels sing ♪

♪ Glory to the newborn king ♪

- ♪ King ♪
- ♪ King! ♪

- ♪ King ♪
- ♪ King! ♪

Very powerful, Mrs Boggle.

Um, a choir is about
a blend of voices.

No one should really stand out.

May I suggest
that I do the descant?

I am virtually a professional.

According to whom?

I won Miss Malmesbury
Golden Tones in 1956.

My treble was renowned
throughout the county.

As is my velvety bass.

You leave your velvety bass
out of this, Sir Charles!

No smutty talk in front
of baby Jesus!

Thank you both very much.

Um, I'll make my decision
when I've heard everyone sing.

- Anyone for a mince pie?
- Oh, yes.

Aww, me please!

Two.

Paul Chambers totally thinks
I'm a bona fide Pagan.

Well, I should hope he does.
She kept me waiting ages, Aggie!

Well, it was worth it.

He invited me back tomorrow.

Hm, what for?

- The Festival of Satin-narlia.
- Saturnalia.

It was started
by the Romans to celebrate

"the rise of the invincible sun,
not some daft virgin birth."

Hiswords not mine, Vicar.

- No offense.
- None taken.

They're gonna make an offering
to the gods to give thanks.

Thanks for what?

Phyllis Tamworthy's death.

He's worried the police
will be after them now.

Like he knows
they'll be connected

to the poisoning somehow.

Well, Hemlock is often used
in Pagan ceremonies.

How do you know?

I did a thesis on Paganism
at college.

- Dark horse.
- Nerd.

That might come
in quite handy though.

Mulled wine anyone?

Oh!

Uh, is that altar wine,
Mrs Boggle?

What?
It's Christmas, Vicar.

Oh, it must be a fuse.

Everybody outside.
Come on.

More tea, Vicar?

It wasn't a fuse, Vicar.
The power was deliberately cut.

Well, this is all
getting rather nasty.

I do hope it can be resolved
before Christmas.

Stuff Christmas!
What about the murderer?

We need to catch them
before they do it again!

Uh, why don't I pay
the gardener a visit,

quiz him about the hemlock?

Are you sure that's wise, Vicar?

He doesn't half pong.

And he's got a vicious temper.

I'll make sure
I keep my distance.

Take Roy as a bodyguard!

- Where is Roy?
- Where is Roy?

Where is...
I will tell you where Roy is!

Roy is upstairs,
feeding his Christmas pudding,

panicking about
Christmas paperchains!

Roy!

I warned you and your lady
friend not to get involved.

So, you knew there
was gonna be trouble?

Didn't say that, did I?

Doris said you grew the salad

served the night she died.

- So...?
- Is there any way

you could have confused
hemlock with parsley?

Hemlock doesn't grow
at this time of year.

Any fool knows that.

Was it your job to take
the salad to the kitchen?

No, the old witch came,
took what she wanted.

I always kept my distance.

Do you have any idea
who might've killed her?

Well...

I reckon I might have
done it myself.

Wanted to many times.

And I had a few pints
of Scrumpie last night.

So, maybe it was me.

I certainly felt
like putting this

through her heart

more than once!

Fred...

...why are you so angry?

That woman treated me worse
than dirt on her shoe.

But I never know

how truly wicked she was

till last week.

I told her I wanted to retire.

Take my pension.

I was always paid in cash.

And the odd bottle of sherry
at Christmas.

Well, she said it was
all on record.

But it wasn't.

She never paid my stamps
like she promised.

And she was selling
my home to boot.

I am so sorry.
That's awful.

I really think we should go
and get some fresher air.

She said it was my fault
for trusting her,

that I'd have to work
until I kicked the bucket.

I felt like docking
someone's head off!

Ah, I think we've got
what we need.

Yes.
Thanks for your time, Fred.

Ugh.

Oh?

It doesn't feel right.

It feels like
we're dancing on her grave.

Well, that's exactly
what we are doing.

Cheers!

Don't tell me you're not
secretly relieved.

