As the narrative of "The Crow Girl" unfolds in its fifth episode, Victoria Burkeman (portrayed by Clara Rugaard) delves into the intricacies of revenge. In the contemporary timeframe, Victoria forcibly gains entry into a freezer that harbors a lifeless corpse within its icy confines. She asserts that amidst the chaos, some individuals strive to do what is just and noble, while she proceeds to haul an unidentified object from the freezer's depths.
Meanwhile, at the precinct, DCI Jeanette Kilburn (Eve Myles), Mike Dilliston (Elliot Edusah), and DI Lou Stanley (Dougray Scott) scrutinize CCTV footage sourced from a hospital. Lou reinforces his earlier assertion that the perpetrator is female, prompting Jean to ponder if Victoria Burkeman could indeed be the culprit. Mike recalls Victoria's allegations of sexual abuse against her father during her youthful years, which a psychological assessment later deemed false. Furthermore, her academic journey was abruptly terminated at Beecham College.
Enter Dr. Sophia Craven (Katherine Kelly), who swiftly joins the team in an attempt to decipher Victoria Burkeman's enigmatic actions. Sophia posits that attendees of such prestigious institutions often have their lives meticulously planned out by a parent. When Jean inquiries about Victoria's parents' vision for her, Sophia bluntly responds, "Sex." Jean delves deeper into Victoria's accusation against her father, to which Sophia clarifies that while Victoria's complaint was unusual, she finds it plausible that Victoria could be a fantasist. However, Sophia firmly believes that Victoria did not lie; she insists that Victoria is a genuine victim of abuse. Upon examining the CCTV images, Sophia confirms the suspect's identity as Victoria. Jean decides that revisiting Victoria's parents is imperative and tasks Mike with identifying other potential victims.
Lou and Jeanette pay a visit to Ben (Michael Lumsden) and Mary Burkeman (Karen Ascoe). Jeanette confronts them about their deceitful claim that their daughter was deceased. Ben persists in his assertion that Victoria is no more, recounting how they repeatedly pleaded with the authorities to locate her remains. Ben hints at Victoria's troubled past with drugs, suggesting suicide as a plausible cause. Both Ben and Mary vehemently deny any involvement in their daughter's demise. During the period when Martian Ryan vanished, they claim to have been attending a fundraising event for Victoria's school. Intriguingly, Ben speculates that Victoria herself could be responsible for Martin's fate.
Jeanette brings up the accusations against Ben during their conversation, prompting Mary to characterize Victoria as cunning and harsh at that particular juncture. Jeanette confesses that she can't dispel the suspicion that Ben is deceiving them. Ben, unperturbed, remarks that it's their issue to grapple with. When Jeanette inquiries about Madeleine (Chloe Sweetlove), Ben cuts her off abruptly, urging them to exclude Madeleine from the discussion and subsequently ordering them to leave.
Outside, Jean shares her intention with Lou to involve child protection services as swiftly as feasible. Meanwhile, Ursula Wilson (Ashling O'Shea) reaches out to Jeanette, inquiring about Carl Lowry's demise. Eager to speak with Jeanette, Ursula believes she's recalled something significant. Jean informs Lou of Ursula's intended visit, hinting at her renewed memory. Lou suggests he can find his own way back.
Mike catches up with Amar (Roger Jean Nsengiyumva), seeking clarification on his abrupt departure. Besim (Jaye Ersavas) attempts to intercept Amar's conversation with Mike. Ursula confides in Jeanette, revealing her desire to discuss Lou, whom she initially perceived as a protector before their intimate relationship blossomed. Ursula believes her position with Lou stemmed from being a crime victim, and now, she fears requiring protection from him. She implies that sleeping with the police officer in charge of her case is no longer a viable option and seeks Jeanette's assistance. Trusting Jeanette, Ursula entrusts her with her concerns.
Mike engages Besim with a payment, hoping to identify some of the victims. Besim compares them to themselves, recalling their names as Daniel, Faisal, and Samuel. Mike probes further, asking about Amar's facial injuries. Besim explains that opportunities for financial gain arise for individuals like them, often leading to violent confrontations if fear isn't a deterrent. Amar alleges that the British organize these fights. Mike delves into Carl, Peter, and David's involvement, but Besim claims ignorance. Mike warns them of the dire consequences if harm comes to them, prompting Amar to lament about his plight and the society's indifference. Besim concludes their conversation, asserting that they've said all they need to.
Once they find themselves alone, Amar confides in Besim, asserting that half of the money rightfully belongs to him. Besim, ever the realist, gently reminds Amar that nothing comes without a price. With that, Amar steps outside and fills Mike in on a police officer who aids the boys in their money-making endeavors. Mike, urgent and earnest, implores Amar to accompany him to the station. Amar ultimately decides to leave with Besim when he emerges, leaving Mike's plea unanswered.
Meanwhile, Jean heads back home where she exchanges a brief conversation with her son Joe. Soon after, she engages in a deeper discussion with her father Joe, played by Winston Sawyers, who mentions his unsuccessful attempt to reach her recently. Their conversation drifts towards Martin, with Jeanette insisting emphatically that there's no way he could have discovered the body at that time. She then inquires about Ben, Mary, and their daughter Victoria, to which Joe responds by saying they struggled to even elicit words from Victoria. Each family had plausible alibis, and the police had meticulously scrutinized everyone involved. Jean shifts the topic to Lou, much to Joe's confusion as he mistakes her mention for Alex. Joe shares his sentiment that he had her mother around to help him stay focused, urging Jean to do the same while expressing his dismay at Alex's absence.
