Ep 1. Peril at End House (Part 1)

At the start of Poirot season 2 episode 1, the famous detective is on a holiday in the seaside town of St. Loo with his friend Captain Hastings. While relaxing at their hotel, they meet a young woman called Nick Buckley, who owns the nearby End House. Nick is charming and beautiful, but appears to be unnerved and unsettled, and claims to have had several near-fatal "accidents" in the recent past.

When Poirot is invited to End House for dinner, he notices several things amiss in Nick's home, including an unstable statue on the terrace and an unusual painting. That night, Nick reveals to Poirot that she has been receiving threatening letters and fears for her safety. The following day, Poirot and Hastings return to the hotel and Nick has another narrow escape, this time involving a giant boulder which almost crushes her.

Poirot is convinced that these supposed accidents are not mere coincidences, and that there is someone who is intent on harming Nick. He begins to investigate the apparent accidents, and interviews all of the guests who were present at the dinner. They include the wealthy Mrs. Croft, her son Charles, and a young lady named Maggie Buckley, who is Nick's cousin.

As Poirot delves deeper into the case, he becomes increasingly suspicious of Nick's fiancé, Michael Seton. Seton is an unemployed man who appears to have no means of supporting Nick, yet she insists that she loves him and will do anything to protect him. Poirot also uncovers a strange connection between Seton, Nick and a woman named Freda Rice, who worked as Nick's housekeeper before her untimely death.

It becomes clear to Poirot that Nick's life is in grave danger and that she is not safe even in the presence of those who claim to care for her. As he tries to unravel the mystery, he is aided by the loyal Captain Hastings, who remains by his side even when their investigation leads them down a perilous path.

The episode builds suspense as Poirot relies on his wits and intuition to uncover the truth behind the supposed accidents and the hidden motives of those around him. With stunning seaside scenery and an excellent cast of characters, Peril at End House (Part 1) is a thrilling start to season 2 of Poirot.