The Noble Art

Series Thirteen, Episode Six

The Noble Art

Airdate

13 October 2010

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The Noble Art is the sixth episode of the thirteenth series of the popular ITV crime drama Midsomer Murders and was originally aired on 13th October 2010.

Synopsis[]

When Midsomer Morchard's very own native son, John Kinsella, wins the middle weight world title in New York, the success stirs up hidden passions among the villagers. Betrayal, infidelity and blackmail all fester as plans to re-enact a Victorian prize-fight turn nasty. Even DCI Barnaby finds his judgement is clouded.

Plot[]

The Fight: In Morchard Manor, a group of villagers are watching the fight of local John Kinsella at Madison Square Garden, New York City, NY.

TV Commentary: What a terrific fight this is shaping up to be. Madison Square Garden in New York is absolutely packed for this one. What a story it could be if John Kinsella, from Midsomer Morchard, were to win this world middleweight title fight. Can he somehow find a way to get the better of the Argentinean Garcia Latosa? Defending his title for the fifth time. Kinsella in the blue shorts, remember. He is still right in this fight. All those weeks of preparation. Good left hand from Kinsella in there again. Latosa keeps on marching forward. This Argentinean is so strong. No, no, no! Good body shots. Kinsella will be feeling those. Every one that pounds into his midriff. But Kinsella still looking fresh. Yes! The Argentinean with the left hand. ( Bell )

Joyce Barnaby says, "Thank goodness for that! I could do with a breather myself." Camilla Farquaharson says, "It's the excitement." Joyce says, "It's the sleep deprivation." Camilla says, "I didn't realise they'd be fighting at four in the morning." Sebastian Farquaharson says, "They're not. They're five hours behind us." Camilla says, "And I thought it'd be outside. Well, aren't they in some sort of garden?" Sebastian says, "Madison Square Garden! It's a world famous sporting arena. Not bloody Kew! My wife's not known for her intellect." Gerald Farquaharson says, "Whereas my son is renowned for his charm." Gerald pours a drink for Camilla and tells her, "Ignore him." On the TV: "Let's hear from Teddy Molloy, his trainer. Let's see what he's saying to John."

"Keep him safe, Teddy. Keep him safe," says Grace Bishop.

On TV: "Teddy: Get him. Right uppercut. You heard the instructions from Teddy Malloy. Teddy: Box behind him!"

Grace grabs Iris Holman's hand. Camilla says, "I'm not much of a boxing fan." Joyce says, "You're not alone there." Tom Barnaby says, "Not by a long shot. I'm surprised that Grace Bishop hasn't got more of a stomach for this kind of thing."

TV: Frank Bishop, Kinsella's promoter and manager at ringside. Don King's there as well. I wonder if he'll want a piece of young John Kinsella if he can come through this. Into the ninth round of this 12-rounder. The world middleweight title.Latosa is a favourite for this one. Good body shots. Kinsella really teeing off with that left hand. Precisely what Teddy Molloy said.

Camilla says, "Come on, John!"

TV Commentary: Good left hand again. Rattling that jab into the face of Latosa. Good shot! Left hook! Kinsella has put Latosa down! Working off that right-hand lead. And a left hook has put Latosa on the canvas. The gumshield is out.

People watching cheer. Barnaby says, "No coming back from that!" Gerald looks sick. "Dead to the world."

TV: He's going to win the title! The referee's stopping it! John Kinsella, from Midsomer Morchard! ( Cheering ) TV: And the celebrations begin! What a performance, John Kinsella! Taken in as a young boy, as an orphan, by Frank Bishop. He's there in the ring with him now, sharing the moment of glory. He's now champion of the world.

Sebastian looks at Gerald and then walks out. Gerald says, "Ladies and gentlemen! Ladies and gentlemen, please raise your glasses to the champion of Midsomer Morchard. Now champion of the world! John Kinsella!" ( Cheering )

The Garden Party: The next day, in the car, Joyce says, "I still can't believe that you've taken time off to go to a garden party." Barnaby says, "It's not just a garden party, Joyce. A very grand occasion." Joyce says, "You never were much of a boxing fan before." Barnaby says, "In Midsomer Morchard, at this moment, it is hard not to be." Joyce points out where the statue of Tom Sayers is going to stand. Gerald welcomes Tom & Joyce to Morchard Manor. He says, "Good of you to come. The man of the moment has been stranded in New York. Flight's delayed. Security alert. Or, as Frank Bishop said, 'Yanks! One glimpse of a burka and everyone freaks out!'. But there's no reason why we can't toast the champion in his absence. A glass of something sparkly?"

John Kinsella, Frank Bishop and Teddy Molloy wait at the airport in the US as all flights from Newark have being delayed. John makes a smart-ass comment to Frank who is trying to get a signal on his cell phone. Molloy tells John not to wind him up. John says, "Be all right as long as I'm worth money to him." Molloy says, "You won't always be world champion." John says, "When that day comes and he's wrung me for every penny, he'll drop me like a stone. Just like every other fighter he's managed. So what are you going to do about it, Teddy?" Molloy says, "Grace is working on it."

