‘Stephen’ recap: What happened in Episode 2?

ITV’s follow-up to The Murder of Stephen Lawrence continued tonight.

The original groundbreaking television movie was made in 1999, and the new three-part sequel portrays events from 2006, thirteen years after Stephen Lawrence’s death in 1993 in a racially motivated attack whilst waiting for a bus in southeast London.

Stephen has been directed by Paul Greengrass (The Bourne Ultimatum), and is executive produced by Line of Duty creator Jed Mercurio.

Sharlene Whyte (Small Axe) takes on the role of Doreen Lawrence, with Hugh Quarshie (Holby City) reprising his performance of Neville Lawrence.

Steve Coogan (Stan & Ollie) plays DCI Clive Driscoll, who led the investigation into the murder of the Lawrences’ beloved son, Stephen.

The cast also includes Richie Campbell (The Frankenstein Chronicles), Jordan Myrie (Dancing in the Dark), Sian Brooke (Sherlock), and Adil Ray (Citizen Khan).

Watch the trailer:

Here’s a plot recap for the second episode, which aired on ITV at 9pm on Monday 6th September 2021:

Clive tries to win back Doreen’s trust after details of the investigation are leaked to the press.

Doreen feels that there are people inside the Metropolitan police who do not want him to succeed.

As well as reassuring the family, Clive needs to win back the confidence of key witnesses whose co-operation will be vital if the case goes to trial.

During a service on the 15th anniversary of the murder, Clive receives news that Stephen’s blood has been found on one of the suspect’s clothing.

Despite this breakthrough, Clive’s team need to prove the integrity of the chain of evidence before they can make arrests; a task complicated by the incompetence of previous investigations.