The seventh episode of Ridley's second season, enthrallingly titled "The Memory Jar Part 1," dives headfirst into the enigmatic vanishing of Tara Dunning, portrayed with poignant depth by Emily Stott. The narrative kicks off with a palpable sense of urgency, as Tara's fraught shouts to Leo echo through the air, a testament to their impending haste. Amidst this flurry, her husband, Rob Dunning (Tachia Newall), cautions her against the perilous waters of Colden Road, but Tara's resolve is unyielding, unwittingly paving the way for her ominous disappearance.
As the sun traverses the sky, Tara fails to materialize at Leo's school gates, prompting a concerned call to Rob. He swiftly collects Leo, their bond a comforting refuge amidst the mounting unease, while Tara's image flickers by, her car careening down the road, oblivious to Rob's call. This tapestry of events weaves a thrilling narrative, foreshadowing the intricate investigation to follow.
Within the confines of the police station, DCI Paul Goodwin (Terence Maynard) and DI Carol Farman (Bronagh Waugh) convene with DC Darren Lakhan (George Bukhari), their minds aligned in the quest to unravel Tara's enigma. They affirm that her disappearance has escalated to a critical level, its echoes reverberating through the digital ether of social media. Meanwhile, a village community, helmed by the influential Simon Beamish, the proprietor of the quaint Two Tubs pub, has amassed over 200 members, their chatter a cacophony of speculation and concern.
Carol reaches out to Alex Ridley (Adrian Dunbar), inviting him into the fray, and he agrees to rendezvous at Tara's abode. There, they engage in a heartfelt conversation with Rob, who professes ignorance to any unusual behavior in Tara. He paints a picture of her life: part-time employment at a cozy café, a diagnosis of bipolar disorder casting a shadow over her days. Rob's unwavering belief in Tara's innocence and her incapability to harm herself offers a poignant glimpse into their intricate bond and the challenges they've faced together.
The arrival of Sarah, Rob's sister, and Leo deepens the emotional tapestry. They deliberate over a public plea and the necessity of a DNA reference, Carol proposing Tara's hairbrush as a viable source. In a heart-to-heart outside, Sarah confides in Alex and Carol, revealing Tara's prior threats of leaving Rob due to his shortcomings.
Elsewhere, Harry Bentham (John Michie) and Annie Marling (Julie Graham) discuss potential renovations for the pub, while back at the station, Darren verifies Rob's alibi, placing him miles away from the scene when Tara vanished. Ridley's mention of Tara's bipolar diagnosis stirs new waters, and they uncover that her vehicle was spotted near Colden Crags at the fateful hour of 4 p.m. the previous day, leaving a trail of unanswered questions that lead only deeper into the mystery.
Carol and Paul engage the media with their account of Tara's disappearance, as the police uncover her abandoned vehicle, its windshield stained with blood, a chilling testament to the unfolding mystery. Dr. Wendy Newstone, portrayed by Georgie Glen, delves deeper into the case, revealing to Carol and Alex that subtle tire tracks hint at the involvement of another vehicle. A discarded phone, hidden beneath the passenger seat, emerges as a crucial clue, awaiting analysis to uncover its link to the crime.
The investigation leads them to Celia Machin, a figure struggling with early-onset Parkinson's, whose foggy recollections reveal a confrontation involving Tara and a customer named Jason Dover. Jason's lewd remarks toward Celia had prompted Tara's intervention, casting a shadow over his innocence.
At the police station, Darren's revelations stir new waves of suspicion: Tara's purchased train ticket and frequent visits to the station car park over the past three months suggest a life on the move, but where was she headed?
Meanwhile, Dr. Vikram Assi, played by Ash Tandon, exits the hospital's hallowed halls for parole board meetings, while Rob confides in Carol about Tara's selfless work at a charity shop in Renton, lamenting his sister's missed opportunity to know her better.
Carol delves into Jason Dover's sordid past, uncovering a rap sheet marred by sexual assault arrests. Confronted at a pub, Jason maintains his innocence, weaving a tale of being miles away from the crime scene on the fateful day.
As the episode reaches its climax, Wendy's grim confirmation that the blood in the abandoned car belongs to Tara heightens the stakes. An enigmatic palm print, undetected on the driver's side window, adds another layer of intrigue to the case.
But the shocker comes when Celia's lifeless body is discovered at the foot of her stairs, a haunting image suggesting a violent push. Ridley's meticulous eye spots a business card belonging to Jason, and the grim details of Celia's death – a C1 fracture of the spinal cord, indicative of a prolonged, agonizing end – deepen the labyrinth of suspicions. The discovery of dark woolen fibers on Celia's body, coupled with the lack of a direct connection between Jason and Tara's medical records, paints a convoluted picture, leaving viewers on the precipice of a thrilling cliffhanger.
"The Memory Jar Part 1" expertly intertwines the intricate personal and professional lives of its characters, weaving a tapestry of deceit, desperation, and intrigue that keeps audiences on the very edge of their seats, eagerly anticipating the next twist in Ridley's captivating second season.