At the party, Grace Bishop says to Iris Holman, "Sorry for squeezing your hand like that. During the fight the other night. You must think I'm awful." Iris says, "How perceptive." Grace says, "Is that a smile? Or just your lips sliding off your teeth?" Barnaby says to Giles Braithwaite, "Gerald is very strongly identified with Midsomer Morchard, isn't he?" Joyce says, "He's the lord of the manor." Giles retorts, "Not quite." Joyce says, "He lives in the manor house." Giles says, "He's the current occupant." Barnaby says, "And it is very kind of him, is it not, to open up the place for the celebration?" Giles says, "He's a sporting man with a strong sense of occasion." Giles is not a boxing fan, but he did have an interest in this fight. Joyce says, "And your wife?" Giles says, "Iris? She's not my wife. She's my assistant." Giles walks off.

Grace says to Gerald, "Oh, I feel for that Giles! Having her around him all the time, must be like working with a stalker! Snooty cow! Fur coat and no knickers. I bet she doesn't even have the fur coat."

Libby Morris walks by. Gerald introduces her. She's the sculptor making the statue of Tom Sayers, commissioned by Frank Bishop. Barnaby says, "That must be a bit hard, mustn't it? Trying to make the likeness of a man who died 150 years ago." Libby says, "It is. But fortunately, there's some photographs of him." Gerald says, "And you had a live fighter to pose for you." Libby says, "John Kinsella. Before he went off to the States. Gerald here thinks I developed a bit of a crush on him." Barnaby asks if it is finished and Libby invites him to drop by when he's passing. Grace says, "She did fancy my John. But then, they all do." Gerald says, "Grace is very protective about young Mr Kinsella. She treats him like a son. He lives with her and Frank." Sebastian says, "Might have been better for everyone if they'd left him in the gutter." Gerald says, "Which is obviously where you've left your manners. I do apologise. Can I have a chat with you?" Grace walks off. Sebastian says, "Hurray, I finally have your attention!"

Gerald says, "Have you no idea how to behave?!" Sebastian says, "Look who I've had as a role model." Gerald says, "How dare you say that! I would never be so crass to guests in my own house." Sebastian says, "How about somebody else's house? Oh, everyone loves Gerald Farquaharson. So charming. A proper gentleman. Not like that son of his. Well, I might be crass. But it's your louche behaviour which has brought us to losing this house and the entire estate! So what are you going to do about it?"

DS Ben Jones goes to the Midsomer Orchard Turf Accountants and cashes in his wager. Ben says, "You must be the only shopfront in Causton without a message of congratulations for John Kinsella." The attendant says, "I'm doing my bit for Kinsella. Really. Every time some part-time punter like you comes in, they collect the winnings from his fight. Don't suppose you'd like to reinvest any of this?" Jones says, "Nope. Didn't think so. My family thinks gambling is like giving money to the devil. No offense."

Joyce has coffee with Camilla and Grace at the party. Camilla has a sip and coughs. She says she feels a bit sick. Giles says to Iris, "For god's sake, Iris. I'm driving. Have a proper drink. Might loosen you up a bit." Iris says, "Fine. I'll get blotto and lead everyone in the hokey-pokey."

Inside the manor, Grace is talking on the phone to someone, "Are you sure he's not hurt? Are you all right? I worry about you. I miss you when you're gone. So when are you back? No, I'll be up." Gerald calls to Tom Barnaby as he is leaving. He invites Barnaby to have a quick brandy. Barnaby sees the knuckledusters in a glass case. Gerald says one of them is missing. Gerald says, "Who would want to steal something like that? It's not as if it has any real value, even to a collector like myself."

Outside Sebastian runs into Giles. "I've been looking everywhere for you!" Giles says, "Not now, Sebastian. We're leaving." Sebastian says, "I don't think so."

Gerald says, "Ronnie! Glad to see you've still got a shirt on your back. Local bookmaker. Good sport, actually turning up. He took a hell of a pounding on the Kinsella win." Barnaby says, "Did you collect your winnings from him?" Gerald says, "No. I had a substantial wager elsewhere." The Barnaby's offer Iris a ride home.

Sebastian says to Giles, "It's a straightforward question, Giles. Can I get power of attorney?" Giles says, "What grounds do you have to justify taking the estate away from your father?" Sebastian says, "Incompetence! He's sending us to rack and ruin."

Joyce tells Barnaby that she suspects Camilla may be pregnant. The smell of coffee makes her feel nauseous. Joyce adds that she'll make a lovely mum. Joyce isn't so sure about Sebastian as a father though. He is such a joyless individual. Barnaby says, "He certainly hasn't got his father's good nature, that is true." Iris says, "Oh, do you know his father?" Barnaby says, "Yes. Gerald? Of course." Iris says, "Then you have the advantage over Sebastian. He has no idea who his biological father is. It certainly isn't Gerald Farquaharson."

At home, Barnaby says Iris Holman is a strange lady. Giles Braithwaite, he's just her boss, isn't he? So why did she come on as though he were two-timing her? Joyce says, "Ha! Iris Holman is in love with Giles Braithwaite. You'd have to be blind not to see it. Or a man."

