Ep 2. In the Presence of the Enemy

In the Presence of the Enemy is the second episode of the second season of Inspector Lynley Mysteries. The episode is set in London, where Inspector Lynley and his partner Barbara Havers are called in to investigate the kidnapping of a teenager named Charlotte Bowen, the daughter of a prominent politician, Eve Bowen.

The episode starts with Charlotte's kidnapping, which has shaken the political elite of London. Charlotte's parents, specifically her mother Eve, have been receiving threatening letters in the days leading up to the kidnapping, asking them to drop out of the upcoming election. The letters have caused the police to believe that the kidnapping may not be purely for ransom, but may have political overtones.

Lynley and Havers are called in to investigate the case, and the investigation takes them to the Bowen family's country estate, where Eve and her husband are staying during the election campaign. The estate is filled with secrets, and the family seems to have a lot to hide. Their past is murky, and their relationships with each other are strained.

As the investigation deepens, the detectives begin to unearth a web of lies and deceit, involving the kidnapper, the family, and even Charlotte herself. More secrets about the family's past are revealed, and it becomes clear that Charlotte is at the center of a twisted game of revenge and manipulation.

The detectives must unravel the tangled web of deceit to get to the truth behind Charlotte's disappearance. They discover that the Bowens are not the only ones with a motive for Charlotte's kidnapping, and that the political landscape of London is more complicated than they had imagined.

In the Presence of the Enemy is a compelling episode that explores the themes of familial relationships, secrets, and political power. The plot is intricate and keeps the audience engaged, with multiple subplots that come together in a surprising conclusion. The episode is meticulously staged and shot, with the English countryside providing a beautiful backdrop for the action.

In summary, In the Presence of the Enemy is a well-crafted episode that showcases the best of Inspector Lynley Mysteries. The detectives are at their best, with Lynley using his aristocratic connections to navigate the upper echelons of society, while Havers relies on her street smarts and intuition to unravel the mystery. The episode is a must-watch for fans of the series and anyone who enjoys a good mystery.