You need your share of the money
just as much as we do.

Just leave it in the kitchen,
Fred. That'll be all.

No.

That won't be all,
you patronizing cow.

I'm owed my annual bonus.

50 quid,
plus my Christmas bottle.

You don't fool anyone.
You know that?

Thinking you're better
than the rest of us.

Well, we all know who you are.

Tamworthy scum.

Always were and always will be.

Do something, Jeffrey!

Well, now look here.

I am!

I'm looking at you boy!

All of you.

And I know the truth.

Didn't know that, did you?

And there's no way
I'm taking the blame

of your evil-doings.

So enjoy your fancy
French champagne.

There won't be any of that
where you're going!

Smelly Fred's
definitely got motive.

He worked there his whole life,

and Phyll was gonna leave him
with nothing.

I noticed something odd.
Fresh hemlock.

And he said hemlock doesn't grow
at this time of year.

Oh, he's definitely hiding
something. Right.

- Well, we need to go back.
- Uh, without me I'm afraid.

I've still got
my Christmas sermon to write.

Before you go,

you don't happen
to know anything

about an old, ruined Abbey

on the Lower Tapor Estate,
do you?

No. Why?

On the night of the murder,
you said you heard bells?

Yes, I did.

Well, according to this map,
it appeared that the sound

of the bells was coming
from the old Abbey itself.

You think it was the Pagans?

Oh, highly unlikely.

They worship
in natural surroundings.

So, hills, caves, woods.

Well, I'll see what
I can find out.

- You do that.
- Good luck.

Right, well, if we go now,

we still have time for you
to get back to continue

with your paperchains!

I'm not sure about this, Aggie.

Fred could be our killer.

Well, in that case,

we need to be ready,

and we need to be armed.

Fred?

Mr. Instick?

Let's try around the back.

Here, hold this.

Well, give us a hand!

It wasn't locked.

Oh...

The salad bowl
was in the pantry.

Any one of them could've
planted the hemlock

because they all left the meal
at some point.

Sadie, to fetch the salad cream,

Fran...

to fetch the sherry,

and Jeffrey to pick up
the salad plates

via the toilet.

Well, I hope
he washed his hands.

Don't mind me.

Just brought you some
sample can-apes.

Right.

And then we have Alison
who went all the way

to the car to fetch his cardie.

Then Phyll made her big speech.

She started slurring,
so she went to bed.

Meanwhile, Roy and myself...

Risked life and limb.

...just to see
that she was okay.

Why am I the donkey?

Well, it's hardly
representational.

I mean, if Agatha's
the Virgin Mary.

I want to be Joseph.

- Okay, Joseph!
- Thank you!

So, we have Phyll in bed,

dead, fully clothed,

with the door locked but no key.

So the door must've been locked

from the outside
by our murderer.

Hmm.

- Charles.
- Hmm.

Can you please stop
eating the Manor House?

Sorry.
I didn't have any breakfast.

My ho-ho-hot dogs
should sort you out.

Oh, how perfectly ingenious,
Mrs. B.

Then we've got
the angry Pagan villagers.

And their ringleader,
Paul Chambers...

all determined
to hold on to their homes

and, more importantly,
their sacred land.

Were they prepared to kill
rather than give it up?

There have been historical
complaints about Lower Tapor

being a site of witchcraft.

They could be connected?

Maybe that's where
they're going tonight?

And I'm going with them.

- Oh, no.
- No.

It should be me.

Paul Chambers knows you.

Oh, I can handle
an idiot like him.

- Hey!
- Hello, Bill.

The pathologist's report's back
on Fred Instick.

Mm.

Liquid hemlock was found
in the remains of the sherry.

Wasn't Phyllis the only one
who drank it?

So whoever poisoned the sherry
meant it for her.

Ah, not necessarily.

Fred always received

a bottle of sherry at Christmas.

Well, I overhead him tell
the family he knew the truth.

So he believed one
or all of them were guilty?