Preparing for the Reenactment: At Morchard Manor, Gerald greets Camilla and Grace. They are planning the Tom Sayers Reenactment World Title Fight. Grace is helping with publicity and the hiring of costumes and she's handling the charity donations. Grace says, "Can you think of anyone better to deal with my husband's tight-fistedness?" Gerald says, "Now this whole event was Frank's idea." Grace says, "That might be. But I'm telling you, it's going to take an expert to get him to part with the money we raise."

Giles Braithwaite receives a call from Frank Bishop. Frank wants to meet with Giles at 2 am after his flight gets in.

Joyce and Barnaby arrive at Morchard Manor. Joyce is helping plan the Reenactment. She runs inside and shows Grace and Camilla a poster printed for the event. Joyce says, "What do you think? Magnificent brutes, aren't they?" Grace says, "Joyce! You're right. That'd definitely persuade me to go to the fight." Camilla says, "They didn't have posters in 1860. All the arrangements had to be hush-hush in case the police found out and stopped it." Grace says, "That was 150 years ago. This time round, we need all the publicity we can get." Camilla says, "I was only trying to show that I'd done my research." Grace says, "Hey, you don't have to justify yourself to me. I'm not that husband of yours. We're very happy to have you in charge."

Gerald shows Barnaby the site of the Reenactment. Workmen are putting up tents for the event for venders. Barnaby says, "It's very pretty. It's more like the setting for a village fete than a bare-knuckle fight." Gerald says, "Not any bare-knuckle fight. The very first world championship fight. Great Britain versus one of her upstart colonies. We've had to raise a bit of money for charity. There'd have been none of this when Sayers fought Heenan back in 1860. Prize-fighting was illegal. The venue was kept secret till the last possible minute. Queen Victoria herself took a very keen interest." Dickens and Thackeray were present at the fight, along with several members of the aristocracy. Gerald points out where the fight was staged- In his backyard.

Joyce helps Camilla with lifting things, since she is pregnant. Camilla asks her why she says that. Joyce says the smell of coffee made her sick when she was pregnant with Cully.

Gerald tells Barnaby that he feels like he was born out of his time. He feels that he belongs back at that Sayers-Heenan fight with all the other idlers who called themselves nobility. The aristocracy were never the backbone of this country. Gerald says, "The devil of it is is that I am not idle. Just never really seen the point in most things. Of course, I was steered along the usual route. Eton, Oxford. But I spent more time studying the turf than I did my books. And I'm a lousy gambler. The thrill of the chase appeals more than the winning... What do I do that could be remotely regarded as useful?" Barnaby says, "You're a damn good JP, for a start." Gerald gives Barnaby a hug.

Grace calls Giles and says she needs to speak to him urgently. She wants to get an appointment before her husband Frank arrives back from America.

Barnaby and Jones go to the Tuohy's Forge and Sculpture Studio to look at the statue of Tom Sayers. Ken Tuohy is working on molding iron. He sends them to where Libby Morris is working on the statue. Barnaby is impressed. Gerald says, "Tom Sayers, in all his glory." Libby says, "I wish. It's only just back from the foundry. Needs a bit of work before it's ready for the village square." Gerald says, "Libby's up against the clock to get this ready in time for the reconstruction of the Sayers-Heenan fight." Barnaby asks what is in the statue's left hand? Gerald says, "The charter granting him the freedom of Midsomer Morchard." Barnaby says, "I'd never heard of that." Gerald says, "Because it didn't happen." The charter was Frank Bishop's idea. Frank paid for the statue as a tribute to Sayers' links to the area. Barnaby says, "Frank Bishop? I thought he was surgically attached to his money." Gerald says, "I know folk regard him as a Johnny come lately and a bit rough round the edges, but he's a sporting man. And that must count in his favour. Sergeant, are you a sporting man?" Jones says, "I did a bit of boxing actually. Back in Wales, at a local club." Gerald says, "Oh, good man! The noble art, eh? Well, I'm not quite old enough to remember this chap, but it's been many, many years since I won a boxing blue at Oxford. Wow. There's one thing we will always have. We may be creaking with ring-rust, but the last thing to go on any boxer is his punch!"

Grace goes to the Boxing practice center. Ken Touhy is there to practice. Camilla and Gerald are at Giles' office, but he's not in. Iris asks if she can help. Camilla and Gerald leave. Grace meets with Giles at her house.

2 am: John, Teddy and Frank have arrived in London. Frank is planning to be at Giles Braithwaite's house at 2 am. Meanwhile, Giles opens the door to someone. John Kinsella arrives at his lover's house. Later he climbs out the window of the house and runs away. Teddy drops Frank off at Giles' place and waits outside in the car. Kinsella goes to Grace's house and gives her a hug.

Frank Bishop is in Giles' office. Giles is dead. Iris walks in and looks at Frank.

