Ep 5. Little Boy Lost

In WPC 56 season 1, episode 5 titled "Little Boy Lost," viewers are taken to fictional rural town of Brinford, in 1956. The police station where the drama unfolds is manned by officers Hill (Mark Healy), Dawson (Samuel Oatley), and the heroine of the show, WPC 56 Gina Dawson (Jennie Jacques). Dawson is a rarity in the male-dominated police force of 50s Britain, the only woman on the team.

The episode opens with a long shot of a forest on the town's outskirts. The serene atmosphere is disrupted as a young boy, Billy, runs desperately toward the treeline, calling out his dog's name, Rufus. After searching for Rufus, Billy realizes he's lost in the forest. He begins to wander aimlessly, trying to retrace his steps. Meanwhile, back in Brinford, Rufus owner Mr. Parry (Trevor Cooper) reports his dog and the little boy missing to the police, leveling fears of a child abduction.

The absence of an abducted child in the episode leads to a twist in the portrayal of the missing-persons investigation, which is handled more closely with attention to the dog. The ever-resourceful WPC 56 Gina Dawson quickly swings into action. She sets up a search team, guided by Mr. Parry, who tries to keep track of Rufus's barking and scent. The team comprehensively investigates the surrounding area and the forest, calling out the boy's name. In one scene, Dawson looks up at the billowing canopy and mutters assuredly under her breath. "He's out there somewhere."

As the search continues, we see Dawson's leadership qualities emerge. She keeps the search team on course, despite the inherent confusion of trying to locate a missing dog and his owner. The community also plays its part, as several residents and farmers come forward with information about what they've seen. The range of knowledge and expertise, from a keen eye on a microscope to a farmer able to follow along animal prints, adds to the richness of the episode.

Also in this episode, we witness an investigation that reveals the fear of change in a small town in the 1950s, shown by how the community quickly jumps to suspend any outsider who could be pegged as responsible for the disappearance. With the support of her colleagues, Dawson continues her search regardless of setbacks. The public likewise follows suit. Suspended, but determined, police officer Bingham also assists her privately. Despite the odds stacked against her, Dawson, who gains increasing respect from viewers in this episode, is undeterred in her plan to find the missing boy and his dog.

While the episode is suspenseful, a gentle touch accompanies proceedings. The producers juxtapose various aspects of the search-and-rescue operation with scenes showing the villagers on their daily routines or interacting with Dawson, thereby providing insight into their provincial way of life. While the town may be sleepy, there's an overriding sense of neighborliness that comes through.

The episode evokes a time when small-town cops had limited resources, and police work demanded more than just a fancy forensics team. Through Dawson's attention to detail, respect for the community, and her unwavering determination, the suspense is sustained, aided by the tension generated with each plot twist.

"Little Boy Lost" highlights the challenges of working as a woman in the 1950s, such as finding a bathroom and adhering to dress codes that don't even allow an officer to wear pants. The producers add light moments of humor and drama to the episode. They also show that, irrespective of the obstacles presented by their environment, the police in Brinford will do everything in their power to serve their community.

In conclusion, episode five of "WPC 56: Little Boy Lost" is a well-executed episode that balances suspense, mystery, and drama. It offers an enjoyable storyline with attention to detail, and it maintains the dramatic pace while inserting moments of gentle humor. The episode secures WPC 56's reputation as a favorable period drama, providing a window into the everyday lives of 1950s rural English police officers.