Ep 2. Episode 2

After the shocking discovery of the body of an 11-year-old boy on Broadchurch beach in the previous episode, the small town is still reeling and trying to come to terms with what has happened. The second episode delves deeper into the investigation, and the viewer is taken on a journey through the town as each character is introduced.

Detective Inspector Alec Hardy (David Tennant) and Detective Sergeant Ellie Miller (Olivia Colman) are now working together, despite their initial reluctance towards each other. Hardy is a newcomer to Broadchurch and has a reputation for being too aggressive, while Miller is a local whose son was friends with the murdered boy. As they interrogate witnesses and gather evidence, they start to uncover secrets that suggest there is more to the murder than meets the eye.

One of the key witnesses is Susan Wright (Pauline Quirke), a mysterious woman who lives alone in a caravan on the outskirts of town. She is evasive and uncooperative with the detectives, and there are rumours around town that she was involved in the murder somehow.

Meanwhile, the victim's family is struggling with their grief. His mother, Beth (Jodie Whittaker), is devastated and wants to know who killed her son, while his father, Mark (Andrew Buchan), seems to be hiding something. The tension between the two is evident as they both deal with their loss in their own way.

The episode also introduces several other characters who may be connected to the murder. The local vicar, Paul Coates (Arthur Darvill), shows a keen interest in the investigation, while journalist Olly Stevens (Jonathan Bailey) is hungry for a story and starts to investigate on his own. It becomes clear that everyone in town has their own secrets and motivations, and the detectives must navigate through the web of lies to find the truth.

The episode is a masterclass in tension and suspense, as the investigation starts to pick up pace and the suspects start to emerge. The stunning coastal setting of Broadchurch adds to the atmosphere, as the detectives and townsfolk alike are haunted by the tragedy that has befallen their community.

Overall, Broadchurch season 1 episode 2 is a gripping and emotional continuation of the story that began in the first episode. With each character introduced, the viewer becomes more invested in the investigation and the outcome, and the twists and turns keep coming to keep the audience on their toes. It's clear that this show is not just a typical crime drama, but a nuanced and poignant exploration of grief, loss, and the consequences of secrets.