Ep 2. The Man with the Icons

In Beck season 1 episode 2, titled "The Man with the Icons," viewers are once again pulled into the world of Inspector Martin Beck as he investigates a gruesome murder case. This time, the victim is an elderly man named Waldemar Leverkuhn, who was found strangled and beaten in his apartment. On top of that, a valuable collection of icons has been stolen from his home.

As Inspector Beck and his team begin to investigate, they discover that Leverkuhn had a history of shady dealings, including money laundering and questionable business practices. Their first lead comes from Leverkuhn’s neighbor, a young woman named Polina, who had been watching his apartment while he was away on business. Polina denies any involvement in the crime, but the team still considers her a person of interest.

Meanwhile, Beck is also dealing with some personal issues. His daughter Inger recently moved back to Sweden, and he is struggling to connect with her after years of being absent from her life. This subplot adds an interesting layer to the episode, as viewers see Beck’s vulnerable side and the challenges he faces as a parent.

As the investigation continues, Beck and his team receive a tip from a local pawn shop, which holds the key to solving the case. They track down the thief who stole the icons, and he leads them to a “fence” – a person who buys and sells stolen goods. This man, who goes by the name “The General,” is a known criminal in the area and has connections to the Russian mafia.

Beck and his team confront The General, who denies any involvement in Leverkuhn’s murder. However, the evidence against him is overwhelming, and he eventually confesses to the crime. What’s interesting about this episode is that it doesn’t follow the typical “whodunit” format, since viewers already know who the killer is. Instead, the focus is on how Beck and his team create a trail of evidence leading to The General’s arrest.

Overall, "The Man with the Icons" is a tense and gripping episode that showcases the strengths of the Beck series. The investigation is well-paced, and the characters are interesting and multi-dimensional. The subplot with Beck’s daughter adds a layer of emotional depth to the episode and makes viewers even more invested in the case. Fans of crime dramas will definitely enjoy this episode, and it’s a great addition to the show’s first season.