The next day: The next morning, police arrive. Pathologist, Dr. George Bullard says, "Looks like he suffocated." He's also been struck with something heavy. No defensive wounds, no signs of struggle. The room is a mess. Barnaby asks Frank Bishop, "What was so urgent about your meeting with Braithwaite last night it couldn't wait until later in the day?" Frank doesn't tell him. Barnaby asks Iris what she is doing at Giles office last night. Iris says, "Mr Braithwaite always insisted that I attend every important meeting." Barnaby says, "What was the meeting about?" Iris says, "How would I know? It never took place." Mr Braithwaite was dead by the time Iris got there. Barnaby wonders why Iris didn't you contact the police but apparently she was too upset to do that. Barnaby asks Iris to get him Mr Braithwaite's appointments diary. Frank says Miss Holman was practically hysterical when he saw her last night. Teddy Malloy says he waited in the car and it was a good while before Frank called him inside.

At the forge, Ken Touhy tells Libby he is going out. Libby is unhappy that he isn't interested in her sculpture. Ken is jealous of the man who posed for the statue, John Kinsella.

Barnaby and Jones go to visit Grace. She tells them Frank is in bed. "Jet lag." Barnaby says, "And he's been up all night." Grace says, "Is it true he found the body?" Barnaby says, "It's true he found Mr Braithwaite. Whether Mr. Braithwaite was alive or dead at the time, we're still looking at that." Grace says, "What do you mean?" Jones asks, "Why did you ask Giles Braithwaite to come here yesterday afternoon?" Grace says, "I wanted to ask about getting a divorce. The longer I can keep it from Frank, the better. Where Frank and money is concerned, you need to get the jump on him to stand any chance of getting what you're due."

Grace takes them to see Teddy Malloy at the gym. Frank watches from a window at his house. Teddy is boxing with Ken. Barnaby asks about John Kinsella. Ken punches the bag in a different ring. Barnaby says, "He was with you and Mr Bishop when you travelled back on the plane from New York. Why wasn't he with you in the car when you went round to Braithwaite's office?" Grace says, "He was with me. I asked Teddy to drive him straight back here from the airport." Jones says, "Sounds as though you've got him under some sort of curfew." Grace says, "You obviously don't know about his reputation with women." (Ken punches the bag several times). Teddy says, "If you let him off the leash straight after a fight, there's no holding him back as far as women are concerned." Barnaby says, "Lock up your daughters?" Teddy says, "And your wives." (Ken punches the bag,) "Mothers." (Ken punches the bag,) "Girlfriends." (Ken punches the bag repeatedly.)

Barnaby and Jones leave. Jones says, "I saw Teddy Malloy fight. My grandad took me to see this Welsh boxer that was fighting on the undercard. A Frank Bishop promotion. Malloy was top of the bill. Fighting for the British title. Youngest-ever challenger. He lost. He never fought again."

Barnaby and Jones go to Morchard Manor. Camilla is looking at John Kinsella's wounds. She says, "Just checking to see that my Tom Sayers is fit enough to toe the line against John Heenan." She checks his face and says, "You need witch-hazel on it. Honestly, Chief Inspector, he's such a baby!" John says, "Two fights in three days and I'm a baby?" Camilla says, "Oh, pooh! This one will be more like playing pattacake. It's only pretend." Barnaby asks about John Kinsella playing against Sebastian. Gerald says John is playing Tom Sayers. And Sebastian Farquaharson is playing John Heenan. Tom Sayers was a middleweight and Heenan was a heavyweight. They're not really fighting. Barnaby asks why Camilla wanted to see Giles. She doesn't want to tell him. So Gerald says they can ask him. They go outside.

Gerald tells Barnaby that Camilla has been a bit emotional of late. Barnaby says, she would be, being pregnant. Gerald says, "It's exactly why it's not the right time to be thinking about a divorce. You saw the way Sebastian treated her the other night and it's not an isolated incident. I'm ashamed to say my son is a bully." Barnaby says, "Iris Holman says that Sebastian is not your son." Gerald says, "Oh, that woman really has become very bitter. He was fathered by another man before my wife walked out on me and Sebastian." Sebastian's natural father was a playboy and drank himself to death. So Gerald raised another man's child. Gerald says, "I raised my son. Which is why I feel responsible for the way he's treating that poor girl."

Barnaby and Jones go to talk to Sebastian. He yells at one of the workers setting up tents. Sebastian says he went to speak to Giles about getting power of attorney over his father. Sebastian says, "The sooner the estate is made over to my name, the sooner we can stop him hemorrhaging money from it. Everyone knows about his gambling. Lock up the lunatics, keep the incompetents away from the finances, and leave the running of things to those who know what they're doing." Barnaby says, "Oh, survival of the fittest. What a wonderful philosophy to pass on to your child." Sebastian says, "I don't have a child. I'm not sure who the father is. But the child is not mine. I'm absolutely certain of that."

In the gym, Grace is practicing boxing with Teddy. Frank comes in and wants to know what Ken Tuohy was doing in the gym. Teddy tells him Ken told him he'd done a bit of boxing and wanted Teddy to have a look at him. He was nothing special. Frank says, "Just a one-off, then? Because if I thought he'd been here more than once, I'd have to start wondering what you're up to. You and this...loving wife of mine."

Barnaby and Jones discuss the case. Barnaby feels that Gerald deserves a better son than Sebastian. Jones says Gerald's no saint- gambling habits. Barnaby says Gerald is a JP.- A pillar of society. Barnaby thinks that the challenge for the estate is all to do with Sebastian not being a biological heir. Jones says he seems convinced the child's not his. Barnaby says it's all about inheritance.

