Ep 2. Malice

In Real Detective season 1 episode 2, titled "Malice", viewers are taken on a journey into the mind of a killer responsible for a brutal murder of a young woman. The episode is based on a real-life case in which Detective Jimmy Anderson is tasked with solving the heinous crime.

The episode begins with a flashback to the night of the murder, where we see a young woman named Lisa working in a convenience store. She is interrupted by an unknown man who attacks her, leaving her brutally beaten and dead in the store. The scene is gruesome and sets the tone for the rest of the episode.

Fast forward to the investigation, and Detective Anderson is introduced. He is a seasoned detective who has seen his fair share of murders but is particularly affected by this case. In interviews, he describes his frustration in trying to piece together the evidence and figure out who committed the crime. We see Anderson pouring through evidence, interviewing witnesses and suspects, and utilizing all of the resources available to him to solve the case.

The episode uses a mix of interviews with Anderson and reenactments of the investigation to tell the story. We are introduced to potential suspects, including the victim's ex-boyfriend, who is described as abusive and controlling, and a man who had been following the victim and had a history of violent behavior. As the investigation progresses, Anderson becomes increasingly convinced that the killer is someone who knew the victim well.

Through the reenactments, we see the killer's perspective, which adds another layer of fear and tension to the episode. We witness the killer's growing obsession with the victim and his frustration with her lack of interest in him. The reenactments are gritty and unsettling, making viewers feel as if they are watching a horror movie.

Despite the challenges, Anderson does eventually solve the case, leading to the arrest of the suspect. The episode ends with Anderson describing the satisfaction of knowing that justice has been served, but also the toll that the investigation takes on him personally.

Overall, Real Detective season 1 episode 2 is a captivating and disturbing look at a real-life murder case and the dedicated detective who solved it. The blend of interviews with Anderson and reenactments of the investigation make for a compelling narrative that keeps viewers engaged throughout. The episode is not for the faint of heart but is a must-watch for true crime fans.