GayTV Recap: Grantchester (Episode 5x6)

The finale of the latest season of the UK drama Grantchester included a storyline for the show's gay character, Leonard Finch (played by Al Weaver). In his first scene of Episode 6, Leonard was shown shining his shoes at the kitchen table in the vicarage, which did not sit well with housekeeper Mrs. Chapman, who didn't appreciate him doing it at the table while she cooked. They were joined by the vicar Will (played by Tom Brittney) who hadn't gotten much sleep after arriving home drunk.

While Will struggled with a major hangover, Leonard tried to prepare them for the impending arrival of his father. He suggested that Mrs. C. keep the topics of conversation light and impersonal, causing her some annoyance, as she reminded him that she did know how to talk to people. A knock at the door made him more nervous as he realized it could be his father, just as Will asked him to handle that day's service in his place. Leonard reminded him that this was a big, important day for him, just as the visitor was revealed to be detective Keating, looking to get Will's help. Leonard expressed his annoyance with Will, telling him that he can sometimes be very selfish.

As the congregation gathered for the church service, Leonard stood outside, welcoming them when he caught sight of his father Russell (played by Sean Gilder). The two shared some minor pleasantries, as Leonard attempted to explain how he was not usually in charge of the service. Mrs. Chapman and her husband arrived, happy to meet Leonard's father. When they expressed their pride in him and assumed the same would be true of his father, Russell flatly told them that Leonard didn't leave much to be proud of, deflating his son instantly. Mrs. Chapman mentioned that the only thing that brought them disappointment was that Leonard had not found a wife, making him uncomfortable. Russell said it was one Leonard's many disappointments.

Feeling uncomfortable, the Chapmans excused themselves. Leonard offered to find his father a seat near the front for the service, but Russell didn't seem to show any interest. He asked about the pub he saw nearby and when Leonard confirmed its location, Russell said he would see him there later. Leonard was left disappointed as his father made a hasty exit.

Leonard later met his father at the pub, where he was drinking heavily. Leonard brought up his late mother and how the father and son rarely spoke about her. Russell disputed that, claiming that they talked about her a lot after her passing. Leonard told him that he didn't remember it that way. His father soon changed the subject to Gideon, the man who ran the pub where Russell spent a lot of time back home. Leonard didn't really remember the man, but Russell told him about Gideon's death. Leonard made it clear that he'd rather discuss his mother, which led Russell to make another exit, choosing to go get another drink.

That evening, Leonard showed his drunken father to a room at the vicarage. He asked Russell if he would like a glass of water, causing Russell to liken Leonard's behavior to his mother. Leonard looked to make a quick exit of his own. His father brought up Gideon's death again and Leonard reminded him that they already talked about that. His father began to sob. Leonard grew even more uncomfortable and left his father alone.

Downstairs, Leonard was joined by his secret love Daniel (played by Oliver Dimsdale). He told him about his father's emotional outburst and how he'd never seen him cry before, not even when Leonard's mother died. He wasn't sure what was going on with him. Leonard mentioned that he seemed to show more emotion for Gideon than he did Leonard's mother, which Leonard jokingly understood given how much of his childhood his father spent at the pub. This got Daniel thinking. Leonard could tell something was on his mind.

Daniel openly wondered if Russell might have done more than drinking with Gideon. Leonard appeared confused. Daniel said that perhaps the rift between father and son was because Leonard's father was afraid Leonard would grow up to be like him. Leonard couldn't believe his father might have had a relationship with a man. The thought of it angered him. Daniel told him it was just speculation. They don't know if it's true. Leonard hated the thought of his father treating his mother with such disrespect.

The next day, Leonard joined his father again at the pub. He didn't seem very interested in drinking, unlike his father who apologized for his behavior the night before. Russell suggested they had some good times when Leonard was a child. He brought up the family fishing trips, but Leonard changed the subject to Gideon. When he accused his father of being in a relationship with another man while he was married to Leonard's mother, Russell denied it.

Russell grew angry, as Leonard shared the mistreatment he experienced as a child at the hands of his father who teased him on those fishing trips because he didn't want to hurt the fish. Russell grew more angry as Leonard recalled him calling Leonard a sissy, while Russell was secretly with another man. Russell warned him, but Leonard couldn't keep quiet. He said that what his father did to his mother was disgusting. Russell got right in Leonard's face, angrily telling his son that he needed to learn to watch his mouth.

Later, Mrs. Chapman arrived at the vicarage to see Russell leaving with his things. Leonard wasn't far behind. She wondered why he wasn't staying for lunch. Russell told her that she was right. Leonard didn't leave much to be proud of. A confused Mrs. C. looked to Leonard, proclaiming that she never said that. Leonard knew that and he went after his father, saying that his mother wouldn't want them to be on bad terms. His father lashed out, saying she wouldn't want a pansy for a son either.

This upset Leonard, but his father didn't stop. He wondered if Leonard's bosses in the church knew who he really was. Leonard asked if he was threatening him. Russell said it would be a threat if he didn't intend to go through with what he was saying. Not revealing that Will already knew his secret, Leonard stood tall, telling his father that he could go ahead and tell whoever he wanted. Leonard said he should also tell people that his son is happy and in love. He said that he felt sorry for Russell because he was clearly never going to be happy in his life. Russell left without another word.

Mrs. Chapman later found Leonard sitting in the chapel alone. She sat with him, telling him that sometimes harsh words can be spoken in the heat of the moment. She was certain that things could get better for Leonard and his father. Leonard wasn't so sure. In fact, he told her that he was sure his father believed everything he said. His father didn't love him. He wasn't sure he ever did. Mrs. Chapman said that couldn't be true. He and his father are family.

With tears in his eyes, Leonard said that Mrs. C. was truly his family, along with Will and the vicarage dog Dickens. They were the ones that cared about him. He told her that he didn't say it enough but he loves her. Leonard confessed that he wasn't sure he would be able to go on if he didn't have her in his life. Mrs. Chapman assured him that she wasn't going anywhere. She held his hands, as they sat together.

It was later time for Will's birthday. Detective Keating and his family were in attendance at the vicarage, along with Mrs. Chapman and her husband. Will opened Leonard's gift which was a framed photograph of Marlon Brando, posed provocatively on a motorcycle. Leonard told Will it was his favorite image of Brando. Will thanked him, as he showed it off to the other guests who were left a bit uncomfortable by it. Mrs. Chapman left to answer a knock at the door, returning with Daniel, surprising Leonard. Looking to keep up appearances, Leonard quickly told him that they were having a private gathering.

Daniel said he knew they were. Mrs. Chapman revealed that since Daniel was a friend of Will's, she thought it would be polite to invite him to the party. Will smiled as he looked to Leonard, who began to process what Mrs. Chapman was really saying. Daniel said he got the invitation and thought it only polite to accept. Leonard said he understood, as he realized that Mrs. Chapman might have known he was gay all along. Leonard smiled. The finale ended with Will's party guests all enjoying music and drinks together.