Ep 1. What Lies Beneath

Durham County season 1 episode 1, "What Lies Beneath," begins with a disturbing discovery made by Detective Mike Sweeney, his wife Audrey and their two children Sadie and Jason. They find the remains of a young girl buried in their backyard. This discovery soon turns their seemingly peaceful suburban life into a dark and twisted nightmare.

As Mike and his partner Detective Pen Verrity investigate the murder, they begin to suspect that the killer might be someone from their own community. With everyone acting suspiciously, including their own neighbors, the detectives find themselves in a race against time to catch a killer before more innocent lives are taken.

Meanwhile, Audrey is struggling to cope with the gruesome discovery in her own backyard. Her marriage to Mike is strained as they both try to come to terms with what has happened. As more secrets come to light, Audrey becomes increasingly paranoid, fearing that she and her family are in danger.

The tension and suspense in "What Lies Beneath" are palpable as the detectives work tirelessly to solve the murder case. The episode is skillfully shot, with the use of close-ups and darker shades of color amplifying the eerie and unsettling atmosphere that surrounds the Sweeney family.

The acting in this episode is superb, with Hugh Dillon as Detective Mike Sweeney delivering a standout performance as a man desperately trying to keep his family safe while also dealing with the emotional fallout of the murder investigation. Meanwhile, Helene Joy's portrayal of Audrey is equally nuanced, as she struggles to cope with the trauma of the murder and the strain it puts on her marriage.

Overall, "What Lies Beneath" is an intense and gripping start to the first season of Durham County. The episode hooks the viewer in with its shocking opening scene and keeps them on the edge of their seat throughout. It's a thrilling and well-executed crime drama that offers a compelling mix of mystery, suspense, and emotional drama, making for a highly engaging viewing experience.