As the curtain rises on this installment of "The Crow Girl," a youthful Victoria, portrayed by Isabella Astbury, stumbles upon an injured crow, gently scooping it up in her arms. She carries it indoors, only to witness a woman dispatch it with mercyless finality. Victoria is instructed to abandon the bird's carcass outdoors, a feast left for the foxes to enjoy. Elsewhere, Madeleine, played by Chloe Sweetlove, attends a solemn funeral, accompanied by Ben (Michael Lumsden) and Mary Burkeman (Karen Ascoe), while another Victoria, this time embodied by Clara Rugaard, observes them from afar. Madeleine's gaze is drawn to a crow perched nearby, casting an eerie shadow over the proceedings.
Transitioning into the heart of the narrative, Detective Inspector Lou Stanley (Dougray Scott) joins forces with DCI Jeanette Kilburn (Eve Myles) and Joe (Winston Sawyers). Lou unveils a grim discovery: yet another corpse, found at the warehouse situated within the Filwood Green business park. Alex, concerned for Jeanette's well-being, persuades Lou to take the lead in this grim investigation, citing a pressing morning meeting as his reason for abstaining. Meanwhile, Sophia Craven (Katherine Kelly) listens intently to her recordings of Victoria, who recounts a harrowing tale of being ripped apart by an unseen assailant. Sophia notices her purse fallen to the floor, prompting Victoria's cryptic remark about an "egg in a onesie," which she claims to have inadvertently cracked. Confusion arises as Sophia inquiries Lance (Oliver Hambrough) if he might have inadvertently moved her bag, to which he vehemently denies any involvement. Elsewhere, Mary offers words of caution to Madeleine, cautioning her against indulging in youthful excess.
At the crime scene, Jean and Lou confront the grim reality of another male victim, encased in a similar bag. Mike Dilliston (Elliot Edusah) informs Jean that David White (Lee Boardman) is the warehouse's owner. David recounts receiving a call from Simon and arriving at approximately 6:30 PM, departing around 9 PM, encountering no one during his visit. Jean probes whether David knows Carl Lowry (Trevor White), to which David responds with a blank acknowledgment of Lowry's presence at the workplace alongside the grim discovery. David offers to accompany officers to the station, accompanied by legal counsel, should further questioning be deemed necessary. Mike reveals that CCTV footage has captured a clear image of the scene. Despite this evidence, Jean remains steadfast in her conviction of Lowry's involvement.
Elsewhere, Jamal (Basel Osman) and Amar (Roger Jean Nsengiyumva) socialize, unaware of the suspicious glances cast their way by a nearby observer, adding an extra layer of intrigue to the unfolding mystery.
The man attempts to offer them two candy bars, but Amar refuses to accept them, well-aware that nothing comes free. Despite his reluctance, he nonchalantly pockets them. Mike and the others notice someone shifting the bag surreptitiously. Jean suspects they're attempting to communicate with them in some cryptic manner. The conversation drifts to the enigmatic feet-washing ritual. Mike proposes it might hold religious significance.
Sophia collaborates with either Margaret or Angela (played by Julie Legrand). She confides in Margaret the reasons behind Angela's suicidal thoughts. Margaret expresses her desire for an ordinary life, devoid of such turmoil. In an instant, she transforms into Angela. Angela declares she doesn't wish to harm anyone further, yet she equally doesn't want to continue existing in her current state. Beneath both names, she scrawls the word "shame."
Eva Andric (portrayed by Lu Corfield) enlightens Lou and Jean about Lidocaine, revealing it was injected directly into the victim's bloodstream. It seems he was attached to an intravenous bag. The perpetrator wanted the victim fully awake during the ordeal. Eva meticulously examines the victim's injuries. She estimates the victim is around 17 years old, though his ethnicity remains unknown. Lou argues that this isn't Carl's modus operandi. Eva finds the handling of the feet peculiar. The toxicology reports confirm the presence of Lidocaine in both victims. Jean insists on speaking with Lowry. Eva mentions her birthday party is scheduled for tomorrow night. Jean counters that her son has a football game on the same evening.
Sophia peruses the files on Victoria Burkeman. Jean decides to reach out to Sophia Craven once more. Sophia agrees to meet her for a brief coffee session. Amar hears Jamal shouting, alleging someone tried to frame him. A scuffle ensues until the candy man intervenes. Jamal shows Amar the cocaine they attempted to plant on him. Sophia arrives at the shop and spots Jean sitting nearby. Jean clarifies she's convinced Carl Lowry is entangled in the murder spree. Sophia emphasizes the confidentiality of the information.
