Ep 2. Episode 2

In "Our Mutual Friend" season 1 episode 2, entitled "Episode 2," the intricate plot thickens as John Harmon's (Paul McGann) drowned body is discovered in the Thames River. The discovery sets in motion a series of events that unravel the plot further and bring in more characters to the story.

The episode begins with the Veneerings, a nouveau-riche couple who are hosting a dinner party, inviting Mr. Twemlow. The dinner party is a display of opulence and ostentation, and the guests are all anxious to impress one another. Mr. Twemlow, who is part of the nouveau-riche crowd, is impressed by the grandeur of the Veneerings and takes a liking to them. However, he feels a sense of disquiet when he sees Mr. Podsnap, who represents the old guard and seems to look down upon the nouveau-riche.

Meanwhile, Lizzie Hexam (Keeley Hawes) is still reeling from the revelation that John Harmon is dead. She is haunted by the fact that she rejected his marriage proposal and wonders what might have been if she had accepted it. Her father, Gaffer Hexam (David Bradley), is determined to find out who is responsible for John Harmon's death and enlists the help of the mysterious Mr. Riah (Alun Armstrong). Mr. Riah, who is a moneylender, agrees to help Gaffer Hexam and reveals that someone has paid him to keep an eye on the Hexams.

As the investigation into John Harmon's death continues, Betty Higden (Anna Friel) and her son Charlie (Joseph Mawle) are introduced. Betty is a poor, elderly woman who has been driven out of her home by the workhouse system. She is determined to avoid the workhouse at all costs and is on the run from the authorities. She meets Eugene Wrayburn (Paul McGann), a lawyer who takes pity on her and offers to help her. Eugene is a complex character who is at once both kind and callous. His motives for helping Betty are not entirely clear, and it seems that he might have an ulterior motive.

Meanwhile, Bella Wilfer (Anna Chancellor), who was set to marry John Harmon, is struggling to come to terms with his death. She is visited by Mr. Boffin, who is the executor of John Harmon's will. Mr. Boffin reveals that John Harmon has left her a substantial fortune, but under one condition: she must marry his father, who is a decrepit, old man. Bella is horrified by the prospect of marrying someone so old, but Mr. Boffin tells her that there might be a way out of the arrangement.

The episode ends with a cliffhanger as Rogue Riderhood (Robert Putt) confronts Bradley Headstone (David Morrissey), accusing him of being involved in John Harmon's death. Bradley denies any involvement, but Rogue Riderhood is not convinced and threatens to tell the authorities everything he knows.

Overall, "Our Mutual Friend" season 1 episode 2 is a complex and intriguing installment in the series, introducing new characters and furthering the plot in unexpected ways. The acting is superb, and the writing is exceptional, capturing the nuances and complexities of Charles Dickens' original novel. Fans of period dramas and classic literature will find plenty to enjoy in this episode.