Ep 7. Cold is the Grave, Part 1

DCI Banks season 1 episode 7, titled "Cold is the Grave, Part 1," follows the story of DCI Alan Banks and his team as they investigate the murder of a young girl named Leah who went missing five years ago. The episode opens with a man named Hunter returning home when he stumbles across a bone in the woods. He is quick to call the police, and Banks, joined by his team, arrives to investigate. The bone is soon identified as belonging to Leah, who had disappeared five years ago while out walking her dog.

Banks and his team take on the cold case, but as they delve deeper into Leah's disappearance and death, they realize that there are several suspects, each with their own motive. Leah's parents, Jack and Eileen, are clearly still struggling with their daughter's death, and their grief adds an emotional intensity to the investigation. As the team pieces together the events leading up to Leah's disappearance, they uncover dark secrets and hidden desires of those closest to her, including a teacher at her school and her close friend.

Meanwhile, Banks is struggling with his own demons. His relationship with his wife has been strained, and he is plagued by the memory of a case he could not solve in the past. The pressure of the current case only adds to his stress, and viewers see glimpses of his internal struggles throughout the episode.

As the investigation progresses, Banks and his team must navigate the complicated relationships and motivations of those involved in Leah's death, while also dealing with interference from the media and the unpredictable behavior of several key suspects. The episode ends with a cliffhanger, leaving viewers eager to see how the case will be resolved in the second part of the episode.

Overall, "Cold is the Grave, Part 1" is a gripping crime drama that showcases the complexity of a cold case and the emotional toll it takes on those involved. The episode is well-written and well-acted, with strong performances from the main cast. As the investigation unfolds, viewers are kept guessing as to who may be the culprit, and the twists and turns of the narrative keep the tension high. With its engaging storyline and compelling characters, DCI Banks is a must-watch for fans of crime dramas.