As the episode opens, DI Ray Lennox (Dougray Scott) narrates how each story has setbacks when human emotion is factored in. While disassembling an investigation board, he burns a photo of a man who he believes doesn’t fit it. Elsewhere, a crime scene investigator snaps photos of a deceased man.

Coroner Maria Pearson (Moyo Akande) tells Lennox and DS Amanda Drummond (Joanna Vanderham) that the man died between 4pm and 5pm yesterday. She says the victim suffered a nonfatal head injury that left him unconscious and a fatal groin wound. Pearson explains how the man was potentially dragged and hung after death. Pulling down the sheet, Lennox reveals a post-mortem carving that reads, “# two, the strange case.”

Drummond tells the team that the victim has been identified as Dr. William Durie of Wester Hailes. DI Tommy Stark (David Elliot) suggests the general practitioner wasn’t “squeaky clean.” Ignoring his comment, she informs them of a lacerated femoral artery being the cause of death. She explains how William was hung on a lamppost after death. Pointing at the carving on William’s chest, Lennox says it is a statement before informing reports of an attack at The Landsburgh Hotel. Lennox complains of the hotel being off-limits to an investigation. In DCS Robert “Bob” Toal’s (Ken Stott) office, Lennox explains why they believe William’s death and Gayle Nicholson’s (Haina Al-Saud) disappearance are the work of a serial killer. Bob pleads with them to investigate William’s death and the prime suspect’s disappearance.

Drummond suggests William’s death is a “crime of passion.” Lennox urges her to remain open-minded as they arrive at William’s practice. Scott Durie (Rob Black) passionately speaks of his father’s dedication to his patients. Leaving with nothing new, Lennox says William is not who he seems. He tells her to have DI Dougie Gillman (James Sives) investigate the Durie family.

Richie Gulliver (Derek Riddell) interviews Professor Lauren Fairchild (Rebecca Root).

The Landsburgh Hotel – Tommy and DS Norrie Erskine (Brian McCardie) threaten to tell the manager about Brian’s prison stint related to Mark and Samantha Ronson if he refuses to tell them about William.

Fairchild’s interview continues until a fight breaks out in the audience.

Brian describes Christopher, a potential special agent, as a “perv”. He claims Wilkins brought hookers to his hotel room which left a mess for his “mob” to clean up. He says the staff was ordered to keep quiet.

DS Gillian Glover (Sarah McCardie) informs Lennox of city centre CCTV footage picking up Gayle over the past few days. He suggests Gayle is laying low, not missing. During a phone conversation, Fairchild demands to accompany him tonight to question the “streetwalkers” before identifying herself as a former cop. Finding Jack arguing with an officer, Lennox texts the officer who immediately leaves the lobby to meet with him. The officer tells him that Jack’s son, Fraser (Gabriel Scott) was “lifted at the uni demo” for throwing paint at Gulliver. He vows to get the Fraser’s vandalism charge dropped. Lennox shares the news with Jack.

Gillian tells Drummond that Piggot-Wilkins attended Gordonstoun Boarding School. Elsewhere, Sophie complains to Struthers about her roommates. An alert pops up on her screen announcing the word, murder is now banned and replaced with homicide. Seeing the alert, Bob laughs to himself. Lennox receives a photo of Piggot-Wilkins’ bloody body with a message. Tommy identifies the man as Christopher Piggot-Wilkins. Lennox calls him a “prick” before visiting Bob’s office. After complaining about being taunted by the killer, he informs Bob of Gayle showing up on CCTV. Bob stresses over having his hands tied with the Piggot-Wilkins case.

