'Shardlake' Episode 1 Ending Explained: Matthew Shardlake's quest for truth leads to startling revelations
LONDON, ENGLAND: Get ready for an engrossing journey to Tudor England with Hulu's gripping mystery drama series 'Shardlake', transporting you back to King Henry VIII's reign.
The series, based on C J Sansom's 'Shardlake novels, follows Matthew Shardlake (Arthur Hughes), a hunchbacked lawyer who embarks on a risky quest to solve a challenging murder.
In the first episode, Lord Thomas Cromwell (Sean Bean) sends Shardlake to a remote monastery to investigate the murder of Robin Singleton.
Accompanied by Jack Barak (Anthony Boyle), Shardlake begins to investigate the case. However, a shocking revelation threatens to change the trajectory of his inquiry..
Matthew Shardlake spots a mysterious figure in St Donatus
Shardlake and Barak's arrival in St Donatus is met with skepticism by the monks, who are not thrilled with their presence.
Shardlake prevents Brother Mortimus (Brian Vernel) from reprimanding a visibly anxious and worried Simon Whelplay (Joe Barber).
Later, while waiting for Dr Goodhap (Matthew Steer), Shardlake notices a mysterious figure on the rooftop and tries to start a conversation, but their interaction is cut short by Dr Goodhap's arrival.
Goodhap warns the duo about the monastery monks, claiming that while they appear innocent, they can be ruthless.
He also reveals that Robin had been investigating the monastery's records but hadn't shared his findings with him.
Shardlake also discovers that the rooftop is closed owing to maintenance work, leaving him puzzled about the identity of the dark, shadowy figure he spotted.
Later, at the dinner table, Brother Jerome (Paul Kaye) is seen muttering something, and in a surprising turn of events, he hurls his knife at Shardlake.
Jerome is promptly carried away, with Abbot Fabian (Babou Ceesay) explaining that Jerome is not one of them and is the next queen's brother. Despite this revelation, Shardlake insists on speaking to him.
Matthew Shardlake discovers about a possible previous murder in 'Shardlake' Episode 1
After examining Robin's corpse later on, Shardlake concludes that the murderer must be taller and skilled with a sword.
A flashback later reveals that Shardlake, too, desired to be a monk but was harshly rejected due to his malformed physique as he sat in the cathedral. When he sees Whelplay, he asks him if he has anything to say.
Despite appearing terrified, the youngster claims that Robin encouraged him to show less affection. When Shardlake pressed for further explanation, Whelplay grew fearful and remained silent.
Shardlake reminds the youngster that it is his responsibility to protect the vulnerable and encourages him to share any information he may have.
Once again, Shardlake notices the shadowy figure and invites them to contribute, but the individual quickly flees the scene.
He tries to follow the individual, but despite his efforts, he can't locate them. Eventually, the person approached him and pushed him aside as he fled.
In the next scene, Whilplay collapsed to the ground unconscious after seeing someone, and his skull started to bleed.
He is transported to the infirmary, where he meets with Shardlake and reveals that this is not the first murder at the monastery and admits to having previously warned a woman about it.
When Shardlake delved deeper, Whelplay saw Brother Guy (Irfan Shamji) and declined to talk further.
Shardlake questions Alice (Ruby Ashbourne Serkis), the only woman in the monastery, about Whilplay's warnings, but she responds that he did not counsel her.
Shardlake is shown contemplating the discovery in his quarters, as a shadowy person observes him without his knowledge.
'Shardlake' trailer