Ep 1. Episode 1

Happy Valley is a British TV drama series that is set in the Calder Valley, a rural region in West Yorkshire. The show revolves around the life of Catherine Cawood (played by Sarah Lancashire), a hard-working police sergeant, who is still struggling to come to terms with the death of her daughter, Becky. Season 2 of the show starts with Episode 1, where we are reintroduced to some old characters, and also introduced to some new ones.

The episode starts with a shot of Catherine driving her car down a winding road while talking on the phone with her grandson, Ryan. It is evident from the conversation that Ryan is struggling with some personal issues, and Catherine is trying to be supportive. The scene cuts to a meeting where Catherine is briefing her team about a new case they will be working on. She tells them that a woman named Ann Gallagher has been kidnapped, and they need to find her as soon as possible.

Ann is introduced in the next scene. She is a middle-aged woman who runs a small sewing and alterations business. She lives with her disabled son, Neil, and their dog, Billy. She was kidnapped from her house by an unknown assailant, who has left a bloodstain on the kitchen floor. The investigation starts with Catherine and her team visiting Ann's house and collecting evidence.

Meanwhile, we are introduced to Tommy Lee Royce (played by James Norton), a character from the previous season. Tommy is in prison now and is being transferred to a new prison. We see him being escorted by two prison guards, and they talk about his past crimes, including the murder of Catherine's daughter. Tommy appears to be calm and collected, but we can see the anger and frustration in his eyes.

Back to the investigation, Catherine and her team are trying to identify the kidnapper by following up on various leads. These include talking to Ann's customers, checking CCTV footage, and visiting her ex-husband, who is now in a relationship with one of her former employees. The investigation is slow, and there are no definitive leads until a break-in is reported at Ann's house. Catherine and her team rush to the scene and find that some of Ann's possessions have been stolen, including a photo album.

The episode ends with a cliffhanger as Catherine and her team investigate the break-in. They find a suspect, but before they can make an arrest, the suspect pulls a gun and threatens to shoot. The scene ends with Catherine and her team being held at gunpoint, leaving the viewer on the edge of their seat.

Overall, Episode 1 of Happy Valley Season 2 sets the stage for what promises to be another thrilling season. The characters we know and love are back, and the new storyline is engaging and full of suspense. The performances are exceptional, particularly Sarah Lancashire's portrayal of Catherine, who is simultaneously tough and vulnerable. The direction and cinematography are also noteworthy, with the beautiful Yorkshire countryside providing a stunning backdrop. Fans of the show will not be disappointed, and for those who haven't seen it yet, this episode serves as an excellent introduction to the series.