This week I wrote part of my preview a lot earlier than normal, when the photos for the episode came in many of them had me very intrigued to see what transpires between some of the characters in it. I had a lot of thoughts about what could happen in the episode based off what the photos reveal, but as I had seen Episode 2 before it had aired I couldn't say too much without breaking any embargoes set by the BBC. So I will start this preview off with my predictions from those photos last week, although I will not be saying how in/correct they were after watching the preview.
Stella (Gillian Anderson) seems to be having some especially telling scenes with two different co-workers which I love, it’s great to see her explore her relationships more with other characters. Firstly she’s getting cosy with pathologist Reed Smith (Archie Panjabi) in what appears to be a bar lounge, or possibly even her hotel. They don’t look to be too concerned about the missing Rose in them though, if anything they seem to be flirty - some sort of power play going on maybe.
Then we see her arguing with her boss Jim Burns (John Lynch), which we know from next week’s press release happens in her hotel room. Does this physical fight turn into another one night stand between the two of them? It’s been obvious that he still holds a flame for her even after she told him that he would be foolish to leave his wife for her. As Spector may be witnessing this too it will no doubt be causing problems with the future investigation.
Lastly, what the heck is Katie (Aisling Franciosi) up to! I put forward the idea last week that she may be exhibiting signs of hybristophilia, or Bonnie and Clyde Syndrome, and her photos here would also add credence to that idea too perhaps. I think that she has obviously told her friend at the disco that she did sleep with Paul when she went to his hotel room, she may even believe in her own head that she did in some way. She’s wearing similar clothes to the Belfast Strangler in these photos, not just a t-shirt with his photo on, is she planning on committing a crime herself or is she just trying to dress to impress?
So, with all these thoughts in my head I finally get the preview copy and can see how it will all pan out. I have to say this is a cracking episode, now that the Belfast police have that vital clue the investigation is stepped up a notch and they hit the streets searching for their man. With so much information tumbling out this week it’s surprising that it’s so well balanced in terms of pace and character development, this is definitely my favourite one of the season so far.
Three points, in no particular order, make this an especially enjoyable instalment for me. It’s wonderful to see Emmett Scanlan as DC Martin have a bit more screen time sink his teeth in to; I always look forward to his performances in any show. Jamie Dornan doesn’t have a great deal to do this week, but he’s still there probing inside people’s hidden lives and charming his way around others with effortless ease. Then there’s John Lynch. Yes, I’ve always had a soft spot for the actor so I’m probably coming from biased standpoint, but he is incredible as the worn down and disillusioned Assistant Chief Constable this week.
It's Always Darkest airs on BBC Two and BBC Two HD on Thursday 27th November at 9pm. Below are a few dialogue teasers to see you through until then. Don't forget to come back to vote in our poll after the episode and let us know what you thought.
“Ma’am, we’ve found something”
“I gave them the exact route”
“The enquiry will be focusing on a particular individual”
“Have you had a good evening?”
“These police officers want to talk to you”
“I was the arresting officer”
“DC Glen Martin and DC something or other McNally”
“Stroppy Stella, angry and misunderstood, lashing out against the world of men”
“There were some prolonged silences, they seemed quite comfortable with each other”
“So is he keeping an eye on me, or am I keeping an eye on him?”
About the Author - Sandi
Sandi is part of the Senior Staff at SpoilerTV having been a contributor from back in the Lost days of DarkUFO, and who now writes previews for Banshee, The Musketeers, Atlantis, and other BBC shows. She also enjoys watching and commenting on other shows such as Sons of Anarchy, Hannibal, Game of Thrones and Elementary.
