As the episode begins, Rachel Argyll (Anna Chancellor) is murdered in her home. Kirsten Lindstrom (Morven Christie) discovers the body. She is comforted by Leo Argyll (Bill Nighy). The couple’s son, Jack (Anthony Boyle), is arrested for the crime. He maintains his innocence. Jack tells Leo about a young man in a fancy car. He insists that the man can confirm his innocence. Leo doesn’t believe it. Shortly thereafter, Jack passes away. They hold a funeral for him. After the ceremony, we see the day when Rachel introduced Mary, Hester and Jack to the family. It seems that Jack had an odd relationship with his adoptive mother. After the intro, we see that Leo has a new girlfriend, Gwenda Vaughan (Alice Eve). A stranger walks along the streets near the family’s home. We see that his hand is bloody.

Meanwhile, Kirsten prepares food for the family. Gwenda confronts her moments later. She asks about her dress. Gwenda looks at Rachel’s portrait and tells her that this is her house now. Hester (Ella Purnell) swings, while Philip Durrant (Matthew Goode) exercises inside. Seconds later, Tina (Crystal Clarke), Hester and Gwenda head into town. The stranger continues walking. Mary Durrant (Eleanor Tomlinson) is shown getting ready. She has a bottle of morphine nearby. Mickey Argyll (Christian Cooke) arrives home. We see that he has tattoos on his arms. He is greeted by Kirsten and Philip. When Gwenda and the others return, the stranger follows them inside. Mary tries to convince Mickey into helping her ruin her dad’s marriage to Gwenda. Mickey doesn’t want to help. Mickey gives Leo his blessing.

Leo remembers the time when Rachel brought the new kids home. The stranger finally enters the home and speaks with the family. He introduces himself as Dr. Arthur Calgary (Luke Treadaway). He speaks with Leo in private. He tells him about picking up Jack on the day of the murder. He insists that Jack couldn’t have been the killer. Arthur is stunned to learn that Jack was killed in jail. Arthur’s story sounds very similar to the one that Arthur told. Leo refuses to listen to him. He sends him out of the house. The others discuss Arthur’s visit. Mickey remembers his mother belittling him when he was a child. Arthur checks in at the Imperial Hotel. Hester drinks while chatting with Mickey. It seems that Hester isn’t convinced that Jack was the killer either. Mickey admits that he questions it too. Hester also has a flashback of being bullied by her mother.

Mary doesn’t believe Arthur’s story or that he is a doctor. She and Tina both have some resentment for Rachel. Mickey visits Argyll Mechanic & Services. Inside, he finds a red vehicle. It doesn’t start. He imagines seeing Jack in the backseat. Then, he visits Arthur. He threatens Arthur and encourages him to leave town. Philip manages to separate himself from his wife. Mary speaks with Gwenda. She insists that Gwenda will never take Rachel’s place. In a flashback, we see Jack making a joke about cracking Rachel’s skull. Mickey speaks with Tina. It seems that there is something in the couple’s background. Philip tracks down Arthur. He invites him to dinner. During their conversation, he encourages Arthur to go to the newspapers with his side of the story. He admits that he wants to see the family squirm.

Arthur doesn’t seem interested in helping. He tries to escape Philip, but ends up causing a scene. The Chief Constable speaks with Kirsten at the party. He mentions Kirsten’s loyalty to Rachel. Leo gives a speech. Kirsten listens from a distance. She leaves and enters the freezer downstairs. Arthur returns home and contemplates his day. In a flashback, we see Jack getting into Arthur’s vehicle just like he said. In another flashback, Tina runs away from Mickey. We see Kirsten find the body again. Mary is upstairs. She shows some emotion. Hester is shown with blood on her gown. Gwenda is shown with blood running down her face.

 

Ordeal By Innocence Review

The opener of Ordeal By Innocence was very good. It was a little difficult to follow in the beginning, but caught on very quickly. The story is fascinating. Rachel Argyll has been murdered. Pretty much everyone in her family could be a potential suspect. Her son, Jack, was ultimately pinpointed as the most likely perpetrator. With the introduction of Arthur, there is a good chance that Jack might have been innocent all along.

I enjoyed the episode immensely and can’t wait for the next two. I’d give it a solid 8 out of 10.