The Owl of Minerva

My least favorite character in the "Father Brown" series is clearly Inspector Sullivan. Unlike some policemen in other series, Sullivan NEVER learns, never grows and is always a nasty guy who never gives any credit to Father Brown for his help. In other words his character was one-dimensionally written. Now having him be antagonistic towards Brown initially would make sense...but to ALWAYS be so nasty and threatening to arrest the Father just never made any sense. So, when he is accused of a murder, I felt a bit happy!

The story is told at times through flashbacks. It seems that Sullivan and his new assistant are investigating a suicide and they think it's actually a murder. However, when they ask a reasonable question to Jeffery Greensleeves, a rich and powerful man, the police force seems bent on destroying Sullivan. He's suspeneded and during his suspension, he's called by his young assistant...telling he's discovered something. But when Sullivan comes to the station to see him, the yong man has been stabbed and is dying...and warns Sullivan to trust no one! Soon, Sullivan is arrested...and the only way this makes any sense is if there IS a big conspiracy. What is going on and how does Father Brown get involved?

Despite my hating the Inspector Sullivan character, this is a very good episode. I did NOT like the very end, however, and the writers need to soften Sullivan and make him seem more realistic.

Inspector Sullivan always regarded Father Brown as an irritant, despite all the murders the priest help solved.

The opening of the episode reveals that the fugitive on the run is no other than Inspector Sullivan who has turned to Father Brown for help.

Sullivan is wanted for the murder of young, clever and eager Detective Constable Albert who is found stabbed. A visiting detective from Rhodesia is put in charge of the case. Sullivan thinks that a cabal of the good and the great in Kembleford might want to see him put away on trumped up charges as he and DC Albert were investigating the murder of a journalist who thought he had got a scoop.

A thoroughly enjoyable episode, as Sullivan finally admits defeat and realises Father Brown has his uses. Even Sid who is due in court reluctantly helps out.

Father Brown discovers Inspector Sullivan is on the run, wanted for murdering his young colleague DC Albert, it falls to Father Brown to try and uncover the truth.

Series three definitely ends in style, without a doubt this is the best episode of Father Brown to date. First of all the story is so clever, it defies the afternoon 45 minute cosy drama time slot, secondly the way in which the story is told is also excellent, it's intelligent and engages the viewer. A great set of characters, including the ill fated DC Albert and the excellent Harriet Greensleeves. Talk about a good send off for Inspector Sullivan, a shame Tom Chambers decided to leave, excellent in the part.

All in all the Owl of Minerva is 45 minutes of fantastic drama, smart, humorous and absorbing. Fantastic 10/10

An absolutely brilliant script. All the twists and turns fell magnificently into place for a very intriguing episode. Anytime secret societies or special intelligence are in a classic British detective mystery the result is usually very good.

I like how Father Brown (Mark Williams) took charge and lead his people in the thrilling investigation. The casting was absolutely superb. Tom Chambers' (Inspector Sullivan) best episode unfortunately will be his last. I always liked the Inspector Sullivan character. But, I wish he wasn't made to be such an imbecile in the investigations and was more competition for Father Brown. Here though ironically fighting the hangman's noose he actually was more intelligent.

The major flaw in the episode I thought was how Natasha Little as Harriet Greensleeves was able to make her way into the police station, commit a murder, then exit unspotted. Or, if she was seen why wasn't she questioned what she was doing there during the murder time frame.

I watch this often and still marvel. The story line is great but what tops anything is how well these characters, meaning this cast, work together..