Ep 5. Episode 5

Based on a true story, "Unbelievable" follows the investigation of two detectives, Karen Duvall (Merritt Wever) and Grace Rasmussen (Toni Collette), as they pursue a serial rapist. In episode 5, tensions are high as the detectives race against the clock to catch the perpetrator before he strikes again.

The episode opens with a flashback to Marie's (Kaitlyn Dever) initial police interview, where she is grilled by a skeptical male detective. The scene is unsettling as Marie's trauma is doubted and dismissed. In present day, Karen and Grace are still reeling from the revelation that the suspect they've been pursuing for months is already in custody for a different crime. The two detectives pour over their notes and evidence, determined to find a new lead.

Meanwhile, the perpetrator is still out there, and he is becoming increasingly bold. He targets a victim who he knows has a network of supportive friends and family, and sends her a threatening message implying that he knows where she lives. This tactic proves to be effective, as the victim is too scared to leave her house and misses her job interview.

As Karen and Grace follow up on leads, they interview a suspect's estranged wife, who provides them with a critical piece of information. This information leads them to a new suspect, a loner who lives in a rural area and has an extensive criminal record. The detectives team up with a SWAT team to raid the suspect's property, but they come up empty-handed.

Undeterred, Karen and Grace continue to go through their list of suspects and follow up on leads. Finally, they hit paydirt when they discover a key piece of evidence that leads them to identify the perpetrator. The detectives are elated, but their joy is tempered by the knowledge that there are still more victims out there.

In the final scenes of the episode, Karen and Grace notify the other detectives on the case that they have identified the perpetrator. The detectives are surprised and relieved but, like Karen and Grace, they are also haunted by the knowledge that it took so long to catch the perpetrator. They know that they need to continue to improve their investigative techniques and support victims of sexual assault better.

Overall, episode 5 of "Unbelievable" is a gripping and intense installment in an already compelling series. The episode effectively balances the investigation itself with the emotional toll it takes on the detectives and the victims. This episode is a testament to the skilled writing and acting that makes "Unbelievable" such a standout series.