The body of an elderly woman discovered in a cave kicks off the 28th season of “Silent Witness,” and if the case itself isn’t enough to fray nerves, the Lyell team’s new boss certainly will be. Professor Harriet Maven arrives with a reputation that precedes her – difficult – and Jack doesn’t waste any time butting heads with her.
This season opener, “EXODUS 20:17 Part 1,” written by Timothy Prager, sets a grim tone from the outset. The discovery of a vulnerable victim in such an unusual location immediately raises questions. Who would want to harm an elderly woman, and why a cave? The Lyell team, led by the ever-reliable Nikki and Jack (Emilia Fox and David Caves), begins to piece together the puzzle, but with two new team members finding their footing and Maven throwing her weight around.
While the central mystery drives the narrative, the team dynamics will undoubtedly be a focal point this season. The introduction of Maven injects an element of unpredictability into the familiar formula. Her clashes with Jack will likely test the team’s cohesion and challenge the established hierarchy.
The success of “Silent Witness” over its long run has been its ability to balance compelling cases with engaging character development. This season appears to be doubling down on that formula. As the team works to uncover the truth behind the elderly woman’s death, viewers will also be watching closely to see how the team adapts to Maven’s leadership and the presence of two new colleagues.
“Silent Witness” airs Mondays at 9:00 pm on BBC One.