In the gym, Grace and Teddy worry about what Frank knows about them. She thinks Iris Holman may have told him about them.

Back at Morchard Manor, Barnaby and Jones watch the set up for the reenactment in the backyard along with Gerald. He says, "Just imagine, 150 years ago, men were driving ring-posts into the ground in exactly that spot. Maybe not exactly that spot." Jones says, "Two men fight in the street, we arrest them. Put them in a ring, we pay to watch it." Gerald says, "That's because we know how lonely the ring can be. A dark and brutal place. Takes a special kind of courage for someone to get in there and keep going back again and again."

Iris Holman drives up to Morchard Manor. Sebastian comes out of the Manor. Iris says she wants to know if Sebastian killed Giles. Sebastian says he's been wanting to ask her the same question.

Barnaby questions Gerald about his relationship with Giles. He wonders if Giles was a blackmailer. Gerald says no way.

Frank Bishop drives up to Morchard Manor. Sebastian tells him he has a damn nerve coming there at all! Frank asks if Sebastian is going to set the dogs on him? Sebastian says. "Why give them all the pleasure?" Gerald tells Sebastian to get inside the house!

Barnaby asks Frank "What was that about?" Frank says, "No idea. All a bit mad, aren't they, the aristocracy? All that inbreeding. You just have to accept it." Frank came to see Gerald, but says it can wait. "Wouldn't want to get in the way of some father and son bonding. Happy families, eh?" Barnaby says, "Mr Bishop. Did you know that your wife is planning to divorce you?" Frank says, "She's been planning that for years, Chief Inspector. It's what gets her out of bed in the mornings."

Inside the Manor, Gerald and Sebastian are having a discussion. Sebastian says, "Frank Bishop? Here? It's never going to happen. I won't let it." Gerald says, "There's nothing we can do about it. It's out of our hands." Sebastian says, "We'll see about that." Sebastian walks out.

In the field, workers are setting up the boxing ring. Inside a tent, villagers are putting on costumes. Frank comes in and pulls Grace aside. Frank says, "So you were talking to Braithwaite about a divorce." Grace says, "Are you surprised?" Frank says, "Surprised you'd insult anyone's intelligence with a story like that. I don't know why you went. But Malloy and Kinsella are bound to be mixed up in whatever it is."

Barnaby comes by to look at the statue of Tom Sayer. Libby is polishing it. Barnaby says, "That's very splendid. You must be very proud of your fiancee," to Ken. Ken drops his broom and walks off. Libby says she was happy to be with Ken when she "first laid eyes on the studio space at the back of his forge... And you've seen those muscles. I was happy enough to engage him at close quarters." Barnaby says, "But that's not the same thing as being properly engaged." Libby says, "True. But Ken couldn't quite make the distinction. So I've had to be his fiancee until I finish the statue. And then I'm off to the US of A on a single ticket. I'm going to Chicago."

The Reenactment: Villagers are walking up to the Reenactment site in costume. Frank comes up to Teddy and tells him that Ken has no chance of being a fighter. He also fires him as manager. Frank says, "I want you to clear your stuff out of the gym. And be gone by the time the fight's over this afternoon. All right?"

Sebastian walks in on Camilla helping John Kinsella with his costume. Sebastian says, "This makes a change. You helping him into his clothes rather than out of them." Camilla looks sad. John leaves.

Teddy tells Grace that he's glad Frank fired him. Teddy says, "I'm finally free of him. We can be together now." Grace says, "You know I can't leave John. He's like a son to me." Teddy says, "And me! He'll come with us. That was always the plan." Grace says, "Teddy, the plan was to get him out of his contract. And unless that happens, we're going nowhere. Not while Frank's still around."

In the gym, Sebastian sits in a ring with his costume. Ken Touhy walks in. Sebastian looks at him.

Camilla tells Grace that Frank should be at the field by now- he only went to get his costume on. Grace goes to look for Frank. Camilla asks Joyce, "Do you think Frank Bishop would mind if someone else did the unveiling?" Joyce says, "The whole event was his idea. And his money paid for the statue." Camilla says, "I suppose he would be put out if somebody else took the limelight." Camilla says, "If Grace can't find him, will you do the honours? In your capacity as Queen Victoria." Grace shows up and doesn't know where Frank is, so Joyce goes to unveil the statue of Tom Sayers. The crowd cheers.

Gerald, dressed in costume, goes in the ring to announce the fight. He says, "My lords, ladies and gentlemen! I bring you a contest which pits the old world against the new. One, where a misguided son of Yankee-shire ( Booing ) will learn that the hand of the foreigner, when raised against the son of Britannia... ( Cheering ) ..must be aided not only by the strength of a lion, but by the heart too. ( Cheering ) I doubt very much whether our gentleman from the colonies will be roaring when he's had the shine taken off him by our own Tom Sayer! ( Cheering .. John Kinsella runs up to the ring.) And now I will ask you all to join me in showing an invader... ( Booing ) ..how he is welcomed to the shores of Great Britain. Mr John Heenan! ( Booing.. Ken Touhy comes to the ring. He tells Gerald "Last minute switch.")

