Ep 1. The Dramatist

Jack Taylor is a gripping crime drama television series set in Ireland that is based on the popular novel series by Ken Bruen. The show follows the story of Jack Taylor, a former cop turned private investigator, and his journey as he navigates through life in Ireland dealing with cases that are bizarre and sometimes horrific.

In the beginning of season two, Jack Taylor episode one, "The Dramatist," the storyline starts with a young man who is seen standing on the edge of a tall building, with the intent of jumping off. Jack Taylor (Iain Glen) is called to the scene to negotiate with the man, but instead of being able to save him, the young man jumps to his death. This event deeply affects Jack, as he is unable to shake the feeling that he could have done more.

With the weight of this traumatic event still heavy on his shoulders, Jack is soon called on to investigate the disappearance of a local playwright, Dean Spanley. The case is brought to him by Spanley's fiancée, who is worried about his sudden disappearance and has not received any communication from him in weeks. This seems like a run-of-the-mill missing person's case, but soon Jack discovers there is so much more to uncover.

As Jack continues his investigation, he discovers a disturbing connection between the missing playwright and the young man who took his life earlier. The situation becomes even more complicated when it is revealed that Spanley's work is eerily similar to the events that took place with the young man and his unfortunate death. Jack realizes that he is dealing with a deeply disturbed and potentially dangerous individual who is using the playwright's work as inspiration for his horrific actions.

Throughout the episode, Jack is also dealing with his own personal demons, including his struggles with alcoholism and his tumultuous relationship with his ex-girlfriend, Anne Hennessy (Nora-Jane Noone). These themes carry over from the previous season and add depth to the storyline, giving viewers insight into the complex character that is Jack Taylor.

In addition, the setting of the show is a character in and of itself, as the viewer is transported throughout the streets of Galway and the stunning Irish countryside, giving the series a unique and authentic feel that is unparalleled in other crime dramas.

Overall, Jack Taylor season two episode one, "The Dramatist," is a captivating and suspenseful introduction to the season. The continued development of Jack's character and personal struggles brings a vulnerability to the show that is refreshing, coupled with a complex and deeply disturbing case that is guaranteed to keep viewers on the edge of their seats. The combination of amazing acting, stunning scenery, and thrilling storytelling make this episode an excellent beginning to the second season of Jack Taylor.