Ep 4. What They Saw

In the fourth episode of the first season of Life, titled "What They Saw," Detective Charlie Crews and his partner, Dani Reese, investigate the murder of a family with no apparent motive. As they delve deeper into the case, they uncover secrets and lies that threaten to shatter the image of the perfect family.

The episode begins with the brutal murder of a high-profile family in their home. The father, mother, and two children are all found dead, with no signs of forced entry or struggle. Charlie and Dani are assigned to the case and soon find out that the family had no enemies, no financial troubles, and no criminal history. This leads them to believe that the killer was someone close to the family, possibly even a member of their household staff.

As they search for clues and interview those close to the family, Charlie and Dani begin to uncover a web of deception and betrayal. The family's seemingly perfect image starts to crumble as they learn about infidelity, embezzlement, and drug abuse. They also discover that the children may have witnessed something that could have led to their murders.

As the investigation continues, Charlie begins to have flashbacks to his own traumatic past. He opens up to Dani about his time in prison, and how it has changed his outlook on life. He also reveals that he may be in love with his former cellmate's sister, and is unsure of how to pursue a relationship with her. Dani is supportive and empathetic, and encourages him to follow his heart.

Meanwhile, tensions rise between Charlie and his new boss, Tidwell. Tidwell's methods differ from Charlie's, and he is often at odds with his unorthodox approach to solving crimes. Despite the conflict, Charlie is able to stay focused on the case and eventually uncovers the truth behind the murders.

In the end, the killer is revealed to be someone the family knew and trusted. The motive for the killings was revenge, and the murders were carefully planned to appear like a random act of violence. Charlie and Dani are able to bring the perpetrator to justice, but not before the truth about the family's secrets and lies is exposed to the public.

"What They Saw" is a suspenseful and emotional episode that showcases the complex relationships between the characters. It delves into themes of trust, betrayal, and the facade of perfection that people often try to maintain. Charlie's own personal struggles and traumatic past add another layer of depth to the story, making it clear that Life is not just your average police procedural drama.