Ep 5. First Casualty, Part 1

Silent Witness season 14 episode 5 titled "First Casualty, Part 1" offers the audience a thrilling crime procedural that revolves around the murder investigation of a British soldier who was killed during a training exercise in Afghanistan. The episode also explores the complex and often controversial issues surrounding the military's conduct in times of war.

The plot begins with the discovery of the soldier's body, which has been found by a patrol unit. The soldier was shot and killed, and the evidence points towards friendly fire as the cause of death. However, the army authorities claim that the soldier was killed by enemy fire and refuse to believe otherwise. This leads to a conflict between the army officials and the forensic team, who believe that the evidence suggests otherwise.

As the investigation continues, the Silent Witness team uncovers a web of lies and deceit that leads them to question the true motives of those involved in the training exercise. They also discover that the soldier had many enemies within his unit, and there was a lot of animosity towards him because of his stubbornness and arrogance.

Aside from the forensic investigation, "First Casualty, Part 1" also explores the psychological impact of war on soldiers. We see the toll that the war has taken on the soldier's family, who are struggling to cope with their loss. We also see the trauma that the other soldiers had to endure during the training exercise, many of whom are still dealing with the aftermath of what happened.

The episode features strong performances from the cast, including Emilia Fox as Dr. Nikki Alexander, the lead forensic scientist on the case. She is joined by her colleagues Dr. Harry Cunningham (Tom Ward) and Leo Dalton (William Gaminara), both of whom bring their unique expertise to the investigation.

The episode also features some stunning cinematography, which captures the beauty of the Afghan landscape while also highlighting the harsh realities of war. The music is also top-notch, adding a hauntingly beautiful quality to the scenes that perfectly matches the somber tone of the episode.

Overall, Silent Witness season 14 episode 5 is a must-watch for fans of crime dramas and military dramas. It offers a compelling and thought-provoking story, with rich character development and superb acting. It also sheds light on the real-life issues that soldiers face during times of conflict, making it a poignant and timely drama.