At the beginning of the episode, Detective Stephen Fulcher (Martin Freeman) pays a visit to John Godden. He tells him about the discovery of Becky’s body before questioning him about Christopher and Becky’s last known whereabouts. Next, Stephen sits down with his boss and suggests that Christopher Halliwell (Joe Absolom) might be a serial killer. Stephen is told that he needs to stand down and take a break. After that, Stephen goes to the convenience store and he is praised by the locals for tracking down Sian’s killer. Later that night, Elaine (Siobhan Finneran) tells Mick that their son is getting ready for the sleepover. She gives him a lock of Sian’s hair so he can remember her.

Once Mick (Ian Puleston-Davies) and the others leave, Pete (Derek Riddell) tells Elaine that he has taken care of the funeral before encouraging her to get the bump on her breast examined. While waiting at the jail, Chris calls a friend and tells them about life at the jail. He says that the police want to speak with him about eight murders. Stephen goes to work and learns that everyone is being reassigned. The task force has been broken up. Karen (Imelda Staunton) meets up with John (Christopher Fulford) at a coffee shop. They wonder what they’re going to do without Becky. Karen blames John for Becky never getting properly reported as missing. He tells her that she cannot blame him for her guilty conscience.

Investigators continue their search for evidence against Christopher. One man says that Chris spoke to him about strangling women during intercourse. The man claims that Christopher asked about serial killers as well. Stephen listens to the phone call from Chris mentioned 8 murders. He explains that nobody from the police force ever said anything about 8 murders. Stephen learns that it is going to be up to Pat if they’re going to put more resources on the case. Stephen meets with someone from the ITV and tells them that the conversation cannot be used until after the verdict. He tells Rob that he is convinced that Christopher is a serial killer and that he needs a bigger team to investigate it.

Kevin Reape (Charlie Cooper) tries to move on with his life now that Sian is gone. The funeral for Sian is held a short time later. Many people turn out for the event. During this time, Karen and Charlie Edwards (Peter Wight) get a visit from the investigator. They tell him that they want the body back so they can give Becky a suitable burial. Karen is allowed to see pictures of the bones and she is shocked that the hands, feet, and head are missing. In a flashback, we see Karen picking up Becky from the jail and taking her to her boyfriend’s place. She is high when she returns to the vehicle many hours later. Karen gets the bones and prepares to bury what is left of her daughter’s body.

Elaine goes to her doctor (Ian Conningham) for a breast exam. During the visit, she tells the doctor that she doesn’t want her daughter lumped into the same category as Becky. After all, Becky was a drug addict prostitute and she believes that Sian was not. Next, we prepare for a court hearing. During that hearing, testimony is given about Stephen’s interview with Christopher and PACE standards. Stephen is grilled relentlessly by the defense barrister. John Godden is angry that Steve made a huge mistake. When Stephen returns home, he tells his wife that he was treated badly. The following day, the judge gives Stephen down the road and throws out the confessions.

The families learn that there is enough DNA evidence to nail the Sian murder on Christopher but nothing to convict him for the murder of Becky. This upsets Becky’s family. John blames Stephen for fouling up the case. We jump forward and Christopher arrives at the courthouse. He pleads guilty to the murder of Sian and is promptly sentenced to 25 years in prison. The news media blames Stephen for Christopher only being sentenced for one murder. Karen tells him that he has nothing to apologize for. He confesses that he wouldn’t change anything if given the chance to do so.

Later, John goes to the police station to make a complaint about Stephen. Before too long, Stephen learns that he could be charged with gross misconduct. Elaine receives a letter learning that the bump is benign. Pete tells her that she cannot do these things on her own. Karen and Charlie speak with Sean Memory (Owain Arthur). He tries to make light of the situation but Karen isn’t having it. She says that it isn’t fair and she wants to pursue Halliwell for the murder of Becky. Near the end of the episode, Stephen learns that he is going to be charged with gross misconduct.

 

A Confession Review

At this point, it is clear where this show is going. They’re going to tear down Stephen Fulcher only to build him back up as the hero in the end. Otherwise, there wouldn’t be two more episodes left. This one was okay after the funerals were finished. The show hasn’t done a good job of making the families sympathetic. I should be crying my heart out as the hearse rolls down the street but I feel nothing. I am in the same category as John Godden. Stephen shouldn’t have messed things up so badly in the beginning.

Then, the families would not have to wait much longer for justice. This episode was dismal until the court action started. It scores a 6 out of 10. Catch up with previous recaps of A Confession before you leave!