High Table, Lower Orders
Series 1
1. Murder?
Peter Devanti, a celebrity historian has died after attending an event as a guest at the high table of a Cambridge college, with his death being deemed that of natural causes. The College Master however suspects foul play and invites Simon Harrison, a brilliant former biology student to investigate the death who is keen to get away from his boring work for the Health and Safety Executive. Simon's ex-girlfriend Zoe Hammond meanwhile loses her job as a political-sketch writer and has to go freelance with her first job covering the aftermath of Devanti's death. The situation brings her back together with Simon, who she had previously left for Devanti. The situation opens old wounds for Simon, who developed a drinking problem and missed out on his final exam which resulted in him failing to get a first-class degree. The college meanwhile prepares a memorial service for Devanti during which the Master makes the offer to Simon and posits his theory that Devanti's food was poisoned.