Libby runs up after Ken. Grace says, "They're only pretending! Your Ken will be all right." Libby says, "It's not Ken that I'm worried about. It's John." Grace says, "My John is champion of the world, love. I think he knows how to take care of himself." Libby says, "You don't know what Ken's capable of. He's got the strength of a bull when he's angry. And he's way beyond angry." Grace looks at Libby and says, "Do you mean you and my John have been....." Libby nods... "and right now, all he wants to do is rip John's head off his shoulders." ( Cheering )

Gerald says, "Gentlemen, please come up to scratch! You will continue fighting until one of you is in no fit state to continue. A round will end when one of you is knocked to the ground. Please remember at all times the significance and dignity of this historic occasion. Biting and gouging in moderation only, gentlemen. Please go to your corners. And come out fighting! (Bell ) ( Cheering ). Ken starts punching wildly at John. John dodges him and doesn't fight back. Gerald grabs Ken and pulls him off John. Ken starts yelling at John and Barnaby and Jones and several other men go into the ring to stop the fight.

Teddy goes to the gym.

Some of the crowd starts to go toward the manor. Libby says to Ken, "So, what was that supposed to achieve?" Ken says, "You say I never take an interest in you. And I know how you like fighters." Libby says, "You're pathetic." Kens says, "What do you want?" Libby says, "Not two cavemen brawling over me as though I was some sort of trophy!" Libby walks away. John says, "I had no idea that was going to happen." Barnaby asks, "Is that why you didn't fight back?" John says, "Inspector, I'm a professional. World champion. He's a big boy, but I could have killed him. I mean it, killed him." Jones and Teddy come running up and Jones tells Barnaby, "Sir! There's a problem." They walk over to the gym. Frank Bishop is in the ring with a cut on his cheek and is dead.

Bullard says, "Death caused by suffocation. But the cut on the left cheek would indicate a heavy blow." Barnaby says, "So he could have been knocked unconscious before he was killed." Dr. Bullard says, "If he was, a matching blood sample was found on a cushion in his living room. Which would suggest it happened there." Barnaby says, "That would mean the killer having to carry the body all the way from the living room to here." Bullard says, "Dead weight." Jones says, "Literally." Bullard says, "Possible with a fireman's lift."

Sebastian is at the top of the hill in his jeep and races down the hill and seems to run off the road.

Outside Frank Bishop's home, Barnaby says, "Hell of a schlep from the house to the gym isn't it. Frank Bishop is a big fellow. Who'd be strong enough to carry the body that far?" Jones says, "Sebastian Farquaharson. He changed places with Tuohy for the Sayers-Heenan fight." Barnaby says, "And he's gone missing." Jones says, "Which makes him an obvious choice." Barnaby says, "Not the only one. Teddy Malloy. He wasn't involved in the fight reconstruction. An ex-boxer. Fit. And he found the body." Jones says, "But would he have raised the alarm?" Barnaby says, "Double bluff. And then there's Grace Bishop. No-one was with her when she came back to find her husband. She and Malloy might have done it between them."

Inside the Bishop home, Grace says, "I've been told I can't touch anything in my own living room. Not until Forensics have finished in there. More mess. I know it makes me sound cold, but I'm not one for tears. I'm not the emotional type." Barnaby says, "Oh? I remember you being very emotional." (Flashback to the fight on TV. Keep him safe, Teddy. Keep him safe!) Grace says, "That was different." Barnaby says, "I remember something else too. (Flashback to phone call Grace had: I worry about you too. I miss you when you're gone. Husband. More privacy in here.) You were talking to Teddy Malloy. You and Teddy Malloy, you love one another. And Teddy Malloy is a real father figure to John Kinsella." Grace says, "My husband didn't know what love meant. All he was interested in was owning people." Barnaby says, "Is that why you met up with Giles Braithwaite?" Grace says, "John wanted Teddy to manage him. And he wanted to know if there was any way out of his contract with Frank." Barnaby says, "And now that is no longer a problem."

At the cliff top, Sebastian is outside of his jeep looking at another car smashed at the bottom. He drives off.

Gerald takes a weeping Camilla to a car to go home. Jones says, "How does Kinsella got two women on the go at the same time?" Barnaby asks, "Camilla Farquaharson?" Jones says, "Yes. Is he the father of her child?" Barnaby says, "We need to talk to Sebastian Farquaharson. I wonder if Iris Holman knows where he is." Gerald tells Barnaby that he is taking Camilla home. Barnaby tells Gerald that his wife is convinced that Iris Holman was in love with Braithwaite. Gerald says, "She's bang on the money but that was never going to happen. Giles Braithwaite was a homosexual."

