The Welsh mountains take a dark turn in this week’s Death Valley, as a murder investigation sends detectives John (Timothy Spall) and Janie (Gwyneth Keyworth) down a twisty path of blackmail and revenge. Airing Sunday at 8:15 PM on BBC One, the second episode kicks off with the discovery of a body on a remote mountain trail—and John’s quick realization that this is no accidental death.
The pressure’s on to identify the victim, and Janie has an idea—one that involves John socializing, much to his chagrin. She ropes him into joining her mother’s walking group, hoping someone there can recognize the deceased. While the walking group might not be John’s natural habitat, he finds himself surprisingly enjoying the outing.
The pair uncover a complicated murder plot fueled by blackmail and payback, putting their partnership to the test. Janie’s own history comes into play as she staunchly defends one of the suspects, revealing more about her past than she intended.
The episode looks set to move beyond the procedural elements and dig into the more personal side of its protagonists. The Welsh landscape adds a dramatic backdrop, sure, but it’s the human drama—the choices, secrets, and tangled relationships—that may well be the real story.
“Death Valley” airs Sunday, 1 June at 8:15 PM on BBC One.