So either he was silenced

or his death
was a tragic mistake.

Who fancies tasting
Santa's balls?

Yes, please!

Uniform didn't find
anything of interest.

Ah, well, that's because

uniform didn't know what
they were looking for.

Hemlock Farm?

I had no idea.

There have been rumors
that this estate

has been used for witchcraft.

All utter nonsense!

The only witch around here
was Phyll Tamworthy.

Now, if you don't mind,

I've got things to do.

I feel sorry for Fred.
I really do.

But that's what happens
to nosey parkers.

Oh, you think he was murdered

because he knew something?

I wouldn't meddle any further,
Mrs. Raisin,

or you could be next.

♪ We wish you
a merry Christmas ♪

♪ We wish you
a merry Christmas ♪

♪ And a happy new year ♪

Sorry I couldn't
get here earlier.

Did you find anything for Mum?

What do you reckon?

- Perfect!
- I got one for Agatha too.

Just a little thank you
for all the time off

for driving lessons.

I'm so going
to fail, though.

If you fail,

you can do it again.

It's doing my head in, Bill,

and then there's Christmas
with your folks.

Mum's really happy
you're coming.

But what am I going to wear?

I'll have to borrow something
off my nan.

And then what am I gonna do
with my hair?

Up do, down do?

You're about to infiltrate
a Pagan coven,

and you're worrying
about your hair?

God, talking of which,

nearly time to get
on my broomstick.

Are you absolutely sure you want
to go through with this?

I want to help you solve
this case, whatever it takes.

It's about time they knew
how brilliant you are.

Aha!

What do you think of my eyes?

Too much?

Can you even walk
in those trousers?

To be honest, I am a little
worried about my circulation.

Ah, mulled wine.
Thank you.

Chin-chin.

Where on earth
did you find this?

The Vicarage Library.

It is a treasure trove
of local history.

So this area,
The Hallowed Hollow,

is an ancient site
of Pagan worship.

Until the Church
built an Abbey over it.

What do they worship exactly?

The divinity of nature,
more specifically the elements,

earth, air, fire, and water.

My ex was definitely into
the witchcraft side of things.

Casting spells, potions,
lotions, big wand... magic.

Well, magic is where
it gets darker...

Using black magic
to have power over others.

That was good!

What do you reckon, Charlie?
Do you think I might pass?

Not unless one of them has
cast a spell on the examiner.

Right.

Wait, Paul wants me to go alone,

so stay well back.

Oh, and wear the earpiece.

Only intervene
if things get lairy.

How will I know?

We need a code word.

Brandy butter.

Brandy butter. Brandy butter.
Brandy butter.

Shh!

Brandy butter.

Alright?

Welcome.

Elsie...

prepare our sacrifice.

Ding dong, Saturnalia!

Ding dong, Saturnalia!

Wrapping, done.

Paperchains, done.

Handmade crackers, done.

We still need to
pick up the turkey

and make the pigs in blankets.

Are you even listening?

Yeah, I'm...
I'm reading up on Saturnalia.

What about Christmas?
It's two days away!

It says here that
the holiday was celebrated

with a sacrifice
at the Temple of Saturn.

Sacrifice?

Toni said they mentioned
an offering.

And that the sacrifice was made

in gratitude for a wish granted.

Phyll's death.

What if Toni's the sacrifice?

Ding dong, Saturnalia!

Ding dong, Saturnalia!

Ding dong, Saturnalia!

We cast this circle

to create a sacred space

in which to summon the elements.

Lord of Air!

Lord of Air!

Lord of Earth.

Lord of Earth!

Lord of Water.

Lord of Water!

Lord of Fire.

Lord of Fire!

Blessed be!

Blessed be!

We gather here
to celebrate

the return of the light,

its truth eclipsed by the lie

that is Christmas.

And in gratitude for granting us

our dearest wish,

we make an offering

of our own.

Let the Festivities begin!

- Blessed be!
- Join us!

Join us!

I anoint you with water and salt

as an act of consecration.

