Death Valley Episode 1 Breakdown: Unraveling the Mystery Behind Carwyn's Murder and the Motive Behind It
In the second episode of the BBC One cop drama, "Death Valley," Timothy Spall stars as retired actor John Chapel, partnering with DS Janie Mallowan, played by Gwyneth Keyworth. The series unfolds in a tranquil town where a shooting occurrence takes place.
A postman delivers a package to a house, and a woman, later identified as Danielle, the victim's wife, converses with him. Suddenly, they hear a gunshot, prompting Danielle to rush inside. Simultaneously, Inspector Charles Caesar, John's fictional character from a television show, is informed about the shooting. Caesar, played by Jim Howick, assumes his on-screen character to tackle the case.
Upon entering the house, the shocked Danielle discovers the victim, Carwyn Rees—a property developer—slumped over a desk with a gun in his hand. The postman, who was also present, remarks that he will still require a signature for the package.
DS Mallowan arrives at the scene, preventing Carwyn's business partner, Dave Coaches (DCI Clarke portrayed by Steffan Rhodri), from entering the property. Mallowan suspects foul play since Carwyn was not well-regarded locally due to his property development plans. DCI Clarke, hoping it was a suicide to avoid excessive paperwork, hesitates to admit the possibility of a murder.
Mallowan inspects the body, noticing an uneaten lunch booking but no indication of who the meeting was with. The victim's travel guide delivered with the package raises questions as well, since one seldom plans a vacation while contemplating suicide. Mallowan also investigates the model of the property development, contemplating whether she could afford one of the houses despite having no children, a partner, or a lucrative income.
A paint stain on the window piques Mallowan's interest, while her colleague Baxter prefers to focus on the TV show Caesar. Mallowan vehemently defends Caesar's abilities, arguing that he had an exceptional mind capable of solving even the most complicated murder cases.
A young girl notes that Janie's car, supposedly her favorite color, is actually purple, a detail that later turns out to be crucial. Mallowan spots a man watching from a nearby window but is unable to identify him. The man proves to be none other than John Chapel, who, upon seeing Mallowan, expresses his fandom but is met with a professional, no-nonsense attitude from the DS.
John Chapel, initially unaware of the murder, later discusses the case with Mallowan, providing insight into Carwyn's cleaner, June, who had a son fond of pop-up cards. John speculates that, given Carwyn's consideration for June, he would not have allowed his body to be found by her, indicating that the death was not a suicide. He notes that Carwyn was a meticulous individual who maintained order, therefore favoring a cleaner method than a gun.
Mallowan continues investigating, uncovering evidence suggesting that Carwyn was embezzling money from his company and planning to flee to Dubai. The case takes a personal turn when Mallowan identifies the watcher from the window as John. Upon their ensuing encounter, Mallowan admits her admiration for him, only to be cautioned by John, who requests privacy regarding the case.
As the investigation progresses, Mallowan learns that Joyce, a neighbor of Carwyn's, was involved in a protest against the property development. During the protest, a protester called Alice was expelled after threatening Carwyn. Mallowan visits Alice to gather information, discovering her strong feelings about preserving the woods from development.
Simultaneously, John investigates on his own, uncovering a piece of green paint/tape on a red wall in one of the new houses—a detail he believes will prove crucial. Mallowan eventually enlists John's help, recognizing the value of his insights.
The case reaches its climax when Mallowan realizes that Carwyn's business partner, Ceri, had a motive to kill him after discovering his embezzlement. John provides evidence, pointing out the oddity of the travel guide being sent requiring a signature, knowing that no books are typically sent that way. Mallowan also presents camera footage of Danielle sending the package, establishing an alibi for the time of the murder.
Ceri and Danielle are eventually exposed as accomplices, having orchestrated the staged suicide in order to manipulate Carwyn's will. At the police station, Mallowan receives a promotion to Detective Inspector, although her supervisor warns her against working with John in the future. The series continues to unfold, addressing both ongoing cases and the evolving dynamics between the characters.
- Timothy Spall, as retired actor John Chapel, partners with DS Janie Mallowan, played by Gwyneth Keyworth, in the BBC One cop drama series "Death Valley."
- Inspector Charles Caesar, John's fictional character from a television show, is called upon to aid in the investigation of a shooting.
- Despite another death occurring, a postman still requires a signature for a delivered package.
- DS Mallowan suspects foul play in Carwyn Rees' death, as he was not well-regarded locally, and she investigates the model of his property development.
- John Chapel, an actor known for his role as Inspector Charles Caesar on TV, provides insight on Carwyn's case, helping DS Mallowan uncover the truth behind his death.