She asserts that Carl genuinely believes his hands are clean of any wrongdoing. Sophia recounts to her his chilling remarks about procuring a child and making them vanish without a trace. Sophia contends that they are all capable of committing murder, yet she hesitates to conclusively accuse Carl of Jean's slayings, as she's unfamiliar with such depraved individuals; her practice primarily revolves around treating trauma victims. Following a brief message, Jeanette announces her urgent need to return to the station, expecting a severe dressing-down. They concur to reconsider conversing further. Jean inquiries about potential questions for her upcoming interview, to which Sophia suggests she inquire if Carl thinks the psychiatrist did an adequate job.
At the station, Superintendent Verity Pound (Victoria Hamilton) confers with Jean and Mike regarding the investigation's status. Verity warns that their efforts will crumble once the podcasters get involved. She's also aware of Jean's conversation with Sophia. Jean insists Carl is entangled in a pedophile ring and urges they pressure Carl Lowry while he's still in custody. Verity accedes to allowing Jean the interview, albeit with the caveat that she might be referred to the Professional Standards Department.
Madeleine Burkeman confides in a schoolmate about her sexual encounter, to which her friend replies that she plans to lose her virginity within the week. Charlie (Lauren Morais) offers her bed on the condition that she refrains from any messy accidents. Meanwhile, Amar discusses the chocolate with Besim, who returns both drugs and chocolate. Besim propositionss a way for Amar to earn 300 pounds, suggesting he practice punching at a nearby gym and participate in a fight, victory not necessary. Besim invites him to join tonight.
Jean sits down with Carl, who remarks that it feels cathartic to discuss his attraction to children. Jean presents him with a photograph of the victim, prompting Carl to inquire about its relevance. He vehemently denies murdering the individual in question. Jean informs him of the discovery site and reveals that the victim's body was filled with lidocaine.
Then, she unfolds the picture of another man before him, compelling Carl to acknowledge his aversion to young boys. He steadfastly refuses to divulge any information about David White, insisting that he has never taken a life. Jean probes further, inquiring about his acquaintances with similar inclinations. Carl remains resolute, denying any involvement in murder and declining to assist, believing his cooperation would yield no fruit. Jean queries the effectiveness of the psychiatrist's work, to which Carl responds with dissatisfaction, asserting that she failed to fulfill her duties. As the interview concludes, Jean vows to uncover the truth buried beneath the surface.
Sharing her insights with Lou, Jean asserts that Carl is not physically disposing of the bodies but remains intricately involved in the affair. She reaches out to Sophia Craven, seeking further clarification, and Sophia agrees to a subsequent meeting. Meanwhile, David White arrives unannounced for his session with Sophia, explaining the urgency of their conversation despite his missed appointment. He initiates a playful shopping game, revealing his purchase of a silencer amidst their exchange, causing Madeleine to request an early exit, which Mary denies.
Over a glass of wine, Jean and Sophia delve into deeper conversation. Jean expresses her concern about Lowry possibly being framed, acknowledging his involvement, albeit unclear in its extent. Sophia recounts a haunting experience with a young female client, describing her as alluring, enigmatic, and terrifying. She admits to pushing boundaries too far, leading to a tragic attempt at self-harm during a session. The girl's mysterious disappearance has left Sophia profoundly unsettled. Joe joins their discourse, followed by Alex, who confesses to leaving Joe to attend a meeting but finds solace in creating a house. Sophia decides to depart, leaving Jamal and Amar to their workout routine at the gym, where Lou coaches the boys amidst an overflowing bathroom scene. A man, possibly Carl, writhes in distress on the bed.
Sophia's memories resurface, recalling Victoria's vivid descriptions of her mother as blind, selfish, and cruel. Victoria counters, insisting that actions omitted are the true measure of cruelty, her mother's negligence allowing sinister events to unfold. Sophia, during a jog, feels a eerie sense of deja vu, as if she glimpses Victoria's presence. Elsewhere, Mary, engrossed in adjusting the television volume, ignores Ben Burkeman's ascent to the upper floor, as Victoria's revelations continue to echo in Sophia's mind.
