Ep 4. Care, Part 2

Waking the Dead season 9 episode 4, titled "Care, Part 2", delves deeper into the investigation of the disappearance of Stephanie Blake, a young and vulnerable girl with a history of mental illness. As the Cold Case Unit team continues to follow the trails of potential suspects, they uncover painfully twisted and disturbing aspects of Stephanie's past, including her abusive family and the institutionalized care she received.

The episode opens as Detective Superintendent Peter Boyd (played by Trevor Eve), the head of the Cold Case Unit, becomes even more invested in finding Stephanie when he discovers that the girl was forced to participate in a drug trial, which ultimately contributed to her mental deterioration. Despite facing resistance from the medical company responsible for the trial, Boyd is determined to hold individuals accountable for their actions, no matter how long ago they occurred. Meanwhile, forensic scientist Dr. Eve Lockhart helps her colleagues piece together the shocking extent of Stephanie's traumatic experiences, including the discovery of a harrowing drawing that reveals a new suspect in the case.

As the team begins to close in on the truth, the plot thickens when Stephanie's mother, her primary caregiver, becomes a target of investigation. The portrayal of the mother-daughter bond is complex and poignant, filled with dark twists and turns that showcase the tragic and cyclical nature of abuse. The episode also features some stunning performances, particularly from the actress portraying Stephanie, who captures the vulnerability and fear of a young girl subjected to the cold, cruel world.

Overall, "Care, Part 2" is a masterfully crafted episode that highlights the show's ability to tackle difficult and complex themes with grace and sensitivity. It's a thrilling ride that will leave viewers on the edge of their seats, eager to see how the case will be resolved. With its exceptional writing, powerful performances, and gut-wrenching storyline, this episode proves once again why Waking the Dead was one of the most popular crime dramas of its time.