We're halfway into the third series of The Fall and, after last week's jaw-dropping amnesia twist, there's finally a hint of where things may be leading. And we don't think everyone will be skipping happily off into the sunset.
Yes, things are getting increasingly gloomy in Belfast following the discovery of Spector's lock-up, packed with evidence that indicates he's committed more crimes than previously suspected.
We open with the police examining it all – his notebooks filled with disturbing images, women's underwear, photos – and focusing on descriptions of women he was watching that could indicate he committed nine more murders. Gosh, Paul's been a busy boy.
Back in hospital, a seemingly clueless Spector is being interviewed by an attractive female psychiatrist. (And are we the only ones thinking that it's a little reckless to leave her alone with a man suspected of killing dozens of women?)
Their conversation confirms that Spector doesn't remember anything after 2006 – unless he's pretending, of course – and Jamie Dornan is hypnotising to watch as he talks about what small amount he remembers, giving away so little that you genuinely don't have a clue whether he's faking or not.
He certainly looks shocked and confused when his lawyers tell him exactly what he's been accused of – and show him photos of his victims.
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Gillian Anderson's moment to impress this week – and this is another episode packed with sharp performances – comes as she relates Spector's condition to her rather pig-headed superiors.
She asks for the charges against Spector's wife Sally Ann to be dropped (she'd lied about her husband's whereabouts, perverting the course of justice) pointing out that Sally Ann has already been through enough, including suffering a miscarriage while in police custody.
They disagree and order that Sally Ann should be charged – and are treated to Stella's pursed lips and disapproving scowl in return. Big mistake, fellas.
There's a growing sense of impending doom throughout the episode – something that writer / director Allan Cubitt portrays especially well – as Spector appears in court via video link to face the charges against him, while his devoted nurse Claire (Aisling Bea) looks on.
Cubitt has set everything up in such a tense, claustrophobic manner that you continually question everyone's motives – not just Spector's – and what part they will play in the final three episodes.
Will nurse Claire help Spector escape, or be his next victim? Why does the new psychologist assigned to Spector call up Stella so late? Does Spector's amnesia mean he will literally get away with murder?
No amount of second-guessing, however, prepares you for the final, heart-wrenching scenes featuring Sally Ann. It's yet another kick to the stomach in this gripping but exceedingly grim episode – one that delivers more questions than answers.
One thing's for certain, though. If there were a BAFTA for the bleakest show on TV, The Fall would give even National Treasure a run for its money.
Freelance film & TV writer, Digital Spy
Critic and writer Jo Berry has been writing about TV and movies since she began her career at Time Out aged 18. A regular on BBC Radio, Jo has written for titles including Empire, Maxim, Radio Times, OK!, The Guardian and Grazia, is the author of books including Chick Flicks and The Parents’ Guide to Kids’ Movies.
She is also the editor of website Movies4Kids. In her career, Jo has interviewed well-known names including Beyonce, Steven Spielberg, Tom Hanks, Kiefer Sutherland, Tom Cruise and all the Avengers, spent many an hour crushed in the press areas of award show red carpets. Jo is also a self-proclaimed expert on Outlander and Brassic, and completely agrees that Die Hard is a Christmas movie.