You're a fake!

Brandy butter!

I always knew you was a fake,

as soon as I saw ya!

Brandy butter!

Brandy bloody butter!

Paul?

Paul!

Paul?

Paul!

Paul?

Charles said
that Paul Chambers

looked like he was
expecting someone.

Who?

Well, the pathologist confirmed

he was struck before he fell.

So it was definitely
no accident.

Hm.

Right, I've got a meeting
with forensics,

but I'll let you know
if I hear anything else.

Okay.
Bye.

Hello, Bill.

Should I ask?

- No.
- Okay.

Mate of Mr B's
bagged it last night.

I'm going to make
pheasant giblet paste

for my Star of Wonder
vol au vents.

Okay.

I really think we should be
looking at the Tamworthys.

But they...

They...

They employed us
to solve the case.

But it could be a double bluff?

I mean, who was
Phyllis Tamworthy?

Why was she so vile
to her children?

I mean, did something happen
to her in her past?

Oh, it was a terrible scandal

when she married
Marley Tamworthy.

I mean, he... he was engaged
to somebody else

when he won the lottery.

What?

Ooh.

Look at this.

Is... Is this her?

Not sure.
I never met her.

Oh, now that's Doris Crampton.

Oh, hello love.

Phyll was always out
for what she could get.

Attracted men
like moths to a flame.

She hasn't aged well then.

Oh, don't get me wrong...
She was never a looker.

Just had that...
sex thing going on.

Delete image.

Tell us about Marley.

Oh, he was dead ordinary.

A bin man.

Phyll never gave him
a second glance

till he won all that money.

Boggle said he was engaged?

Hm, to Carrie Shufflebottom.

We were neighbors at the time.

A big, plain,
kind hearted girl.

Didn't stand a chance
once Phyll got to work on him.

It didn't exactly sound like
happily ever after, though.

Oh, far from it.

Two years later,

Marley tried to get
back with Carrie.

She'd had a kiddie by then,

but that didn't bother him.

Phyll said she never wanted any
and that made him miserable.

So what made him stay?

She lied she was pregnant.

What happened to Carrie?

She'd always been
such a home bird.

Rarely left the village,

but that humiliation
was too much for her.

She walked out one day

and didn't come back.

Her daughter still lives
in the same cottage.

So your mother
just disappeared,

and you never heard
from her again?

It's what men do all the time.

Agreed.

Did no one question
Phyllis Tamworthy?

Police told my Nan there was
no evidence against her.

It's divine justice someone

finally had the nerve
to bump her off.

I've lost everything
'cause of her.

Well, we are trying to find out

what happened to your mum
and to Paul.

But if it's too painful...

It's more painful not knowing.

The real tragedy was
that Mum and Marley

properly loved each other.

Phyll was only after his money.

That's Mum's engagement photo.

Nan said she still wore
her engagement ring

even after he ended it.

Excuse me.

- Poor Carrie.
- Mm-hmm.

Poor Carrie, indeed.

Phyll lived the life
that she should've had.

They're from the Coven.

Paul was a good man,

despite what people might say.

You have to find out
who did this, Agatha.

I will do my best.

I promise you.

For all her wickedness,

Phyll still had some sort
of conscience.

About what?

She came around a few days
before she died.

Said she'd been thinking
about Mum recently,

how hard life must've been
without her

and that I deserved some luck.

What did she mean?

Well, she offered to exclude
my cottage from the sale

as long as the grounds
remained untouched.

Mum loved her garden

and Phyll thought
it should be preserved

to honor her memory.

Hmm.

She's going to lay them
where he died.

That's so sad, Aggie.

Which is why we have to find out
who is behind all of this.

Yes, but how?

The first thing Phyll did

after her visitation
from Marley

was to come here.

Why?

Well, Scrooge learns
he'll be trapped in chains

for all eternity
unless he puts things right.

What did Phyll do to Carrie?

Phyll said that she had

buried things in the past,

thingsthat had come back
to haunt her.