Barnaby and Jones go to talk to Iris Holman. Iris says, "Why should I know where Sebastian Farquaharson is? He is a man I try very hard to have nothing to do with." Barnaby says, "Oh? You were talking to him yesterday at Morchard Manor." Barnaby says, "That was work. Unavoidable. How professional that is of you, Miss Holman. Your boss was murdered a couple of days ago. And here you are, trying to carry on the business as normal. I do hope Mr Braithwaite appreciated how loyal and hardworking you are." Iris says, "I like to think he saw me as more than that." Barnaby says, "Some kind of fondness between the two of you?" Iris says, "You make it sound as though we had feelings for one another." Barnaby says, "I think you imagined that to be the case. Must have been very hard on you, Miss Holman, when you found out he was homosexual." Iris says, "No, he isn't! He wasn't. It wasn't him. It was Sebastian. The whole thing was disgusting. I'd left a folder in the office. I went back after work to collect it." (Flashback: Iris sees Sebastian and Giles kissing. Giles sees her.) Barnaby says, "How long did it continue between them?" Iris says, "Continue? They were not a couple! Once I had caught them, it never happened again." Barnaby says, "You made very sure of that, didn't you? Kept a very close eye on Mr Braithwaite." Iris says, "That was for his own good. He wasn't like that. He wasn't."

Sebastian drives home. He tries to get in his front door. Camilla has locked it. Sebastian bangs on the door. Sebastian says, "Camilla! Open the door! ( Banging ) I promise, I only want to talk. Camilla! ( Banging )" Camilla calls the police.

Barnaby and Jones interview Sebastian. Barnaby says, "Mr Farquaharson, why did you go missing?" Sebastian says, "I didn't go missing. I just wasn't in Midsomer Morchard. Is that a crime now?" Barnaby says, "No, it's not. But murder is. And we're very anxious to know where you were when it happened." Sebastian says, "Not again. I've told you all I can about Giles Braithwaite. Barnaby says, "I'm not talking about Braithwaite. I'm talking about Frank Bishop." Sebastian says, "Bishop? He's been murdered?" Barnaby says, "Oh, you didn't know? How could I? I'd gone missing." Jones says, "And why was that?" Sebastian says, "I wanted to get away from this inbred little scandal-hole where everyone knows everyone else. Or think they do. I've had enough of it." Barnaby asks if he has given up trying to get your hands on your father's estate? Sebastian says he couldn't care less. "None of that matters any more. Not since Giles was... murdered." Sebastian gets emotional. Barnaby asks if all this has...to do with your sеxual orientation? Sebastian says, "Iris Holman, she... b¡tch! I paid her to keep quiet and she still can't keep her mouth shut. It was only a fling. At least, that's what I thought. I had no intention of coming back here. I had to see Camilla. Say sorry to her. It's not much. But it's the least she deserves."

Barnaby and Jones go to see Iris. She says, "Blackmail? Did he actually use that word?" Barnaby says, "Yes. He said that he gave you money in return for your silence about his homosexuality." Iris says, "Not quite the same, is it? Blackmail is when someone demands payment for NOT revealing information. He begged me not to tell anyone about his sordid little secret. I didn't want his money. But I did want to see him squirm for what he tried to do to Mr Braithwaite." Barnaby says, "All right. You may or may not be a blackmailer in the eyes of the law. But you and I both know that that is exactly what you are. Can I give you a bit of advice? There have been two murders in Midsomer Morchard. And if you are trying to blackmail anyone else... ..you are playing a very dangerous game."

The detectives leave. Jones says, "That woman is in such denial about him. Why did you let her go?" Barnaby says, "I hope she'll drop her guard. Remember Frank Bishop saying she was present at every single meeting he had with Braithwaite?" Jones says, "Yeah. And she had access to the details of all his clients." Barnaby says, "I think she knows why Braithwaite and Bishop were killed." Jones says, "So if she's not the murderer, she knows who is." Barnaby says, " I believe that Iris Holman is a very nervous lady right about now.

Iris goes upstairs and finds her apartment has been broken into and trashed. She calls Chief Inspector Barnaby and tells him that her flat's been broken into. She asks him to meet her at the statue of Tom Sayers. There's something she wants to show him. She hangs up the phone. Then she hears a noise.

The detectives go to meet her at the statue, but she doesn't show up. They go to her apartment. There is no answer. So Jones kicks the door in. Iris Holman is lying on the floor.

Dr. Bullard says, "Cause of death, suffocation. But she wasn't knocked unconscious beforehand." Jones says, "No need. She's not as strong as the others. Wouldn't have put up as much of a fight." Barnaby says, "Or maybe our killer was someone who would never hit a lady." Barnaby goes to look at the statue of Tom Sayer.

At home, Barnaby says to Joyce. "I am not a man to have his head easily turned, am I? Do you think I am open to flattery? I'm not talking about man-woman stuff. It's when that sort of thing... clouds your professional judgement. There is one person in this investigation I have consistently overlooked as a suspect. Willfully overlooked."

Barnaby and Jones go to Morchard Manor. They tell Gerald about Iris Holman and her request to meet them at the statue of Tom Sayers.

Later at night, Gerald goes to look at the statue. He climbs up on it and pulls a document out of the left hand of the statue. He goes home.

At Morchard Manor, Camilla answers the door to the detectives. She tells them that Gerald is not home. Barnaby tells her he has realized that her child is Gerald's. She goes off to be interviewed by Jones.

