Ep 1. The Mermaids Singing, Part 1

In Wire In The Blood season 1 episode 1, titled "The Mermaids Singing, Part 1," we are introduced to Dr. Tony Hill, a clinical psychologist who has been brought in to assist the police in solving a series of brutal murders that have occurred in the fictional northern English city of Bradfield.

The episode opens with a tense and disturbing scene in which a man is seen being brutally tortured and murdered in a dark, damp cell. It soon becomes clear that this is not an isolated incident, as a local police detective, Inspector Carol Jordan, is investigating a series of similar murders that have taken place in the area over the past few months.

Hill is called in to assist Jordan and her team, as his expertise in understanding the psychology of serial killers may prove invaluable in catching the perpetrator. Hill is initially reluctant to get involved, as he has a troubled past and is still dealing with the aftermath of a traumatic event that occurred during one of his previous cases. However, he is eventually persuaded to help out, and begins to work closely with Jordan and her team to try and identify the killer.

As Hill delves deeper into the case, he begins to uncover some disturbing evidence suggesting that the killer may be targeting young, vulnerable men who are struggling with their sexuality. This leads to some tense and uncomfortable scenes, as Hill and the police try to navigate the complex and sensitive issues surrounding LGBT identity and discrimination.

Meanwhile, the killer begins to escalate his attacks, and it becomes clear that he is becoming more bold and confident with each new victim. Jordan and Hill work tirelessly to try and catch him, but as the body count rises, they begin to fear that they may be running out of time.

"The Mermaids Singing, Part 1" is a gripping and intense opening episode to the series, introducing us to the complex and troubled character of Tony Hill and setting up a tense and compelling murder investigation. The episode is well-written and well-acted, with strong performances from both Robson Green as Hill and Hermione Norris as Jordan. Although the subject matter is at times difficult to watch, the show handles it with sensitivity and intelligence, and manages to keep the audience engaged and invested in the story. Overall, it's a strong start to what promises to be an intriguing and suspenseful series.