The narrative of Episode 2 of Dept. Q kicks off with an intense glimpse into Merritt's harrowing plight, confined within a metal cage that seemed to epitomize her despair. Using a piece of chalk, she scrawls various names across the walls, eventually zeroing in on Kirsty Atkins, a woman whose story intertwines deeply with her own.
As the episode unfolds, it transpires that Merritt herself had imprisoned Kirsty, once a drug-addled soul but now clean for several months. Intriguingly, Kirsty shares a connection with the deceased in the Finch case, making her a potential linchpin in Merritt's quest for conviction. Merritt casually floats the idea of freedom in exchange for testimony, but this gesture masks a deeper skepticism; she doesn't trust Kirsty's veracity.
Switching to the present, Akram and Carl delve into the enigma surrounding the Merritt case, their minds racing to piece together the puzzle. Moira's entrance disrupts their contemplation, her demand for progress on their assigned case hanging heavy in the air. Carl adopts a deliberately combative demeanor, whereas Akram's interest in the Merritt mystery piques instantaneously.
Carl's investigative journey leads him to Fergus Dunbar, a seasoned officer who oversaw the Merritt Lingard case. Fergus stands firm in his conviction that he didn't botch the investigation. While William was apprehended at the time, his mental state rendered him a questionable asset. Fergus also recounts ordering divers to scour the expansive underwater terrain, to no avail.
A realization dawns on Carl – William could hold the crucial key. He and Akram set off to Egley House, where William resides under strict supervision. Wallace, the woman in charge, swiftly informs them of William's isolation, citing a previous traumatic encounter with inquisitive officers as the reason. The scene is set, tensions flaring, as the duo edges closer to uncovering the truth hidden within the labyrinthine web of the Merritt case.
Although Carl is no ordinary officer, he harbors a conviction that he can triumph where others have faltered. Alas, William's condition has declined in recent times, reducing his means of communication solely to drawing. However, he is in no shape to endure another such traumatic ordeal. While Carl's attempts to gain information from Wallace prove futile, he strikes better fortune with Maggie, the receptionist. Despite her assertion that William receives no visitors, a woman named Claire surfaces monthly, bearing assorted trinkets for him. She is the elderly housekeeper whom we briefly glimpsed in episode 1 and proves to be another vital lead for our characters to pursue.
Claire harbors no fondness for Wallace and guards William fiercely. It is here that we uncover the tragic tale of an accident that befell William at the age of 16, leaving him with severe head trauma and explaining his current state. Merritt never disclosed the circumstances leading to this incident, but it may prove significant later.
The focus then shifts to Merritt's professional endeavors, particularly the Finch case she lost. Claire served the family for a dozen years, driven solely by her devotion to William. Although she never warmed to Merritt, she affirms that the bond between William and Merritt was so unbreakable that Merritt would never have taken such a drastic step without William, nor would she have abandoned him to such a fate.
Carl's troubles extend far beyond the confines of this cold case, entangled with his personal demons and the turbulent dynamics at his home. His relationship with his stepson, Jasper, is strained; they seldom exchange words, and Jasper's incessant absence from school exacerbates the tension. The household is further disrupted by Jasper's new girlfriend, with whom he indulges in sexual escapades amidst blaring music, leaving Carl at a loss on how to navigate this chaotic environment, especially with the specter of past trauma—the shooting—lurking in the shadows, ready to resurface at any moment. Carl bears a heavy guilt over the incident but remains distant and resistant in therapy.
Rachel perceives Carl as suppressing his true emotions, and the show adeptly intertwines this poignant scene with awkward humor, particularly when Carl inadvertently insults a woman's appearance and marital status. Though brief, this segment effectively imbues Carl with a touch of vulnerability.
Ironically, Carl's true catharsis, albeit unacknowledged by him, stems from his conversations with Hardy, his partner, in the hospital. Partially paralyzed by a stray bullet, Hardy serves as a regular visitor for Carl, motivated by a mix of guilt and the need to discuss cases. Carl drops off Merritt's file, allowing Hardy to peruse it.
Stephen Burns, Merritt Lingard's former supervisor, appears to consult with Carl, though Carl harbors little hope that Merritt is still alive. Moira, capitalizing on the situation, uses Merritt's case to bolster her public image, addressing the public about the new department and its focus on cold cases.
Thrown into the depths, Carl is compelled to read a statement regarding Merritt's disappearance. His delivery is hesitant, a struggle to maintain composure, while William watches intently, his interest piqued. So too are Merritt's captors. Meanwhile, William reacts violently, hurling the TV out of the window and fleeing Egley House. As this transpires, we cut to Carl, leaving the press conference, overwhelmed and struggling to regain his composure. Akram, witnessing his distress, recognizes Carl's panic attack and steps in to offer support.