Buried.

You don't think...

That's why she wanted to leave
the grounds untouched, Roy!

Carrie's still here, Roy!

I'm not digging up
the whole bloody garden

on one of your hunches.

She doesn't have to be
under the lawn, Roy.

She could be down a well
or in an old shed or...

an outside loo.

This is gonna do
my back in for Christmas.

I won't be able to get
the turkey out of the oven.

Oh, get on with it!

Oh!

What is it?
Is it bone?

It's probably a fox or a badger
or a vole or something.

A fox or a badger
or a vole or something

with a penchant for emeralds!

Most excellent news.

Wilkes has been delayed
by a blizzard,

so we still have just
about enough time

to solve this case
before he gets back.

I've got more important things
to think about,

like will this beast
even fit in the oven?

Is that Carrie?

She looks like my aunt?

Right.
That's the champagne on ice.

Just the liqueurs
to pick up now.

Mr. Boggle cut these sprouts
from the allotment.

Thanks, Boggle. There's a
container here marked compost.

Just shove them in there.

What do you think of the
personalized stockings, Agatha.

Yeah, lovely.

Well, I'm definitely
the best looking.

Agatha...
I got you this.

Listen, I've told you all before

that Christmas is canceled

until we've solved this case!

I've a promise to keep!

Well, according to Doris,

the Tamworthys
are planning to leave

after the carol service.

I don't believe
the Tamworthys know

that their mother
was a murderer.

We need to keep it like that
until the carol service.

See how they react.

How do we do that?

Oh, I have a plan.

Tidy yourself up, Roy.

Oh!

Turkey juice now.

Come along, Mrs. Boggle.

My driving instructor's outside.

It's my test today.

Oh, Charles,
I'm absolutely bricking it.

No need.

My new Pagan friends
gave me this.

I brought them back
to Barfield last night.

Gustav was not a happy bunny.

What is it?

It's an amulet charm
for good luck.

Never fails apparently.

It certainly worked for me.

You're a bloody legend,
Charlie Fraith!

How sweet.

Right.

- I need to go.
- Knock 'em dead!

I mean, not literally.

Sorry.

What are you doing?

Maybe it will snow
this Christmas.

It's cold enough.

I remember once
when I was a little girl,

it snowed on Christmas Eve
just like it's supposed to.

I went to bed,

and I woke up
on Christmas morning

and the whole world was white.

It was magical.

I need something to bring

a little magic
back into my life.

What if they don't come?

They will.

Oh, it's your friend!

Hello!

Game on.

A very warm Christmas welcome
to Carols by Candlelight

and my first official service
as Parish curate.

Our first carol will be
number four on your sheets,

"Hark! The Herald Angels Sing."

And the first verse and final
descant will be sung by...

Charlie Johnson!

Oh, thank God.

♪ Hark! The herald angels sing ♪

♪ Glory to the newborn King ♪

♪ Peace on earth ♪

♪ And mercy mild ♪

♪ God and sinners reconciled ♪

♪ Joyful, all ye nations, rise ♪

♪ Join the triumph
of the skies ♪

♪ With th' angelic
host proclaim ♪

♪ Christ is born in Bethlehem ♪

♪ Hark, the herald angels sing ♪

♪ Glory
to the newborn King ♪

Here we go.

No sign of any of them.

They all ran off.
So we're none the wiser.

No, Jeffrey ran off,
and the others followed,

which makes him
our prime suspect.

Nothing.

But Alison Tamworthy's earrings,
I recognized them.

They're the same ones Carrie
was wearing in that photo.

Maybe they're all in it
together?

Let's head them off
at the manor.

Stay with Sarah.

Lady Field.

Are you leaving?

We've been branded
a family of murderers

without a single shred
of evidence.

Thank God
I never have to come back

to this vicious,
small-minded community.

Where's Jeffrey?

At the shop, I'd imagine.

Excuse me.

Thank you.

Shop?

Hello?

Jeffrey?

Hello!

