As the narrative of The Bombing of Pan Am 103 unfolds in its second episode, a broadcast newsflash reveals that diplomatic missions had been privy to ominous threats preceding the tragic attack. On a chilly January 2, 1989, in the suburban tranquility of Dearborn, Michigan, Nazir Jaafar, alias Dana Haqjoo, steps out into his garage, unexpectedly confronted by a probing journalist, Gianpaolo Venuta. The reporter's inquiry, delving into Nazir's son's potential ties to the bombing, is swiftly denied by the father with utter conviction. Moments later, Agent Phil Reid (Parker Sawyers) arrives on the scene, prompting Nazir to voice his grievances against the journalist's intrusive tactics. Agent Reid, however, has come seeking answers about Nazir's son, Khaled.
Elsewhere, John Orr (Peter Mullan) and Ed McCusker (Connor Swindells) address the gathered press, with Orr solemnly announcing that they have retrieved 252 bodies from the wreckage, leaving 18 still unaccounted for. Amidst this solemn atmosphere, Mick Charles (Finlay Robertson) from the Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB) steps forward to share insights from the air accident team. He discloses the discovery of two fragments of distorted metal in the rural outskirts of Lockerbie, suggesting they originated from a luggage pallet—an ordinary component of commercial flights, typically carrying around 26 such pallets. This clue hints at the possibility that a bomb was concealed within a suitcase.
A journalist raises the December 5 report detailing an anonymous call to the US Embassy in Helsinki, warning of a bomb targeted at a Pan Am flight. Another reporter presses Orr on Khaled Jaafar and the FBI's interrogation of his father. In a private exchange, Seymour (John Hollingworth) questions Orr if the involvement of Khaled Jaafar, a 20-year-old Lebanese national, caught him unprepared. Orr expresses suspicion that the FBI might be withholding information, prompting Seymour to propose his team's takeover of the Jaafar investigation—a suggestion Orr firmly rejects.
Subsequently, Orr tasks Ed with uncovering every conceivable detail about Khaled Jaafar. Harry Bell (Tony Curran) reveals that Jaafar had two checked bags, yet Holmes links only one item to him—his driver's license, found amidst his remains. Orr assures Ed that he will periodically seek his expertise in future investigations, earning a mocking smile from Sandy Gay (James Harkness) after his departure.
Dick Marquise (Patrick J. Adams) receives a call from Orr, who demands an explanation for not being informed about the interview with Khaled. Dick reveals that they discovered Jaafar's recent visit to Lebanon and found no leads during talks with his family. Orr asserts his desire for timely information before terminating the call. Dick then informs Neil Gallagher (Adam Rothenberg) of Orr's suspicion that they are withholding information. Dick elaborates on Jaafar's visit to the Beqaa Valley, a hotspot for terrorist training camps, and shares a CIA surveillance photo from Germany depicting a low-level terrorist linked to a Hezbollah feeder cell, whom they believe could be Jaafar.
Dick revealed that they harbored the belief that Jaafar's mother was a first cousin of Hafez al-Assad, a Syrian President notably pro-Palestinian. Yasmin Siddique, a Pakistani passenger, had Jaafar under her observation at passport control and noticed his nervous demeanor. Meanwhile, Jaafar's father was set to undergo another interview in Washington D.C.
The conversation shifted to Dick's tenure with the FBI. Neil emphasized the need for proactive leadership, urging Dick to spearhead a US Task Force and represent the country at the inaugural international meeting in Scotland. As Linda Burman (Amanda Drew) and Roy Burman (Adrian Lukis) departed their home, Roy carried Tim's dental records, potentially a crucial piece of information.
Evidence continued to pour in, meticulously logged into Dexstar, the Evidence Processing Warehouse. Tom Thurman (Eddie Marsan) discussed a shoe and other exhibits brought to the warehouse, cautioning the team to scrutinize each item for bomb damage. He introduced them to the Royal Armament Research and Development Establishment. Ed obtained a photograph of the identical shoe and praised Sandy for her prowess.
Joe Horgan (Joe Layton) arrived, intending to bring his son Mikey home. He shared that he had a newborn at home and received a call informing him that Mikey had been identified at an ice rink. His wife refused to believe Mikey was deceased until Ed personally confirmed it. Joe inquired about Mikey's belongings, but Ed, scanning through the computer system, informed him that only Mikey's body had been identified so far and was not of inquiry interest. Mikey's body was soon to be released. Ed promised Joe he would update him as soon as he had news.
Linda and Roy were informed that Tim was still missing, leaving Linda distressed about his return. As Ed returned home that evening, June (Lauren Lyle) mentioned her plan to give his jacket to an orphan. When his daughter descended the stairs, Ed reassured her, urging her not to dwell on the crash. In private, however, he cautioned June against assuring her that such an incident wouldn't recur until the perpetrator was apprehended.
Ed Marshman (Mercer Boffey) and Agent Reid interviewed Nazir Jaafar, who steadfastly denied his son's involvement. Ed revealed that Nazir had disapproved of his son's romance, fearing his sweetheart would take him away from his studies in America. Nazir professed ignorance when questioned about Hassan el-Salheli, linked to Hezbollah, whom Khaled had stayed with in Germany. Ed recounted Hassan's farewell party for Khaled, akin to a send-off to war. Nazir also denied knowledge of Khaled's visit to the Beqaa Valley. Ed speculated that Khaled might have been compelled to carry something onto the plane, which Nazir vehemently denied. Agent Reid suggested that Khaled might have thought he was carrying drugs.
Before driving Orr, Ed vacuumed his car, sharing with him that the warehouse was filled with unlinked items. He hinted that they might already possess Jaafar's bags without realizing it.
