As the curtain rises on this installment of "Unforgotten," DCI Jess James (portrayed by Sinead Keenan) grapples with the morning rush, her hands full as she tries to get the children ready. A call from Debbie (Grainne Keenan) interrupts her hustle, hinting at an upcoming meeting. Meanwhile, DI Sunil 'Sunny' Khan (Sanjeev Bhaskar) is so engrossed in his thoughts that he nearly departs without bidding farewell to Sal, only to be pulled back by a phone call from Thomas with crucial forensics updates about the plasterboard. Tony Hume (Ian McElhinney) digs through files, extracting the youth center registration form for Mustafa Ali. Karol Wojski (Max Rinehart) confides in Szymon, sharing how London's isolation, inequality, and hostility nearly consumed him, transforming him into a shell of his former self. A call regarding his mortgage application adds another layer to Karol's woes.
Jess convenes the team, emphasizing that uncovering Precious's life story holds the key to unraveling her demise. Murray Boulting (Jordan Long) is tasked with scrutinizing her bank accounts and phone records, while Karen Willetts (Pippa Nixon) is asked to delve deeper into Ebele Falade's PNC record. Karen uncovers multiple arrests, highlighting a particularly disturbing ABH charge involving a firearm at a City stockbroker's office in 1986, though details are still pending. Jess reveals that Precious had a son, Joseph, whose existence Fran (Carolina Main) only recently discovered. Born in Wales in 1998, Joseph sports a criminal record, having served six months for a gang-related assault. Jess ponders whether Precious's case might have crossed paths with West London Social Services at some juncture.
Sunny informs Jess that the remaining plasterboard fragments, when tested, turned out to be from the 1960s, leaving them puzzled about their relevance to a victim from as recent as 2016. Sunny speculates that financial desperation might explain the reuse of such material, or perhaps a desire to erase any purchase trails. The newspaper fragment bearing the date July 12, 2016, adds another piece to the puzzle. Before adjourning, Jess gently reminds the team to forgo addressing her as 'ma'am.' A call from Josef at the lab informs Sunny of a significant find: traces of copious blood. Separately, Jay Royce (Rhys Yates) is grilled about a debit card linked to Sophie Coulson, deepening the intrigue surrounding the case.He is grilled about his use of the card at a convenience store, yet Jay persists in his refusal, repeating, "No comment." The investigator informs Jay that the woman he assaulted was four months pregnant and narrowly escaped a tragic loss. Dave (Mark Frost) and Ebele (Marina Laird) are granted permission to view Precious's lifeless body. Ebele lambasts the actions inflicted upon them and their mistreatment, prompting Jess to inquire about the perpetrators. However, Ebele remains tight-lipped, seeking solace in her private moment with her deceased daughter. Subsequently, she places the blame squarely on men. The Child Protective Services (CPS) eagerly prepares to charge Jay, intent on presenting him before a judge for a remand application the following morning. Keith is notified that bail for Jay is out of the question. Keith argues that Jay is contrite, albeit struggling to articulate his remorse. Phil is astonished by Keith's determination to defend such a person, expressing indifference to Jay's plight and deep concern for the woman whose pregnancy was jeopardized by him.
Sunny learns of the bloodstains discovered at the crime scene, smeared around the fireplace. Josef (Magnus Bruun) reveals that traces of cleaning agents were found, suggesting an attempt to erase the evidence. When probed about DNA analysis, Josef confirms that comparison tests with the victim are underway. Sunny receives a call from Jess, informing him that Ebele has agreed to engage in a conversation. Karol breaks the news to Elise (Claire Ganaye) that they demand a 20% deposit, despite their struggles to secure even a 10% one.
Tony engages Mustafa and his mother in a discussion about their recent table tennis game. Tony reminisces about witnessing a fierce determination in Mustafa, reminiscent of his own youthful spirit. He offers to assist them in any way, to which Alaya responds by sharing her background in economics from Mogadishu. She emphasizes that their needs transcend monetary aid, suggesting that his money, while helpful, would not address the broader issues their community faces due to years of defunding by his party. Alaya suspects that any financial contribution from Tony would primarily benefit him rather than her community.
Jess and Sunny endeavor to elicit further details from Ebele. They are confident that Precious perished sometime between June 4th and July 12th, 2016. Ebele claims she last saw her daughter in January 2016, when she was residing in emergency housing in Shepherd's Bush. Precious had intermittently lived with her mother, but the arrangement proved too challenging amidst her struggles.Her son had taken refuge in Wales, a place where Ebele ventured once, many moons ago, drawn by the insidious grip of a cult. At the tender age of fifteen, Ebele herself had been ensnared by "The Family of Blessed Light," a cult that preyed on the vulnerable. She never reported her abduction, swayed by her daughter's declaration of a future desire to join them. A decade hence, when blame unjustly fell upon Ebele, Precious, her daughter, recanted her own story of abduction. Precious, described as willful and frequently disciplined with school suspensions, was deemed better off toiling on a secluded farm, far from London's bustle. It was during this period of relocation, with Ebele carrying another life within her, that she first stepped into Wales. Precious remained noncommittal about the father's identity, but whispers hinted at David Bell, the cult's charismatic leader.
