The cases are variable in entertainment value but never in depth or weight – each one is as light as a feather and as gentle as a pillow. They rely on cheerful cameos from guest stars.

Traditionally the first episode in a series is the strongest and if this was the case here I’d fear for the rest of it. .... I watched ahead (all episodes are available) and I can tell you things do improve, especially in the episode featuring Howick, which is funny (Howick rarely isn’t). I’d give the series as a whole three stars, but two to the opener.

The small-town eccentricity also seems forced, but what saves the show is the quality of the performances. .... The opening whodunnit is crisply written and the cast have fun.

The mystery itself doesn’t quite match the charm of its Welsh setting. The motive feels thin, the lack of evidence glaring, and Chapel’s intuitive leaps risk leaving Janie looking a touch adrift – despite her nicely judged self-deprecation. Thankfully, guest turns from Jane Horrocks, Hammed Animashaun and Hannah Daniel inject some welcome ambiguity, while Spall retains his flair for entering and exiting each scene with a rich, creamy flourish.