Episode 1 of A Murder at the End of the World opens with a chilling narration, delivered by Darby Hunt, a Gen Z sleuth with a penchant for coding genius and a gift for writing. Standing at a bustling book launch, she captivates the audience as she reads excerpts from her latest thriller, The Silver Doe. Unconventionally, she chooses to commence her reading from the final chapter, setting the tone for a tale filled with suspense and intrigue.
The story centers on Darby's pursuit of a serial killer who preyed on young women, with the titular "Silver Doe" referring to a victim adorned with silver earrings. Darby's childhood, spent under the watchful eye of her father, the country coroner, instilled a fascination with solving mysteries that has followed her into adulthood. Her hero, Lee Anderson, stands as a beacon of inspiration, a female coder whose legacy looms large in the world of technology.
Darby's hacking prowess was evident even as a teenager, when she breached the federal database of unidentified bodies. To her horror, she discovered that the number of missing female victims ran into the thousands, their fates a mystery. Alongside her friend Bill, she followed a lead to the supposed killer's abandoned address, a dilapidated plot that held the key to their investigation.
Despite Bill's skepticism, the pair pressed on, determined to unearth the truth. Darby, with her characteristic bravado, forced open the garage door, granting them access to the house. They descended into the basement, where fresh concrete on the floor hinted at recent renovations. Digging furiously for hours, their hopes rose with every shovel of dirt.
But their efforts were in vain. Exhausted, they collapsed on the floor, finding comfort in each other's warmth. Darby's slumber was broken by the creak of upstairs footsteps, and she awoke to a realization that sent chills down her spine. Something was amiss with the staircase, and it suddenly dawned on her: the body was buried beneath it.
She roused Bill from his sleep, and together they tore apart the staircase, revealing a horrifying discovery. Beneath the steps lay the lifeless body of Patricia, the killer's wife. The matching wedding ring on her finger was a telltale sign of her identity, revealing that she was his first victim. In the quiet aftermath of their discovery, Darby and Bill stood in silence, grappling with the realization that their hunt had led them to a deeper, more tragic mystery than they had ever imagined.
As the tense scene unfolded, the killer emerged at the entrance to the dimly lit basement, gun pointed at the terrified pair. Darby's narration abruptly halted, leaving us on the edge of our seats, wondering if Bill had indeed escaped the killer's wrath as he leaped to shield her.
After fielding a few questions, Darby retreated to the familiarity of her home, expecting a moment of peace. But her tranquility was shattered when she discovered a mysterious message from a man named Ray, claiming to represent the renowned tech tycoon, Andy Ronson. The name stirred memories in Darby's mind, for Andy was not just any billionaire; he was the husband of her beloved idol, Lee Anderson, the brilliant woman whose career was tragically cut short by the tech community due to her prodigious talent and gender.
Darby's initial suspicion that it was a Russian hack quickly dissipated when Ray unexpectedly appeared at her doorstep. Thanks to an app she hurriedly installed on her phone, Darby could see Ray's presence, even though he remained invisible to the naked eye. Ray extended an invitation to Darby, urging her to attend Ronson's exclusive 2023 Retreat at an undisclosed location. It was a gathering of a select few, esteemed individuals, some of whom counted Andy as a close friend.
Darby found herself at a loss for words yet intrigued by the invitation, and she ultimately decided to accept. She eagerly shared the news with her father and soon embarked on her journey. As she arrived at the sleek facade of the plane, she was greeted by Todd, Ronson's head of security, a familiar face she had encountered at the reading without realizing his true identity.
After being checked in, Darby found herself surrounded by an eclectic group of individuals: Martin Mitchell, an upstart filmmaker with a bright future ahead; Lu Mei, a Chinese billionaire revolutionizing smart city development in China; and Sian Cruise, an astronaut who had walked on the moon. The atmosphere was charged with anticipation, and Darby's heart pounded with excitement as she wondered what secrets and revelations awaited her at this mysterious Retreat.
It transpires that Bill Farrah has transformed into a thriving guerilla artist, operating anonymously under the moniker FANGS. Darby, who hasn't been in touch for six lengthy years, remains elusive about the essence of their prior relationship. It is revealed that the secluded retreat lies in Iceland, touted by Ronson as the final pristine remnant of barren terrain on Earth. Darby and the fellow guests settle into the scenic hotel, where she's startled to find Ray awaiting her in her room. Little does she know, Ray is actually a cutting-edge AI creation of Ronson's, soon destined for mass market release.
As the evening progresses, Darby attends dinner, finally fulfilling her underlying motive for attending the retreat - encountering Lee. Although words are exchanged only through fleeting glances, Darby blushes innocently like a schoolgirl. However, she finds herself out of place at the table. While the others boast about their accomplishments and how they're revolutionizing the world, Darby finds herself with nothing substantial to contribute. Ronson addresses his esteemed guests, praising their efforts to make a meaningful impact. Lee stands beside him, and their young son, Zoomer, though immature, is still invited to participate in the adult conversation.
The evening takes a sudden turn for Darby when she spots Bill seated opposite her. She nearly chokes on her food, startled by the unexpected sight, only to be rescued by Sian's timely intervention. After dinner and a refreshing dip in the hot springs, they engage in conversation, as if old friends reunited. During a stroll through the frigid night, Bill confesses that he abandoned Darby at the motel because he lacked the courage she desired - what she perceives as bravery, he views as something far more daunting.
Initially, Darby rejects Bill's invitation to join him in his room. However, a change of heart comes after she listens to their favorite song, "No More I Love Yous," playing softly in her room. As she hears mysterious noises emanating from within, Darby initially assumes that Bill is engaging in intimate relations with someone else. Earlier, a fleeting thought had crossed her mind that Bill and Lee might be involved in some way. But her suspicions are quickly dispelled when she realizes that Bill is in dire need of assistance. With a sense of urgency, she ventures outside to peer into his room. Horror washes over her as a bloodied Bill pleads with her to stay, collapsing as Darby rushes to seek help.