Precious's life in Wales was a nomadic existence, shifting between the Welsh countryside and London's urban sprawl. In London, she resorted to theft and escort work, returning to Wales when these ventures faltered. Ebele recalled no physical presence of the boy's father seeking Precious out, save for his frequent phone calls that instilled fear in her daughter. Occasionally, he might have ventured south, driven by an unseen force. Amidst her own turbulent times, Ebele struggled to care for anyone but herself, ultimately severing ties with Precious after a contentious birthday encounter. Ebele knew her daughter was abusing substances, meth perhaps among them, yet she remained unsure of the extent. She surmised that Joseph, her grandson, had been raised in a liminal space between cult influence andneglectful care, with Ebele acknowledging her own absence in his upbringing.
When questioned about a 1986 firearms charge, Ebele dismissed it as likely documented in their records, suggesting her cooperation had reached its limit unless faced with arrest. Fran engaged with another woman who painted a picture of Precious battle-scarred by Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD), a condition she believed was at the root of her myriad problems. Ebele, however, steadfastly refused to acknowledge this diagnosis, leading to frequent and sometimes violent altercations. According to Precious's narratives, the aggression always originated from Ebele. Jess, frustrated by the sluggish pace of the investigation, implored Sunny to delve deeper into the grandson's connection to the cult. Sunny, in turn, tasked Murray with uncovering what he could about "The Family of Blessed Light." Meanwhile, Jay sought Keith's insight into the Fauvists and requested his assistance in reaching out to a social worker for his girlfriend's substance abuse issues.Keith solemnly vows to explore every possible avenue to lend a hand. Sunny, increasingly distressed as each day unfolds with greater severity, seeks the counsel of DSI Clive Andrews (Colin Campbell) regarding Jess's plight, suggesting that Fran should take the helm given her ample capabilities. Karen stumbles upon something that piques her interest.
Fran discovers that Precious was shared by a social worker with Karol Wojski, who abruptly abandoned his profession. The last engagement with Precious dates back to June 26th, with Karol reportedly inheriting her apartment and encountering her at the residence where her lifeless body was later found. The concise notes from their meeting, handed over to Fran, should ideally have been meticulously documented. They hint at a tumultuous family situation, with Precious's son urging her return to sex work and her mother physically assaulting her once again. The notes' sparsity is explained by Karol's resignation the subsequent day. Fran eagerly seeks Karol's contact information.
Elsewhere, Karol harbors suspicions that Elise hesitates to bear a child with him, grappling with the practical challenges their union would entail. Elise clarifies that her foremost concern now shifts to legal matters, compelled by Serge's actions. She asserts that she doesn't need a child to validate her love for Karol. Karol persists in his lament, convinced Elise's refusal stems from the Untermensch issue.
Leanne (Georgia Mackenzie), offering solace to Sunny over Cass's demise, insists that life must move on. Sal and others believe Sunny should have already come to terms with his grief. Understanding Sunny's pain, Leanne urges him to confide in her if he's reluctant to seek professional help. Jess later phones Sunny to apologize for her earlier outburst, inquiring about traveling to Paris to confront Karol. Sunny proposes a Zoom meeting, but Jess underscores the importance of a face-to-face encounter, considering Karol's status as the last person to see Precious alive.
Karen enlightens Jess about the relative mentioned in the lawyer's notes, Lord Anthony, alias Tony Hume, who had been visiting Jess and her family. Jess reveals that her local library shut down due to his actions; his wife, the late owner's younger sister, had the locks changed.
Jess ponders over the mysterious link between the Tory Lord and the sex worker, prompting her to inquire about his residence. She subsequently dials Debbie to cancel their evening rendezvous. Meanwhile, Sal urgently contacts Sunny, conveying her fear that she might be miscarrying and imploring her to rush to the hospital before their conversation abruptly ends.
At work, Karol is in the midst of slicing open a box when Szymon interrupts him. Szymon checks on Karol, reassuring him of his constant availability as a confidant. Later, Keith ventures to Jay's apartment to ensure his girlfriend is well, only to be greeted by a stranger at the door. The man informs Keith that Jay's girlfriend is fine and under his care now, dismissing Keith's concern.
Tony dispatches an email regarding tying up loose ends, which piques Jess's interest. She visits Tony to inquire whether he had accessed the house during May or June 2016. Tony recounts how he rushed down after a neighbor's distress call. Upon arrival, two individuals greeted him at the door, followed by three more—three men and two women in total. Their demeanor was hostile, and they eventually ordered him to leave. To Tony, who is well-acquainted with addicts, they exhibited the dangerous behavior typical of the ill. He offered them money to vacate, starting with a modest sum, which they refused. When he increased his offer to a thousand pounds, they accepted and departed. Tony refrained from calling the police due to uncertainty over their rights and a desire to avoid a prolonged legal battle. Upon entering, he was disgusted by the filth and damage. He entrusted the new keys to the solicitors a few days later, though Jess discovers from her notes it was five weeks post-event. Tony claims he was merely preoccupied. Upon showing Tony a picture of Precious, he declares unfamiliarity.
After Jess departs, she phones Karen to inquire about the squatters' demeanor as described by the neighbor. Karen recalls the neighbor describing them as sweet, contrasting Tony's narrative. Tony makes a phone call, inquiring about their actions and awaiting a callback. He tells Emma that one of the squatters might have regained entry, overdosed, and perished. A shell casing is discovered within the house, adding to the mystery.
Elsewhere, Karol, working his second job, is seen stealing from his workplace. Sunny attempts to reach Sal again before being picked up by Leon (Denis Michallet). Dave reminds Ebele of their VC meeting the following day. Jay makes a call, revealing that his mother was Precious Falade and that he was present that fateful night, witnessing it all unfold.
