Ep 1. Vulnerable

Scott & Bailey is a British crime drama television series that follows two detectives who work for the Manchester Metropolitan Police's prestigious Murder Investigation Team. The show is known for its strong female leads and its honest portrayal of the challenges women face in law enforcement.

In season 3 episode 1, titled "Vulnerable," DC Rachel Bailey has just returned from her suspension following her affair with a colleague. She is eager to get back into the swing of things, but finds herself struggling to regain her footing as she deals with the fallout from her actions. Things become even more complicated when a vulnerable young woman goes missing, and Rachel is assigned to the case.

The victim, named Melanie, is a single mother who has been struggling with depression and financial difficulties. As Rachel and her partner, DC Janet Scott, begin to investigate, they uncover a web of lies and deceit, and soon realize that Melanie's disappearance is connected to several other crimes in the area.

What follows is a tense and emotionally charged investigation that pushes Rachel to her limits. She is forced to confront her own demons as she grapples with the guilt over her affair and the pressure to solve the case. Meanwhile, Janet is dealing with her own personal troubles as she tries to juggle her job and her family responsibilities.

As the investigation progresses, Rachel starts to piece together the events that led up to Melanie's disappearance, and she realizes that the young woman's life was more complicated than anyone had imagined. She becomes determined to uncover the truth and bring the person responsible to justice, no matter the cost.

"Vulnerable" is a gripping and thought-provoking episode that delves into some difficult topics, including mental health, poverty, and the challenges faced by women in law enforcement. The writing is sharp and nuanced, and the performances by the lead actors are outstanding. Fans of the show will not be disappointed by this tense and emotionally charged season opener.