As the second episode of Kidnapped: The Chloe Ayling Story begins, Chloe’s mother, Bea (Christine Tremarco), calls the police because she’s worried about her daughter. Chloe (Nadia Parkes) tells MD or Lukasz (Julian Swiezewski) that she has thought of people who may be able to help get the money. She writes down names. MD says he’ll get their contact information from her agent. When Chloe is alone, she tries to lift the dresser and free herself from the cuffs. She’s unable to do so. She’s allowed to use the bathroom although she’s watched the whole time. MD offers to leave the handcuffs off if she’ll sleep in his room so he can watch her. Once she agrees, MD says they’ll take a side of the bed each and he won’t touch her.

Phil (Adrian Edmondson) is questioned by a Special Task Force detective (Narinder Samra). He admits this is routine for Chloe who is a smart girl. A special team will take over the negotiations to convince the kidnappers Phil hasn’t contacted the police. Chloe gets up and looks down the stairs until she hears someone return. MD returns with a toothbrush and tells her she needs a shower. Once she gets out, MD asks if she wants to play a game. Bea tries to call Phil. MD admits they research the girls and their families so they can be punished if the girls run. Later, MD tells her there hasn’t been anything from Phil and there are only three days until the auction. Chloe admits there is no one else to ask. MD says his boss doesn’t care about the girls like he does. Chloe tells him she appreciates everything he’s doing for her.

She wants to be back home with her mom. MD calls her lucky because he didn’t know his mom. When they hear a helicopter, MD orders Chloe to hide. He warns her to tell anyone he’s her boyfriend and they’re on vacation because Black Death is watching. He gets upset. Chloe tries to calm him by saying his mom would be proud of him. He asks if she’s scared of him. Chloe says she was the first day before she knew him. Now, she can see that he’s not like the others. The detective tells Phil that the negotiation team is communicating with the kidnapper. He won’t tell him anything else though. Phil is asked about Andre who is a new client. The detective says he doesn’t exist and a different name was used to book the studio space. Phil insists he did his research. Chloe learns that Phil emailed to say he can get 20 grand.

MD admits his boss thinks she’s worth much more. He wants to wait to see if Phil can get more. Chloe gets upset and yells. She promises to pay the rest. Later, she apologizes to MD for taking it out on him. MD says his boss has agreed to release her if she agrees to the conditions. He claims he offered to pay the ransom but his boss wouldn’t allow it. MD says he’d do anything and he’d like it if they could be together properly. Chloe agrees. He will take her to the British Consulate. She’ll need shoes since the kidnappers left all of her stuff at the studio. MD will take her out to buy a new pair tomorrow. That night, MD whispers to her in bed. He says he feels so close to her. MD tells her he wants to be with her. She wants him to wait, but MD says he can’t.

Chloe hopes he won’t force her to do anything she doesn’t want to do. She is distraught when she goes to the bathroom. MD says he wouldn’t force her. The next day, Chloe goes out with him to get a pair of shoes. Once they reach the store, MD tells her to choose whatever she wants. Chloe gets shoes before they go outside and buy fruit. MD goes inside while Chloe sees a bus nearby. It appears she contemplates getting on it, but the bus leaves before she can. Back at the property, MD shows Chloe a message supposedly from the Black Death Group about her release. He tells her she has to read the condition. Tomorrow morning, he’ll take her to the British Consulate in Milan. They want her to cease any investigation and tell the police she doesn’t want to press charges.

She’ll have a month to find 50 grand. MD says he’s already booked tickets to the UK so he’ll be there and he’ll help. He won’t be able to protect her or her family if she doesn’t pay. Chloe promises to pay it all. MD shows her where the girls are usually kept chained up. Chloe thanks him for everything and says he’s saved her life.

 

Kidnapped: The Chloe Ayling Story Review

The second episode of Kidnapped was stronger than the first as the story detailed how Chloe was manipulated during her stay. The episode did a good job of being moody throughout. It’s fairly obvious what MD or Lukasz’s involvement is in the whole ordeal, but it’s easy to ignore that in the moment.

The performances are strong enough to be believable so it’s easy to sympathize with Chloe. It’s also easy to believe that is exactly how she felt during her stay even though viewers likely know the rest of the story. The show has done a good job of making viewers think about the characters’ psyche during the kidnapping situation.

The story really forces viewers to think about Chloe and Lukasz’s behaviors and thought processes in each scene. That makes the series worthwhile through two episodes despite a few odd casting choices and odd camerawork. Otherwise, the thought-provoking series has been good so far. This episode scores a 6.5 or maybe even a 7 out of 10.

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