Silent Witness resumed on Tuesday evening with its second episode of the new series, and fans were left feeling sick after one character died.
The latest instalments introduced Dr Nikki Alexander (played by Emilia Fox) and Jack Hodgson (David Caves) to two newcomers – Maggie Steed as Harriet Maven, the newly appointed Head of The Lyell Centre, and Francesca Mills as Kit Brooks, a skilled Crime Analyst.
Tuesday’s episode followed the plight of poor Benjamin (portrayed by David Hargreaves), desperately searching for his dear friend Gloria.
The disoriented pensioner unwittingly became embroiled in a deceitful scam, taking a dark turn when the perpetrator attempted to brutally murder Benjamin. However, in a heart-wrenching twist, Benjamin inadvertently kills the culprit, subsequently attacking a couple residing in Gloria’s house – tragically unaware that Gloria had died.
The two-part narrative concluded with the authorities apprehending the genuine suspect, reports the Express.
Meanwhile, fans flocked to social media to express their thoughts on the series thus far, with many finding the scenes involving Benjamin deeply unsettling.
One fan took to X, stating: “I don’t think I’ve ever felt so angry at characters on the TV … I feel positively sick at the storyline sick!
“I can’t watch!! #silentwitness,” one viewer exclaimed, while another shared their distress: “I am finding this more upsetting than some of the violent murders we see in this programme. #SilentWitness.”
Yet another chimed in with a visceral reaction: “Aww my toes are curling Poor Benjamin,” and a fifth voiced their discomfort: “So uncomfortable with this storyline.”
One fan confessed to the emotional impact: “I’m traumatised during this episode.”
The drama didn’t end there on Monday night’s showing of Silent Witness; fans were left wanting more as they noticed the absence of two key figures. Loyal viewers were quick off the mark, enquiring about Velvy (played by Alastair Michael) and Gabriel (portrayed by Aki Omoshaybi).
Displeasure was evident on social media, with one regular sounding off: “No Velvey or Gabriel? Not a good start.”
Questions flooded in from elsewhere: “Will Velvy and Gabriel be returning to this series? #SilentWitness.”
Yet another viewer expressed their letdown directly: “No Gabriel, Velvy or Cara is disappointing #silentwitness.”
Next week promises a fresh plotline in this 10-part thriller, where the team tackles the gruesome death of an estate agent beaten lifeless with a claw hammer.
The synopsis spills more details: “Part one of two. The team is summoned to a crime scene only to encounter some surprisingly familiar faces. But as the murder weapon vanishes, a simple case transforms into a maze of conspiracy entangling them with the local government elite.”
Silent Witness is available to watch on BBC iPlayer.
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