Ooh? Oh!

Oh, look.

What have we here?

What is that appalling smell?

I recognize that bottle.

Yes, of course you do.

Alison had it
at the carol service.

No, before that.

Where?

I'm trying to think.

Well, think faster!

Ugh.

Hemlock!

Even more repellent
when crushed.

What's going on?

Where's Jeffrey?

Is this your bottle, Alison?

What do you mean?

We saw you.

You offered it to your husband
in the church.

Yeah, for his cough.

If he died, you'd get his share
of the inheritance.

What?
I don't understand.

Oh, well, let me explain to you.

You see, the syrup
in this bottle

has been poisoned with hemlock.

And what we want to know

is where did you get it?

- I took it.
- Took it from where?

- Fran's room.
- That's it!

I remember now.

- Mr. Tamworthy!
- Jeffrey!

Mr. Tamworthy!
Can you hear me?

Roy!
Call an ambulance!

I don't understand.

Why would anyone want
to hurt Jeffrey?

Go with her to the hospital.
Uniform'll take over from there.

Oh, uniform!

Alison, your earrings...

Where did you get them?

From Jeffrey.

Phyll was selling
the family jewelry,

and he was furious about it.

So, he took them.

Right, Bill, we need
to go and find Fran now!

Agatha, I've got officers
looking for her.

There's nothing more we can do.

♪ La la la ♪

♪ Tis the season to be jolly ♪

♪ Fa la-la-la-la ♪

I mean, we should be out there,
searching.

We've done all we can.
She can't have got far.

Aah!

That'll be the carol singers.

Well, get rid of them.

I think I'm going to scream!

Bill, I'm so sorry.

I really... I...
I shouldn't have...

You shouldn't leave
your door open...

Agatha.

Anything could happen.

You poisoned your mother.

You locked her in her room,
and you left her die.

Poisoned her? How?
I'm curious.

Well, let me enlighten you.

You mixed liquid hemlock
into her sherry.

You placed fresh hemlock leaves
in her salad,

and then you placed hemlock root
in her hands

to implicate the Pagans.

You should write thrillers,
Agatha.

Should I?

Bill!

Shut up!

Oh!

Bill! Bill!

Bill!

Bill!

Aaah!

There'd always been rumors

about Mother being involved
in Carrie's disappearance.

When I saw the earrings,
I finally knew the truth.

That your mother
had killed Carrie.

How did you know the earrings
belonged to Carrie?

I recognized them.

Elsie and I used to play
together at the cottage.

Her mum's photo was
on the mantelpiece.

I used to wonder what
it would be like

to have a mother like that.

So you hatched
your plan,

poisoned her sherry,

knowing that no one else
was going to touch it.

You poisoned
one bottle in the rack

so her death would be random.

Like a game of Russian roulette.

By which time,
you would be far, far away.

- Way beyond suspicion.
- But when you learned

the new will was
about to be signed,

you had to speed things up.

So you added
fresh hemlock to her salad

in her special spotted bowl.

I wanted her to die!

Painfully!

And Fred Instick?

No, he wasn't part of the plan.

You saw him
take the sherry.

You knew it could have
been poisoned.

He told us he knew the truth.

But there was someone
else that you saw as a threat.

Paul Chambers was
blackmailing you.

I knew Fred grew hemlock
for the coven.

I didn't have time
to find the key,

so I forced the door
and took what I needed.

But you were seen by
Paul Chambers and Fred Instick.

And when Paul realized
that your mother

had been poisoned by hemlock...

he put two and two together.

He demanded I transfer

all rights of their sacred land
to him.

I agreed to meet him
at The Hallowed Hollow.

I said I had documents
for him to sign.

But instead, you killed him.

How could I trust
it would end there?

Of course,
you had to cover your tracks,

regardless of any consequences.

Consequences that included
almost killing your brother.

So you hid the poison
in plain sight.

You crushed the hemlock
into the cough syrup.

When you saw Alison
with the bottle at the carols,

you panicked,
had to get it back.

