Ep 6. Innocent Graves (2)

DCI Banks season 3 episode 6, "Innocent Graves (2)", picks up where the previous episode left off, with Detective Chief Inspector Alan Banks and his team investigating the murder of two young boys. As they continue to gather evidence and interview potential witnesses, they discover that there may be a connection between the boys' deaths and a long-buried crime from years ago.

The episode is tense and suspenseful, with the investigation becoming more complicated as more information is uncovered. The team must navigate a web of lies and secrets in order to get to the truth, and when a suspect is finally identified, it is far from clear-cut. Banks and his colleagues are forced to confront the emotional toll of their work, grappling with the fact that uncovering the truth sometimes comes at a great cost.

Throughout the episode, the acting is strong, with Stephen Tompkinson giving a particularly nuanced and compelling performance as Banks. He is a complex character, driven by a fierce sense of justice but also struggling with personal demons and complicated relationships. This complexity is mirrored in the other characters as well, from Banks' prickly colleague Annie Cabbot to the grieving parents of the murdered boys.

The episode is also notable for its visual style, with director Paul Whittington using striking imagery and atmospheric lighting to heighten the tension. The bleak Yorkshire setting adds to the sense of foreboding, as do the haunting musical score and sound design.

Ultimately, "Innocent Graves (2)" is a gripping episode of DCI Banks that will keep viewers on the edge of their seats. With strong performances, clever writing, and skilled direction, it is a worthy addition to the show's already impressive third season.