Moments later, they arrive at the warehouse situated in Longtown. Tom guides them to inspect the remnants of the luggage pallets, which bore the brunt of the damage. The conversation steers towards the revelation that the luggage had been loaded at various times and airports. Mick underscores the necessity to pinpoint which suitcase harbored the bomb, thereby tracing its origin. Meanwhile, Moira Shearer (Phyllis Logan) brings a bible to the academy, inquiring about its return to its rightful family. She is informed that it must undergo an initial examination for forensic evidence.
Ed and Joe Horgan venture to the ice rink in search of Mikey’s body. Joe confirms the identification, embracing Ed outside and expressing his gratitude. Elsewhere, Orr engages in discourse with Moira and another woman about the delay in returning belongings to their families. Harley denounces it as a sin, to which Orr concurs, pondering if volunteers should lend a hand. Mrs. Harley (Marianne McIvor) receives a visit from Ed, who carries belongings intended for Steven Flannigan (Archie McCormick). Ed converses with Steven, who wonders if he is being perceived as a charity case. Ed reassures him otherwise and offers a ride back, but Steven politely declines.
Pat Marquise (Lisa Caruccio Came) expresses astonishment at Dick's plans to fly to Scotland via Pan Am. Ed collects Orr and informs him about the discovery of one of Jaafar’s bags at Dexstar the previous night, containing flight coupons bearing his name and devoid of bomb damage. The second bag remains elusive. Orr is eager to revisit Dexstar, allowing Ed to personally sift through the luggage until the second bag is located.
Upon arrival, Harry communicates to John Orr their excitement over the newfound clue. Mick announces the discovery of what appears to be an electronic device, retrieved from a pallet likely at the heart of the explosion. The pallet housed luggage from Heathrow and Frankfurt, with Jafaar boarding in Frankfurt. Harry mentions the German authorities' reluctance in providing the Frankfurt luggage manifest. Lauren Aitken (Molly Geddes) briefs Moira and Elma Pringle (Cora Bissett) on the items eligible for return to the families, instructing them to cleanse the items. Moira and her companions gear up for the task.
Ed proceeds to Dexstar to scrutinize the luggage, while Linda encounters Roy chopping wood. He intends to finish a few more logs before heading inside. Suddenly, a police car approaches. Dick joins Tom and Orr at the academy, where Orr and Dick converse privately about Khaled Jaafar. Dick concedes that the interview with Khaled’s father yielded no significant results. Orr insists on examining their evidence while withholding their intelligence. Dick reveals that they have disclosed all they could at this juncture, acknowledging the existence of confidential details unsuitable for international disclosure. Orr urges him to share this information with him and a select few of his team members, offering them access to their evidence in return.
Later, Orr informs Harry that Dick possesses substantial intelligence on Jaafar and seems convinced of his guilt. As the meeting commences, Orr warmly welcomes Manfred Klink (Rainer Sellien), Hans-Jurgen Sonntag (Peter Svatik), and the other attendees.
Allen Feraday (portrayed by Nicholas Gleaves), present from RARDE, joins Orr as he informs the gathering that their focus has narrowed to one prime suspect: Khaled Jaafar. Orr mentions the elusive second bag, still unrecovered. Allen chimes in, revealing that their examination of the pallet unveiled residue indicative of explosive contact with an IED. This particular pallet primarily housed luggage originating from Heathrow, with a sprinkling from a connecting flight out of Frankfurt. Klink disputes the notion that the bomb could have necessarily slipped through at Frankfurt, but Orr counters by noting their request for the luggage manifest from Frankfurt Airport. While Klink asserts that the Pan Am manifests should suffice, Orr stresses their lack of detail. The Frankfurt manifest, he argues, would provide the precise provenance of each bag loaded there. Unfortunately, Klink concedes they do not possess this manifest. Sonntag adds that the airport advised it is electronic and self-erases after seven days. Klink then poses the pivotal question: is there tangible evidence tying Jaafar to the bombing?
The scene shifts as Dick is introduced to Ed, who presents them with the bag discovered on Minsca Farm on December 27th, containing only flight coupons. The ID, found close to Jaafar's body, hints at a deeper connection. Donning gloves, Dick begins to sift through the belongings, Harry and Orr excusing themselves. Amongst the luggage, Dick stumbles upon a Christmas gift, while Ed discovers a doctor's case. In another bag, Dick unearths a Michigan gym t-shirt, hinting at Jaafar's origins, and a blue jacket identical to the one in Jaafar’s license photo. Confirmation dawns: it's Jaafar's bag, intact, proving his innocence. Dick offers Orr an apology, which Orr accepts as a step forward, urging them to press on with their search. They pledge to stay connected. Meanwhile, Timothy Burman is laid to rest in a solemn ceremony, where Steven requests David Flannigan (played by Andrew Marley) to ensure no photos are taken of him. David assures him of compliance. The ceremony, a tribute to the unfound, proceeds.
David catches up with Sandy and Ed, expressing gratitude to Ed for the jacket and more, hinting at his wish for Steven to live with him in Blackpool. Ed reassures him that the entire town has Steven's back. Phil joins Ed in apologizing to Nazir Jaafar, who laments that the newspaper articles and falsehoods will linger indefinitely. Meanwhile, Allen Feraday reaches out to Harry, informing him that the shards recovered at Longtown belong to an electronic device, likely part of or adjacent to the bomb. The narrative shifts to Vienna, Austria, where on January 24, 1989, Edwin Bollier (played by Dominik Tiefenthaler) enters the US Embassy, claiming knowledge of who planted the bomb on Pan Am 103.