Gerald arrives home and calls for Millie. Barnaby says, "In here." He tells Gerald that Camilla is in talking to DS Jones. Barnaby says, "I didn't get a chance to take a proper look at these (knuckledusters) when I was last in this room...you were so insistent, weren't you, on pouring me a drink. And you placed the glass... just there. That was how you first made me aware that one of these was missing. And that, Gerald, that's a double bluff." Gerald says, "What's this about?" Barnaby says, "Braithwaite and Bishop were both knocked unconscious. Either by a heavy object or by a heavy punch. Aided by something very like a knuckleduster." Gerald says, "Would take a stronger and younger man than me to do that, if that's what you're implying." Barnaby says, "What, an old Oxford boxing blue like you? And the last thing to go on any boxer is his punch. You told me that." Gerald says, "I say a lot of things. I'm often not as knowledgeable as I sound." Barnaby says, "Oh, but you are, aren't you, when it comes to the delights of the sporting arena? The thrilling surge of adrenaline when you back your own hunch against all the odds and it comes home a winner. 'I had made a substantial bet elsewhere,' you said on the night of the title fight of John Kinsella. And you had, Gerald, you had. A very substantial bet. Frank Bishop had agreed to loan you your stake money. With this house as collateral. Only trouble is, you backed the wrong man. So when the fight was over, this house, your estate, everything, belonged to Frank Bishop. It's all written down. Legally binding. And witnessed by Iris Holman and Giles Braithwaite. That document you've got there in your hand. That's what you were so anxious to find when you searched through Iris Holman's flat and Giles Braithwaite's office. What you've got there, that's a copy. We have the original."

Gerald says, "Tom Barnaby, I do believe you've set me up. Can I see Millie before you slap on the cuffs?" They go into the room where Jones and Camilla are. Gerald continues, "Bishop and I struck a wager, fair and square. Except that it wasn't fair. Had it been, I would have honoured it". Barnaby continues, "But it was your choice to bet against John Kinsella. What's unfair about that?" Gerald continues, "The fact that Bishop advised me to do just that." (Flashback: Frank telling Gerald that Kinsella's late nights and womanising have caught up with him. He's got no chance of winning this fight. Gerald says, "But he's red-hot favourite." Frank says, "Which is why I've placed a considerable amount of money on his opponent. Not in my name obviously. I'm telling you this in the strictest confidence. Of course. You're a gambling man. I thought you might like a taster. Not that there's much of a gamble"). "Bishop was very keen to loan me the stake money. A big win would have gone a long way to easing my financial worries. As soon as Kinsella came off his stool in the opening round, I could see the shape he was in. I knew that I'd been conned."

Barnaby says, "... So you went to Braithwaite in the hope that because Bishop had lied to you, this would somehow nullify the legal document giving your estate to him?"(Flashback: Giles says, "Bishop's coming here straight from the airport. All I can suggest is that you turn up and... ..appeal to his better nature.") He was on the take from Bishop. I knew I had to get hold of that document before Bishop got back." Barnaby says, "And because Braithwaite was batting on Bishop's side, you had no option but to kill him." Gerald says, "Oh, that wasn't the plan. But I was up against time. I implored Bishop to delay any announcement of the estate now being his. He agreed. But only till after the Sayers-Heenan fight. As soon as it was over, he intended to pronounce himself lord of the manor. His phrase. I took Bishop to be a sporting man, but I was wrong. I couldn't have someone who would behave in such a fashion inheriting the Farquaharson estate! Couldn't have the people of Midsomer Morchard left in the hands of a man who was little more than an asset-stripper." Barnaby says, "Not to mention protecting the family inheritance. Especially now. When you're expecting a child who actually is your bloodline." Gerald says, "Sebastian is my son. And always will be. I had no idea he was gay until Millie came to me for help. She was so in need of looking after. Bad form, the father-in-law and all that. But I don't regret it. And I don't think Millie does either." Gerald and Camilla hug.

The detectives lead Gerald out in handcuffs. Barnaby says, "Iris Holman was blackmailing you, wasn't she? Oh, yes. She held the document that legalised the wager. She was asking for money. But what she really wanted was revenge. On the world." Barnaby says, "You know it doesn't matter that Frank Bishop is dead. The manor still goes into his estate." Gerald says, "That is... ( Laughs ) That is the irony of it. You see, Frank Bishop was so determined that his man would win that he did a bit of pre-fight tampering. Kinsella didn't know. But he was told this morning he had failed a drսg test." Jones says, "He'll be stripped of the title." Gerald says, "And the wager is void and the estate is still mine. What a waste. What a pitiful waste. Although, when you think of it, Braithwaite, a two-timing lawyer, Frank Bishop, a ruthless main chancer, Iris Holman, an embittered blackmailer. And what am I? Other than a gentrified waster? None of us will be much of a loss to society."

Jones says, "He got his son's wife pregnant, he gambled away his family fortune, and people like him." Barnaby says, "I certainly did." Jones says, "Yeah. He stitched you up, didn't he, sir?" Barnaby says, "Yes. Killed three people. Carried out those murders meticulously, clinically. Right under my nose. What kind of a man does that?" Jones says, "A JP! A pillar of the community." Barnaby says, "And certainly not one of us at all."