Ep 1. Buried Lies (1)

Silent Witness season 1 episode 1, entitled "Buried Lies (1)," opens on the discovery of a body in a shallow grave. The victim is later identified as Linda Cummings, a young woman who had been missing for several months. Dr. Sam Ryan, a forensic pathologist at the Home Office, is called in to examine the remains and determine the cause of death.

As she begins her investigation, Dr. Ryan discovers that Linda had a complicated personal life. She was engaged to a wealthy businessman named Peter Ross, but had also been involved with a man named Mark who was recently released from prison. Linda's sister, Trudy, is also revealed to have a troubled past and a contentious relationship with Linda.

Dr. Ryan's investigation into Linda's death also leads her to the local police department, where she clashes with DI Jim Barbour. Barbour is initially dismissive of Dr. Ryan's findings, but is eventually won over by her meticulous approach and attention to detail. Together, they begin to unravel the complex web of lies and secrets surrounding Linda's death.

Throughout the episode, flashbacks are used to reveal key details about Linda's final days. These scenes are interspersed with present-day scenes, in which Dr. Ryan and DI Barbour interview suspects and analyze the evidence. As the investigation progresses, it becomes clear that there are many people with motive to kill Linda, and that her death was far from a simple accident.

"Buried Lies (1)" sets the stage for the rest of the season, introducing key characters and highlighting the show's unique blend of forensic science, police procedural, and character drama. Dr. Sam Ryan is established as a brilliant but flawed heroine, with her own personal demons to confront. DI Jim Barbour is shown to be a capable but sometimes stubborn investigator, who is willing to learn from Dr. Ryan's expertise. And Linda's friends and family members are depicted as complex, multi-dimensional characters, each with their own secrets and motivations.

Overall, "Buried Lies (1)" is a compelling and intriguing first episode, which sets the stage for an enthralling season of Silent Witness.