Ep 3. Personal

Scott & Bailey season 1 episode 3 titled "Personal" takes a deep dive into the personal life of each of the two detectives, Janet Scott (Lesley Sharp) and Rachel Bailey (Suranne Jones). The episode opens with Janet's son, Josh, being rushed into the ER after potentially overdosing on drugs. Janet is understandably distraught and takes a few days off work to be with her family as they navigate this difficult time.

Rachel, on the other hand, is dealing with her own personal issues. Her younger brother, Dom, is released from prison and moves in with her. Rachel is less than thrilled about this development, as she struggles to trust him after he stole from their mother in the past. Dom's presence in her home disrupts her routine and makes her anxious, leading her to lash out at those around her.

Amidst these personal crises, the detectives are still working on a case. A body is discovered in a shallow grave, and the team begins investigating the murder. They quickly identify the victim as a young woman named Elizabeth, who was known for her online presence as a "webcam girl." As they delve into her life, Scott and Bailey begin to uncover a web of lies and deceit surrounding the victim and those close to her.

The detectives soon discover that Elizabeth had been in a romantic relationship with a married man, Brian, who was also her boss. The investigation leads them to question Brian's wife, who reveals that she had an affair with Elizabeth in retaliation for her husband's infidelity. This revelation adds a new layer of complexity to the case, as the detectives try to determine who among Elizabeth's lovers had motive to kill her.

Meanwhile, Janet's son Josh recovers and returns home from the hospital. Janet is relieved to have him back, but her relief is short-lived as she learns that Josh had in fact attempted suicide. This news sends her spiraling as she tries to understand what could have led her son to such a dark place.

As the investigation continues, Rachel's personal life once again intersects with her work. She receives a call from her mother, who informs her that Dom has stolen from her once again. Rachel is furious and confronts her brother, who initially denies the theft but ultimately admits his guilt. This confrontation leads to a powerful scene between the two siblings, as Rachel confronts her own feelings of guilt and anger toward her brother.

The case eventually comes to a close as the team solves the murder and identifies the killer. However, the personal struggles of the detectives continue on, unresolved. The episode ends with Janet struggling to come to terms with her son's suicide attempt, and Rachel facing the truth about her relationship with her brother.

Overall, "Personal" is a standout episode of Scott & Bailey that skillfully weaves together complex personal storylines with an intriguing murder investigation. The performances of Sharp and Jones are particularly strong, as they expertly encapsulate the emotional turmoil of their characters. Fans of the series will not want to miss this episode.