It’s safe to say Humphrey has been under rather a lot of stress in the latest season of Beyond Paradise.
After being unexpectedly pulled into The Hub, where he was introduced to his new boss, the deeply unpleasant Mr Smith, two concerning pieces of news were laid before him: Chief Superintendent Woods, who was Shipton Abbott police’s only real ally at the top, had left, and Humphrey would need to lose a member of his team due to funding cuts.
But who to let go?
Asking Humphrey to layoff Esther, Kelby and Margo is like asking him to banish one of his children. Not only are they a solid team professionally – “I think everyone’s so important, and everyone plays their part. And if you remove just one person, you really feel it,” actor Zahra Ahmadi told Radio Times – their relationships extend beyond the professional.
“They are genuinely like a family unit,” she added. “They get along as friends, sure, but I do think it is more familiar than anything else. They’ve all got their roles within the family, and that’s why they’re able to be so effective
“And Humphrey knows, as well as it being a tug at his heart strings to have to get rid of someone that he really cares about and values professionally, he also knows how that will impact the policing they’re able to do, which is also what he really cares about.”
So, it’s been a trying time, and something Anne felt fully in her latest interaction with the detective.
Martha’s mum, who’s recently become a local councillor, crossed paths with Mr Smith on the golf course, which resulted in her being given a seat on the police and crime panel. So, she’d been spending some time in the office, shadowing Humphrey, observing the rest of the team, and lending a hand where needed – which Margo wasn’t thrilled one joy about.
And if Humphrey had it his way, she wouldn’t be anywhere near his work. But he kept that one to himself.
Will Anne prove to be a help or a hindrance? The jury’s still out – although we have a feeling it could be the latter.
Towards the end of the episode, when everyone had left for the day, Humphrey stayed behind to catch up with some work when his mother-in-law appeared and asked if she could have a word.
“It’s delicate, it’s about James Smith,” she explained. But that was enough to get Humphrey all fired up and shut the conversation down.
“Right. Well if James Smith has another demand of me, I’d like a hazard warning first, maybe a siren,” he snapped. And if this is about me hurrying up and firing one of my team due to an impossibly small budget, then kindly tell him I’ve tragically perished!”
Deep breaths, Humphrey.
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Concerned that he might actually combust right in front of her eyes, Anne didn’t push him but hurried off instead following a display she’s rarely witnessed from her son-in-law.
But what, pray tell, was she about to say?
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While her news could be any one of a number of things – and we’d be here all day if we began running through the various scenarios – Anne’s demeanour, and the use of the word “delicate”, both heavily imply that it’s a private matter Mr Smith would rather stay, well, private.
And that could work in Humphrey’s favour.
Despite his efforts to find ways for the station to cut costs and protect his team, he’s had zero success – with Mr Smith continuing to push for a decision. And even if Humphrey were able to come up with alternative savings, his boss wouldn’t budge; for him, it’s about asserting control — and Humphrey’s attempts to dodge him have only riled him further.
So, will it be Anne, armed with some “delicate” news about Mr Smith, who saves the day?
With Humphrey’s decision now imminent, they need to act quickly.
Beyond Paradise season 4 airs on BBC One and iPlayer at 8pm on Friday.
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