The second season of the gripping Australian crime drama "Black Snow" kicks off with an intense and emotional first episode titled "Running," which delves into the haunting mystery of Zoe Jacobs' disappearance and the lingering effects on her family and the detective determined to solve the case. Set against the backdrop of a small town in Australia, the episode masterfully weaves together past and present, shedding light on the intricate web of secrets and lies that have kept the truth buried for years.
The episode begins with a bittersweet birthday celebration for Zoe Jacobs, a young woman who vanished during her 21st birthday party in 2003. The festivities are marred by the unwelcome arrival of Zoe's estranged father, who confronts her brother James with unsettling news about their family's dark past. This confrontation sets the stage for a tense exploration of family dynamics, as James, now a detective, is drawn into the investigation of his sister's long-ago disappearance.
As James and his partner, Thorpe, conduct a routine search of a derelict building, they stumble upon a pregnant girl named Daisy, who is in dire need of help. This encounter serves as a catalyst for the episode's central plot, as the discovery of a backpack within the building reignites the investigation into Zoe's disappearance. The backpack, a poignant symbol of Zoe's lost youth, triggers a flood of painful memories and family disputes for James, who must confront the unresolved issues surrounding their mother's murder and their father's release from prison.
In a series of flashbacks, we witness James' internal struggle with anger and the trauma of his mother's murder. These scenes provide a deep insight into the psychological toll that the case has taken on him, as he grapples with his father's release and the impact it has on his own life. During a psychological evaluation, James expresses his frustration with the system and his father's role in his life, highlighting the complex relationship between a son and a father who is both a criminal and a family member.
The episode takes a hopeful turn when James learns that new evidence has surfaced in Zoe's case. With the help of rookie constable Samara, they review the evidence and discover the backpack, which might belong to Zoe. This discovery breathes new life into the investigation and offers a glimmer of hope that the truth about Zoe's disappearance might finally be uncovered.
In a poignant flashback, we see Zoe working at a radio station with her friend Cody, where their camaraderie and shared dreams for the future are evident. Zoe's aspirations to travel and break free from her current life foreshadow her eventual disappearance, contrasting her hopeful ambitions with the harsh realities of her life and relationships.
As James confronts Zoe's family, Gita and Leo, about the reopening of the case, tensions rise. They argue over Zoe's fate and the family's history, with Leo denying any responsibility for Zoe's actions. Gita, on the other hand, reveals her deep conviction that Zoe would never abandon them, showcasing the family's struggle to cope with her loss and the emotional turmoil that has gripped them for years.
James' investigation uncovers more about Zoe's life before her disappearance, revealing that she was involved with people who might have influenced her choices and suggesting that she may have been facing unknown threats. The episode ends with James receiving new leads that suggest Zoe may have been in more danger than anyone realized, setting the stage for further investigation into her fate.
"Running" is a powerful start to the second season of "Black Snow," offering a complex narrative that delves into the heart of a family torn apart by tragedy and a detective's relentless pursuit of the truth. With its compelling characters, intricate plot, and emotional depth, this episode sets the tone for a season that promises to be as gripping as it is thought-provoking.