In the gripping continuation of Ridley's second season, Episode 4, titled "The Hollow Tree Part 2," the narrative takes a sinister turn as the truth about the murder of Kathy Hadderly and the subsequent death of Ross Enderby begins to unravel. The episode is a masterclass in suspense, with each revelation more shocking than the last, leaving viewers on the edge of their seats.
The episode opens with the aftermath of Ross Enderby's murder, which sends shockwaves through the investigative team. Ross, the boyfriend of the former detective Jean Dixon, is found dead in Jean's home, with the scene suggesting a violent struggle. The cause of death appears to be a fatal blow to the head, sustained after falling backward onto the sharp corner of a coffee table. However, the presence of a threatening note on Jean's car raises questions about whether she was the intended target.
As the investigation progresses, it becomes clear that Jean is withholding crucial information from the detectives. She confesses to having a heated argument with Ross prior to his death but fails to mention it, casting doubt on her innocence. The discovery of a bloodied kitchen knife under the kitchen island adds another layer of complexity to the case, as there are no visible wounds on Ross's body to suggest its use.
The detectives' suspicions initially fall on David Hadderly, who they believe killed his wife Kathy. The revelation of camera footage showing his car near Jean's house around the time of Ross's murder only serves to deepen their suspicions. However, David's alibi of driving to his brother Andy's house to sober up after a night of drinking introduces a new suspect into the frame.
Andy's involvement in the case takes a dramatic turn when Ridley notices the military reserve camp's crest in his home, leading to the discovery that it was Andy, not David, who was the sergeant on duty the night Kathy was believed to have been killed. Andy's wife, Lynne, further implicates him by revealing her discovery of Kathy's missing earring in his military jacket, which she suspects he planted at David's house to frame him.
The episode reaches its climax with Andy's arrest and subsequent confession. He admits to having an affair with Kathy and to killing her in a fit of rage after she ended their relationship. His plan to frame his brother David for the murder is revealed, as is his manipulation of Kathy's daughter, Sam, by sending her texts that made her believe her mother was still alive.
However, the episode's most shocking twist comes with the revelation that it was not Jean or Andy who killed Ross, but Molly, Jean's daughter. Molly had been suspicious of Ross's behavior and, after discovering his infidelity, confronted him. The struggle that ensued led to Ross's death, and Molly's subsequent silence on the matter allowed her mother to be implicated.
The episode concludes with Jean's arrest for perversion of justice and Molly's potential charges being reduced to self-defense. Ridley, who had been suspicious of everyone, finally finds solace in the truth and promises to support Jean through the legal process.
"The Hollow Tree Part 2" is a testament to the show's ability to weave a complex narrative filled with unexpected twists and turns. The episode keeps viewers guessing until the very end, with each character's motivations and actions revealing new layers of deceit and betrayal. The writing is taut, the performances are compelling, and the direction is masterful, making this episode a standout in the series. As the season progresses, one can only wonder what other secrets will be uncovered and how they will impact the lives of those involved in this tragic web of lies.