Ep 2. Episode 2

Sandra Winckler (Marie Dompnier) continues to investigate the bizarre double murder in the village of Trézélan in Episode 2 of Witnesses season 1. Her initial interview with the only witness, Catherine Keemer (Audrey Fleurot), reveals some intriguing and alarming details. Catherine's husband Bertrand is the owner the Château Neuvil, which was recently sold to a mysterious buyer. Additionally, the couple's son Lucas went missing a year ago, and his whereabouts are still unknown.

Meanwhile, Catherine's alibi for the night of the murder seems to check out, but Sandra still thinks there is something off about her story. As she delves deeper into the Keemer family's history, she discovers some disturbing secrets, and the case becomes even more complicated and twisted.

Sandra's partner, Justin (Jan Hammenecker), onsite for the first murder investigation, handles a separate case, linked to the main murder case for the first time. The case is a long standing one, with the disappearance of 10 women in 1999, wherein their bodies were never found only their personal belongings. Justin suspects that the case can be the work of the Chateau Neuvil owner.

As Sandra tries to piece together the clues and track down the killer, she faces rejections and face-offs from the Trézélan locals, particularly the Keemer family and their friends. She also has to deal with the return of Paul Maisonneuve (Thierry Lhermitte) one of the detectives, who had been involved in a similar case in 1986, and who is still dealing with his own demons. Paul becomes interested in the case after learning that several aspects of the murder match the characteristics of an infamous serial killer from the past.

The cast delivers solid and impressive performances in this episode. Marie Dompnier portrays Sandra as a determined and passionate detective, who isn't willing to give up on the case even when it gets more complex. Audrey Fleurot's Catherine has a magnetic presence, a peculiar character that ranges from a loving mother to a cold individual with a complicated past.

The cinematography and direction are top-notch, with the eerie nature of the village, the Château Neuvil, and the morgue shots creating an atmosphere of suspense. The use of various camera angles and smart aerial shots helps to keep the viewers hooked.

Episode 2 of Witnesses season 1 is an episode that not only expands the mystery surrounding the murders, but also the underlying backstory of characters in the show. Though the episode does not give a conclusive answer to the case, it paves the way for twists and turns that unravel as the season progresses. Whether it is the crisp storytelling, great performances, artful direction, or well-crafted suspense, it is no doubt that the show will keep audiences hooked and wanting more.