Fairchild admits to believing Gayle is innocent in the attack on Christopher. A street worker, Tilly tells Lennox, Fairchild, and Drummond to start their search for Gayle at Degsy’s. Fairchild tries to convince Lennox to stay outside while she goes in. He assures them that they will let him in because he has been there before. Degsy (Graeme Stevely) denies him entrance without a warrant. Lennox claims to be there on personal business to gain entrance. Degsy escorts him upstairs where someone hands him a crack cocaine pipe. Waiting until Degsy’s head is turned, Lennox pretends to take a hit from the pipe. As they walk through the establishment, Ronnie Hamil (Tam Dean Burn) collapses on the floor. Lennox tries to help Ronnie to his feet when Gayle races past him to the exit. When Fairchild calls her name, she flees. A foot chase ensues and ends with Fairchild catching her. Back at Degsy’s, Lennox helps his intoxicated sponsor, Ronnie into a vehicle. Drummond calls to inform him of Gayle’s capture.

Tommy tries to masturbate to a female workout video when he sees a dispute between a man and a woman. Grabbing a baseball bat from the trunk, Tommy intervenes to stop the dispute. As he walks away, the woman calls him an “ignorant radge.” Elsewhere, Lennox drops Ronnie off at his house. The next day, he visits his psychiatrist, Sally Hart (Laura Fraser). He explains the night before with the crack pipe at Degsy’s.

“All Fur Coat Podcast,” Helena Cairns (Kim Chapman) requests an interview with Drummond to discuss the “coalface of policing.” Drummond declines the request. Later, Drummond and Lennox question Gayle about the brutal attack carried out on Christopher Piggot-Wilkins. Gayle denies any involvement in the attack before claiming to possibly love him. She says he suffered abuse at Gordonstoun. Drummond pushes a photo of William Druie in front of Gayle who denies knowing him. Gayle suggests whoever attacked Fairchild also attacked Christopher. Elsewhere, Bob and Fairchild discuss Christopher’s father found hanging inside his house.

Lennox admits to believing Gayle is innocent. Sophie shows him an anonymous comment – “The good doctor might not be so good. Couldn’t flush away the number one but managed to do it with the number two” – on William’s obituary. Lennox receives a call from Mr. Confectioner requesting a visit from prison. Later, Lennox recalls attacking Mr. Confectioner after he asks if Trudi Lowe (Angela Griffin) left him. Mr. Confectioner suggests someone on the inside of the police station is leaking information. He offers him a deal to keep his story private. Elsewhere, Bob announces his departure from the police station.

Mr. Confectioner informs Lennox of a well in Perthshire next to Killiecrankie. Scene Evidence Recovery Manager Sandy Gilbert tells Lennox that the well has been dried out for decades. Ignoring his warning, Lennox demands to descend into the well to investigate the bottom. Elsewhere, Bob urges Drummond to ignore Stark and apply for his position. Back at Perthshire, Ray is lowered into the well. Sandy warns that the radio signal cuts out past 30 feet down. Lennox places his foot on a ledge that crumbles. Sandy prepares to bring him back up until he threatens to release the harness. At the bottom, Lennox discovers Hazel Lloyd’s skeleton. Weeping, he apologizes to her before spotting another skeleton wearing a necklace. Sandy’s team hoist him back to the surface. In his vehicle, Lennox receives a call from Bob telling him to apply for his position like Tommy.

Drummond finds her ex following her. She reminds him of her previous threat that she would kill him if he did it again. He requests a meeting tomorrow at 8:30 at the car park near the castle to discuss her sex tape.

Helena requests an interview with Tommy. She asks what was DI Dougie Gillman (Jamie Sives) afraid of before walking away. Elsewhere, Bob comforts Lennox when the episode ends.

 

Crime Review

The show steers away from the investigation way too often. Focusing on the investigation, the story is interesting enough to hold my attention. Much of the content is burdened with social agendas, some of which are irrelevant to the series.

The show tackles too many criminal cases at once. The story doesn’t flow naturally. It’s difficult to keep up with the extremely large cast. Unfortunately for many of the cast members, the screen time is limited to two or three lines.

The dialogue is at times confusing and cringeworthy.

The episode deserves a 5. Get more Crime recaps here. Support Reel Mockery by donating. Our onsite advertising builds brand awareness, click the link to learn more.