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From the opening scene in which a young bride and her baron groom ride into Shrewsbury, it is clear their marriage (arranged by her guardians) is ill-fated: she throws money to the lepers gathered by the side of the road, while he lashes out at them with his whip. The couple's personality differences are not the only factor dooming their union, however; the next morning, the groom turns up dead. Suspicion immediately falls on the baron's squire--the bride's secret lover--who only makes matters worse by running off. But Brother Cadfael's years of experience have taught him never to accept the obvious solution unquestioningly, and he soon discovers that the victim had a secret life as well. Sir Derek Jacobi brings a wealth of compassion to his portrayal of the medieval monk; Cadfael's reminiscences and philosophical exchanges with the other characters are among the most memorable scenes in this 77-minute adaptation of Ellis Peters's novel. While it is not one of the more gripping mysteries in the series, like the other episodes, it is a poignant study in human nature as well as a beautifully produced historical drama. DVD extras include an audio interview with Derek Jacobi in which he shares amusing anecdotes about the challenges of playing a 12th-century monk, an Ellis Peters biography and book list, and a production scrapbook of behind-the-scenes stills. --Larisa Lomacky Moore
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