As the episode begins, Detective Inspector Rabbit (Matt Berry) gives a presentation to young children. It is unconventional to say the least. After that, Rabbit returns to the police station where he is belittled by DI Tanner (Paul Kaye). Chief Inspector Wisbech (Alun Armstong) interrupts and orders Rabbit to come to his office. Wisbech scolds Rabbit for putting a teacher in the hospital and being a bad influence for the young children. Moments later, Rabbit is introduced to his new partner Wilbur Strauss (Freddie Fox).

Rabbit doesn’t want a partner but he has no choice. Before too long, Mabel Wisbech (Susan Wokoma) enters and tells her father that she wants to be a police officer. He tells her that a woman cannot be an officer but she isn’t willing to accept it. Wilbur and Rabbit head to a pub moments later. Rabbit gets a drink from Gwen (Ann Mitchell) and introduces her to his new partner. Rabbit notices the bike hanging from the ceiling before he sits down with Wilbur for a drink. They speak about Rabbit’s missing eyebrow before the newspaper man enters and tells them that there has been another murder.

They check the body a short time later. Wilbur says that she is very beautiful. Rabbit tries to stop him from saying that type of stuff. Mabel arrives and finds out that another woman has been killed. Tanner arrives, performs some ridiculous ritual, and pins the murder on the man in the blue hat (Muzz Khan). Rabbit believes that Tanner got the wrong man. Rabbit tries to convince Wisbech to give him time on the case but he refuses. Moments later, they speak with Sir Giles Linley (Angus Wright) who has brought books for the inmates. Giles believes that Rabbit might be among them.

When Giles finds out the truth, he thanks Rabbit for his service. Wilbur and Rabbit head to the morgue to check out the body and Mabel joins them. Rabbit notices two bullets before Mabel digs through the woman’s belongings. She finds a makeup compact with a weird symbol on it. Mabel decides to go to the library to research the symbol while Rabbit consults with Joseph Merrick (David Dawson). Joseph tells them of the only outfit in town that uses makeup this cheap. He writes down information for Rabbit and his new partner. They end up attending an erotica show of sorts.

Rabbit puts a stop to the show before speaking with the performer Claudette (Julie Dray). She remembers seeing Claudette and she tells Rabbit that the man responsible for her death is in the building. Rabbit concludes that the man responsible is the vicar (George Potts) since he was there when they inspected the body too. The vicar runs off. Wilbur and Rabbit chase after him. When they catch up with him, they find that the vicar’s throat has been slashed. When they turn around, they spot Claudette in the distance and suspect that she might be responsible.

Rabbit tells Wisbech what he has found but the chief inspector is not happy. He fires Wilbur and Rabbit but Wilbur isn’t ready to give up. While Rabbit goes drinking, Wilbur steals guns from the police station. Mabel meets with them at the pub and shows them what he has found at the library. The symbol is linked to an old secret crime society. They step outside and find Giles speaking to an audience. After the speech ends, Rabbit consults with him and Mabel notices that Giles is wearing the symbol on his cuff. They chase him down. Giles confesses that he got into a duel with the vicar over Edith and she ended up getting shot and killed.

Rabbit shoots Wilbur in the leg so Giles won’t get away. Giles tries to kill himself but he is out of bullets. Rabbit gives Giles his gun so he can finish the job. The trio speaks with the chief inspector after that. It seems that Rabbit has been forgiven. When the trio leaves the station, a young girl notifies Lydia (Keeley Hawes). She says that they should be followed. We see that Lydia is surrounded by the symbol linked to the criminal cult.

 

Year Of The Rabbit Review

So, I like and dislike Year of the Rabbit. It is humorous but slightly over the top. This isn’t a show for everyone. The opening episode was fairly entertaining but I can see how people would find it annoying. I do at times. The cast is excellent and that may help. At this point, I think it is too early to determine how good the show can be. Right now, I feel that it is okay but nothing revolutionary.

I’d give the episode a 6.5 out of 10.