Ep 2. Night Music

Set in the wild and rugged Welsh countryside, Hinterland season 1 episode 2 titled "Night Music" sees DCI Tom Mathias and his colleague DI Mared Rhys investigate the murder of a local man who had a dark past. The episode starts with an eerie scene where an unidentified individual hurries through the woods, dragging a shovel behind them. Soon after, the body of the young man named Iwan Thomas is found lying in a ditch, with his head caved in due to blunt force trauma.

Mathias and Rhys dive deep into the investigation, and it is revealed that the victim had a history of violent behavior and numerous run-ins with the law. Further inquiries lead to the discovery of a cannabis farm run by the deceased, suggesting that the murder may have been possibly drug-related. As the detectives delve deeper into the victim's past, they discover that his sister had recently come out of prison for a crime that was reportedly committed in self-defense, and her release might have aggravated the killer.

Meanwhile, the subplot of Mathias's personal life unfolds throughout the episode. After being impacted by the aura of the murders he investigates, Mathias is seen sleeping in a tent in the middle of a forest, suggesting that his personal trauma is not alien to him. As the investigation carries on, he is invited to dinner by one of the locals, Lowri Driscoll, who admits to having feelings for him. Their conversation reveals that Mathias has a complex past, and he understands the pain of losing a loved one too well.

One of the standout features of this episode is the extensive use of music to set the mood and create suspense. The soundtrack comprises haunting and eerie pieces that make the viewer feel uneasy, and the darkly lit shots add to the mystery surrounding the murder. The showrunners have artfully used the Welsh countryside to create the perfect contrast to the darkness of the murder investigation.

As the plot unfolds, Mathias and Rhys encounter numerous suspects, who each have their own motives for the murder. The detectives struggle to get to the bottom of the case, as the more they delve deep, the more complex the case gets. Meanwhile, Mathias's struggles with his inner demons come to the forefront as he battles with his traumatic past.

The episode culminates with a nail-biting confrontation, and the killer is revealed in a final twist that is sure to keep the viewer guessing until the very end. The climactic scene is both thrilling and satisfying, and the resolution of the case is not a rushed one, unlike many crime dramas.

Overall, "Night Music," is a remarkable episode of Hinterland that perfectly blends a dark murder investigation with the beauty of the Welsh countryside. The episode showcases the struggles of the detectives as they engage in a battle of wits with their suspects, and the underlying personal struggles of the main character, Tom Mathias. The use of music and lighting in the episode aids the viewer's immersion in the plot and makes for a chilling experience.