‘The Serpent’ recap: What happened in Episode 2?

New crime drama The Serpent continued in the UK tonight.

Set in the 1970s and based on a phenomenal true story, the BBC and Netflix’s eight-part mini-series tells how one of the most elusive criminals of the 20th century was caught and brought to trial.

From the creator of Ripper Street and the makers of Endeavour, The Serpent stars French actor Tahar Rahim (A Prophet) as Charles Sobrhaj, alongside Jenna Coleman (Victoria) as Marie-Andrée Leclerc, Sobhraj’s partner and frequent accomplice.

Watch the trailer:

 

Here’s a plot recap for the second episode of The Serpent, which aired on BBC One at 9pm on Sunday 3rd January 2021:

In Srinigar, India, in May 1975, Marie-Andrée Leclerc (Jenna Coleman) meets Charles Sobhraj (Tahar Rahim) for the first time and falls in love with him.

He convinces her to move to Bangkok with him, but over the next few months she learns the true cost of her decision.

In March 1976, Herman (Billy Howle) and Angela (Ellie Bamber) vow to investigate the two murders, despite lack of effort from the authorities.

Through diplomatic gossip Herman pounces on a lead: one of the deceased’s diary, and a witness who might know more about what happened to the couple.