Episode 8 of "Murder in a Small Town" kicks off with Karl venturing into the woods, meticulously retracing the final steps of their Jane Doe. It becomes evident that she met her end at one specific location, only to be callously dragged through the underbrush before being arranged in that eerily deliberate pose on the forest floor.
Returning to the office, Karl discovers that the composite sketch has been completed by none other than the eccentric and slightly unsettling art teacher, Tommy Cummins. Eager for more insights, Karl makes his way to the gallery adjacent to the station to engage in further conversation with Cummins. Throughout his career, Cummins has painted a diverse array of women and even holds a certain admiration for Karl’s mother, who boasts a background in the arts.
Following their brief exchange, the sketch is broadcast on televisions across town, prompting an immediate call to the station from someone who recognizes Jane Doe. Her true identity is revealed as Sally Dublin, an actress with a troubled past involving drugs. Currently, she had claimed to be embarking on a journey and mentioned the possibility of reconnecting with an old acquaintance named Roger.
But does this revelation herald the discovery of another victim?
Roger appears visibly shaken upon seeing the news, and before the police can reach out to him, he preemptively calls Cass, urging her to provide him with an alibi and cover for his whereabouts. His behavior raises suspicion, leading Cass to opt for honesty and disclose everything to Karl at the station instead.
It soon emerges that the team might be dealing with a serial killer who strikes every six years, as uncovered by Edwina and her colleagues. Karl, however, cautions against jumping to conclusions, suggesting that there could be more victims lurking undetected. True to his warning, the following morning brings the grim discovery of another dead body—this time, a dog—surrounded by stones arranged in a circle. All eyes, and suspicions, turn towards Roger.
Meanwhile, Devon makes a bold move on Cummins, only to panic and flee later that night.
As for Roger, he eventually turns himself in at the station, where Karl conducts an interview. Surprisingly, his account seems to hold up under scrutiny.
Nevertheless, the media is relentless in its pursuit of a scapegoat, pointing fingers at Karl's supposed incompetence as a white male detective. These journalists are hungry for a story and show no signs of backing down. Fortunately, neither does Karl and his dedicated team, who remain steadfast in their pursuit of the truth.
Why do the police suspect Roger of being the culprit? At the police station, Sid and Edwina meticulously review the CCTV footage and spot Roger in Cass’s car, accompanied by a blonde woman. Meanwhile, Karl heads to the art gallery, armed with crime scene photos, and comes to the realization that Cummins is their true killer. However, this conclusion doesn't align with the beliefs of the other officers, who, in their pursuit, chase after Cass and discover a black handbag in her trunk. As the investigation unfolds, it's revealed that the blonde woman is actually Roger's sister. It's Sid who manages to persuade her to cooperate, moved by her struggle with drug addiction, which mirrors his own past battles with his younger sister. Despite having lost his younger sister, Sid is determined to do everything in his power to ensure Roger's sister survives this ordeal, no matter what it takes.
Is Cummins apprehended?
With this misunderstanding cleared up, Karl calls, prompting the officers to rush to find Devon, who happens to be in Cummins' company. After an initial skirmish, Karl arrives on the scene, and a standoff ensues as he holds Devon at knife-point. Fortunately, the other officers arrive just in time to intervene and stop Cummins.
The case is brought to a close, and Devon is reunited with her mother. Karl, on the other hand, heads to the station to interview the deranged Tommy Cummins. Cummins is clearly unhinged, rambling about the magic and intimacy of killing, and even humming maniacally. It becomes evident that they'll never uncover the full extent of his potential victims.
Meanwhile, Roger has a heart-to-heart with Cass, urging her to take a chance on Karl, given her obvious affection for him. Back at the station, Sid tells Edwina that she was the key piece in solving this puzzle and played a crucial role in resolving everything. Edwina cheekily responds by highlighting her own amazing contributions.
How does "Murder in a Small Town" conclude?
As the episode (and the series) draws to a close, Cass confides in Karl. She reveals her plans to run for council and her desire to move past her traumatic experiences. She labels Karl as an exasperating yet endearing person, and the pair begin to tear down their emotional walls. Karl encourages her to open up and discuss what happened in Sacramento, but for now, they're content to keep things simple and be there for each other.
It's clear that Karl yearns to be with Cass, and Cass reciprocates those feelings. As the pair shares a tender kiss, the show reaches its poignant conclusion.
