Ep 5. Special Relationship: Part 1

Waking the Dead follows a team of detectives within the London Metropolitan Police Service's cold case unit, who are tasked with investigating unsolved cases from the past. In season 2 episode 5, entitled "Special Relationship: Part 1," the team begins a complex investigation after the discovery of human remains in a British embassy in Washington D.C.

The episode opens with the uncovering of the body, leading the team to immediately begin their investigation, but with the discovery of a passport and other forms of identification within the body's clothes, their investigation becomes a more complex transatlantic one. The detectives are soon led to an ambassador, Sir Timothy Hart, who seems uncooperative and clearly worried about the potential fallout from the case.

As they begin to delve into the ambassador's past and relationship with the deceased, the team learns that the victim was a young British man named Adam Sterling who had traveled to the US on a student visa and subsequently worked as a political intern. Sterling's connections to the ambassador prompt suspicion among the detectives, though they are unable to gather relevant evidence to tie Hart to any criminal activity.

The investigation also leads them to Adam's roommate, who provides some insight into Adam's personal life, including a possible romantic partner and a group of friends with whom he associated. The team scours through CCTV footage and other evidence related to Adam's movements and communication in an attempt to piece together his final days.

As the investigation progresses, tensions rise between the detectives and the embassy staff, particularly Sir Timothy Hart. The detectives suspect that the ambassador is hiding something and are determined to uncover what it is, even if it means pursuing the case in Washington D.C. and beyond.

"Special Relationship: Part 1" is a well-crafted, suspenseful episode that manages to maintain its momentum without sacrificing character development or plot complexity. It brings to light the complicated workings of international politics, diplomacy, and espionage, while remaining grounded in the emotional fallout of a young man's tragic death.

Overall, "Special Relationship: Part 1" is a strong addition to Waking the Dead's repertoire, offering a nuanced and captivating look at the world of cold case investigation. Fans of the show and the crime genre in general will not be disappointed.