So you followed Jeffrey
to the shop.

When I found him,
he could barely breathe.

And then he guessed
what I'd done.

I was trying to reason with him
when he fell.

Make him see that everything
I'd done was totally justified.

You really believe that,
don't you?

Well, so would you if you'd
had a mother like mine!

But she did teach me
something valuable.

Never... give...

up!

Is everything okay?

Yes, everything's fine now.

Hmm, we've had a bit
of an incident.

Oh, I can't wait
to see Wilkes' face

when he hears you've solved
a murder case in three days flat

while he was off partying
with Santa.

We solved it together.

Yeah, but he doesn't need
to know that, does he?

Aggie!

Agatha Raisin!

There it is.

Turkey's in.
Stuffing done.

Veg is prepped and ready to go.

Well, it looks like
it's a good time

to open the champagne.

- Ooh!
- Oh!

Just wanted to wish you
a very Merry Christmas

before we head off.

And there's been a genuine
Christmas miracle.

Hmm?

Toni passed her driving test!

You kept that quiet!

Well, I didn't want
to steal Bill's thunder.

Which reminds me,

when the mechanic came
to pick up Marilyn...

Thank you very much...

He said that the radio was on

and the engine was still warm,
so...

So, another mystery
for you to solve, Agatha.

Hey, Mum.

Yeah, we're just leaving now.
Hold on, I can't hear you.

- Merry Christmas!
- Merry Christmas.

Can I just...

Oh! Wish me luck.

Good luck!

Oh.

Uh, excuse me.

You're not sneaking off
to the pub, are you?

As if.

Where are you going?

That would be telling.

Oh.

Well, you did it then.
It smells amazing.

Hm, I don't know.
Still time to burn the spuds

and drop the turkey... again.

James sent me a little
Christmas parcel,

and this was in it for you.

Oh?

"Wishing you all the best
at Christmas.

With much love as ever,

James."

You okay, Aggie?

You know what?

I am!

Brilliant news!

My parents have food poisoning!

- Bill!
- Yes!

That's awful.

Oh, it's not serious.

They're just not feeling
very festive.

But we are!

So let's get this party started!

- Okay.
- Yes, please!

Champagne?

Ladies and gentlemen,

now before we embark on this
truly magnificent feast,

- I would just like to...
- Room for one more?

Mr. Boggles' out cold.

Too much creme de menthe
down The Feathers.

The more, the merrier!
Come on, Mrs. B.

Well, as I was saying before
I was so rudely interrupted,

we have rather a lot of firsts
to toast around this table.

Bill's first case
as lead Detective.

Sarah's first Christmas
as curate.

And Toni's as a driver.

And Aggie's first Christmas

that hasn't been
a complete disaster,

thanks to me.

And to Agatha.

The best friend any of us
could ever have.

- To Aggie!
- Aggie!

Mrs. Raisin.

And here's to us all,

my delightfully
dysfunctional family.

♪ We wish you
a merry Christmas ♪

♪ We wish you
a merry Christmas ♪

♪ We wish you
a merry Christmas ♪

♪ And a happy new year ♪

♪ Good tidings we bring
to you and your kin ♪

♪ Good tidings of Christmas ♪

♪ And a happy new year ♪

Yay!

- Mm.
- Hope that's not hemlock?

Old time's sake?

You know,
I still remember Cyprus.

Secret Santa, everyone!

Saved by the Boggle!

What do you think?
What do you think?

Testicles...

on a key ring.

Who got me these?

I thought they were chestnuts!

They're balls, Boggle.

What about me?!

What is he doing?

It's snowing.

You might need this.

Come this way.

It was you!

Look at you...

with your snow machine!

Feliz Navidad
as they say in Corsham!

Did you all
know about this?

Well you did say you wanted
a white Christmas.

Yeah!

Charlie, can we go full
Bing Crosby please.

Check!

Say hello to my little friend.

Ha ha ha!

Ooh!

Yeah!

Ah.