At the station, Eva Andric, portrayed by Lu Corfield, checks in with Mike, who is manning the post in Jeanette's absence. She reveals that Lidocaine was discovered in all three deceased bodies, albeit not as the primary cause of death. The second victim likely succumbed to internal bleeding due to a ruptured kidney, while the third exhibited a brain hemorrhage indicative of blunt force trauma. Eva further presents Mike with Daniel's brain tissue, revealing a traumatic diffuse axonal brain injury, typically resulting from repeated blows to the head. Mike mentions a witness's claim suggesting the boys' involvement in illegal fights. Eva corroborates this by revealing they found human tissue belonging to Daniel wedged between the teeth of the third body, hinting at fights to the death.
Upon Alex's return, Jeanette seeks his counsel regarding work, asking for direction. She shares her suspicion that Lou has been intimate with one of the victims, acknowledging she might have known but chose to overlook it. Jeanette defends Lou's work ethic, to which Alex responds by commending her for always standing up for what is right. Elsewhere, Lance, played by Oliver Hembrough, encounters Sophia and informs her that he has confronted Annabelle about their affair. Though Lance expresses his desire to conduct their relationship openly and honestly, Sophia appears torn, having never wanted it to come to light.
Lance becomes visibly distressed, muttering that this is precisely why men often shy away from doing what's right. He accuses Sophia of embarrassing him publicly. In an attempt to defuse the situation, Sophia proposes a stroll somewhere quiet, but this only serves to enrage Lance further. With a furious glance, he storms off, leaving Sophia behind. Unable to contain her frustration, Sophia downs his drink in one gulp.
Later, Jeanette spots Sophia lingering outside her house. Inviting her in, Jeanette inquiries about Sophia's unexpected visit. Sophia admits she's unsure why she's there but confesses it's been the worst night for her. She unburdens herself to Jeanette about the altercation with Lance, expressing disbelief at her own predicament. Jeanette, empathetic, reassures Sophia that she comprehends her plight and gives her a comforting hug, which prompts Sophia to plant a kiss on her cheek. As Sophia departs shortly after, Alex watches her leave with curiosity.
In the dead of night, Amar awakens with a sense of urgency and begins packing his belongings. Meanwhile, Mike diligently continues his work at the police station. Sneaking into Besim's room, Amar stealthily steals his bag and makes a dash for the exit, disappearing into the night.
The following morning, Mike fills Jeanette in on Eva's revelations. He mentions having a witness who implicates a police officer in the matter, suspecting Lou to be the culprit. Mike elaborates on his reasoning behind suspecting Lou. Jeanette, grateful for Mike's visit, urges him to keep the information confidential as she needs to adhere to official procedures.
At the farm, Victoria approaches Madeleine, and they agree to spend some time together. They wander down to the water's edge, where Madeleine opens up to Victoria about her academic uncertainties. Unsure whether she wants to pursue higher education, Victoria suggests taking a gap year for recovery. She reveals a haunting personal connection, sharing that her perpetrator had done the same to her. Victoria expresses her hope that Madeleine recognizes them as sisters. When Madeleine inquires about her actions then, Victoria recounts her escape. She invites Madeleine to meet her early the next morning, promising they'll leave together, insisting that their perpetrator should fear her. Madeleine, still in disbelief, asks if they are truly sisters, to which Victoria affirms.
Jeanette sends Sophia a message, reassuring her not to feel awkward about their events of the previous night. Meanwhile, Mike identifies the bodies as Daniel Rexha, Faisal Qureshi, and Samuel Osman, all asylum seekers who had been in the UK for less than two years.
Mike divulges their lodging location and their entanglement in illicit combat to the authorities, while a hostel witness positively identifies the victims. However, Mike harbors doubts about the witness's ability to testify due to immigration complications, a stance that Jeanette aims to alter. Lou enters the scene and engages Jeanette in conversation, prompting Mike to make a solo trip to the hostel, declining any uniformed backup.
Jeanette seeks a confidential conversation with Verity Pound, voicing her apprehensions. Superintendent Pound, embodied by Victoria Hamilton, cautions Jeanette that impeaching a colleague is fraught with peril. Verity asserts that navigating such treacherous terrains is one of her strengths and acknowledges that she has been overly indulgent for both their sakes. She urges Jeanette to take decisive action if she can, warning that failure to do so might lead to her own downfall. Jeanette confesses her reluctance, but Verity responds with relief over their candid, informal exchange. She advises Jeanette to stay above reproach and defer to professional standards if she intends to apprehend him.
Meanwhile, Mike arrives at the hostel and secures the keys to Amar's room, only to discover that Amar has vanished. Jeanette keeps a wary eye on Lou, as Madeleine packs her belongings under the cover of night. Ben informs Mary of his intention to retire for the evening, but upon entering Madeleine's room, he is struck by her, who declares she will not permit his actions anymore. She is aware of Victoria's existence and vows to take herself and Victoria away.
As Madeleine attempts an escape from the house, Ben grapples with her, insisting that she will not leave. He reveals the bombshell that Victoria is also her mother. In a moment of frustration, Ben strikes Madeleine, causing her to tumble down the stairs, while Mary stands by, unmoving and unresponsive.
