In the second installment of the two-part story in Silent Witness Season 28, the Lyell team, now bolstered by the addition of crime analyst Kit Brooks, delves deeper into the mysteries surrounding the deaths in the woods and the peculiar case of Mr. Dawson. The episode unfolds with a sense of urgency and intrigue, as each character navigates their own web of suspicions and revelations.
The episode opens with a continuation of the cliffhanger from the previous installment, where a suspicious individual lurks around Mr. Dawson's house. Meanwhile, at the Lyell Centre, Nikki and Jack engage in a discussion about the marital status of the victims found in the woods. Nikki, reflecting on her early career, shares her struggles with the haunting images of victims that once kept her awake at night. Her insights into the possible timeline of the victims' deaths—suggesting they may have been deceased for three weeks—add a layer of complexity to the investigation. Jack's observation that no one reported the victims missing raises questions about their identities and the circumstances leading to their demise.
As the investigation progresses, Mr. Dawson's persistence in seeking Gloria becomes increasingly concerning. His continued presence outside her house causes distress to the current occupants, Gary and Lauren. Meanwhile, DI Flynn arrives at the office, and the team discusses the case of Edith, whose unregistered death could imply a continued pension payout—a potential motive. Jack's theory that someone deliberately led Edith to the cave is further explored as they piece together the puzzle.
In the lab, the team, now including the insightful Kit Brooks, debates the identity of the bodies found in the woods. The partial consumption of one body by animals and the presence of Lyme disease in the male victim complicate the identification process. Nikki and Harriet debate the certainty of the link between Lyme disease and dementia, while Flynn suggests the victim may have died from exposure after falling asleep outdoors. Nikki, however, is not convinced, as the second body introduces additional variables to consider.
Jack's interactions with Maggie continue to be strained as they discuss the candidates for the vacant position. Despite Maggie's reservations, Jack is impressed by Kit Brooks' knowledge of the DNA database during a video interview. Kit's ability to narrow down the potential victim list based on the rare occurrence of Lyme disease and her suggestion about the possible unappetizing substance on one of the bodies earn her the job.
Back at Mr. Dawson's house, the police arrive to find him in a state of confusion, suggesting he may have been drugged. His insistence on reporting Gloria missing is met with skepticism, but the police promise to look into it. Nikki's examination of the female body leads her to suspect third-party involvement in the deaths, as she discovers evidence of bleach used to destroy evidence.
Kit Brooks' arrival at the office is met with mixed reactions, but she quickly gets to work on the case. Mr. Dawson's situation takes a dark turn as he is led away by two men, who reference Cherry Hill, the care home from the opening episode. The implication that one of them works there adds another layer to the mystery.
Flynn and Jack visit the bank managing Edith's account, discovering that her grandson is also listed on the account. This leads them to the home of the care home manager, who reveals that Edith had previously lived there and found the property through a noticeboard at work. The team begins to work through Kit's list of Lyme disease sufferers, hoping to identify the victims.
Mr. Dawson's ordeal reaches its climax when he is taken to the woods by the men, believing he is with Gloria. A violent confrontation ensues, and he is left unconscious and submerged in water. Meanwhile, Kit identifies a piece of black bin bag found in the victim's mouth, linking it to the method used against Mr. Dawson.
Back at the Lyell Centre, the team continues to investigate, with Maggie discovering a connection between the victims and the care home. The police visit Mr. Dawson's house again, only to find the body of Matthew, the man who had been impersonating Mr. Dawson. The real Mr. Dawson, now revealed, attacks Gary at Gloria's house, further complicating the situation.
The episode concludes with a dramatic turn of events as the police arrest Thomas, also known as "Oscar," from the care home. Despite his smug challenge to the police to prove their case, Nikki confidently asserts that they will. The episode leaves viewers with a sense of anticipation for the resolution of the mysteries and the safety of Mr. Dawson.
Throughout Silent Witness Season 28, Episode 2, the intricate plot and character dynamics keep the audience engaged, as the Lyell team works tirelessly to uncover the truth behind the enigmatic cases. The addition of Kit Brooks brings fresh perspectives to the investigation, while the ongoing suspense surrounding Mr. Dawson's situation adds emotional depth to the narrative.