The Responder returns with the third episode of its second series, airing on BBC One on Sunday, 19 May 2024. In this installment, titled “Ticket to Ride,” Chris Carson (Martin Freeman) gains leverage over Franny, Ray Mullen (Warren Brown) uncovers shocking secrets, and Rachel Hargreaves (Adelayo Adedayo) confronts her personal demons.
The episode opens with Chris visiting his father, Tom, who is angry about the stolen money. Tom’s demeanor softens in the presence of Tilly, to whom he gives money. Chris expresses his frustration about Tilly’s intrusion and claims to have returned the money.
Chris is then instructed by Franny to locate a man named Vernon Hartley, leading him to two elderly ladies. However, his plans are disrupted when Deb calls to inform him that the day’s job is canceled due to Ray Mullen’s suspicions. Mullen discovers that Debs was romantically involved with a man she helped evade a burglary charge.
Meanwhile, Jodie and Casey prepare for their first night working at a club, with Casey calling on Marco to help her sell drugs. Across town, Rachel assists her friend Trevor by removing squatters from a vacant flat and later confronts her abusive boyfriend, Steve. She seeks help from Chris, who encourages her to stand up to Steve.
The episode builds tension as Chris finally locates Vernon and gets him into the car just before Franny’s men arrive. Vernon reveals that he possesses a phone containing details of Franny’s operation, which could offer Chris a “ticket out of jail or a ticket further down the rabbit hole.”
“Ticket to Ride” continues the intense narrative arc of the season, exploring Chris’s complex relationship with Franny and the shocking secrets that threaten to unravel their dynamic. The episode also explores the personal struggles of Rachel and her efforts to confront her demons.
The Responder Season 2 Episode 3 airs Sunday, 19 May 2024, at 9.00 pm on BBC One.
