What is the plot?

The episode opens with a tense atmosphere as the police are still reeling from the discovery of a gruesome murder. The body of a young woman has been found, and the investigation is in its early stages. Captain Laure Berthaud, a determined and tough police officer, is leading the investigation. She is visibly stressed, her brow furrowed as she discusses the case with her team, which includes the experienced but cynical detective Gilou and the rookie officer, Pierre. The team is under pressure to solve the case quickly, and Laure's frustration is palpable as she pushes her team for leads.

As the investigation progresses, Laure and her team visit the victim's apartment. They meticulously search for clues, examining personal items and trying to piece together the victim's last moments. Laure's focus is unwavering, but she is haunted by the brutality of the crime. She finds a diary that hints at the victim's troubled relationships, which raises more questions than answers. The emotional weight of the case begins to take its toll on Laure, who is determined to find justice but is also grappling with her own vulnerabilities.

Meanwhile, we see the perspective of the victim's boyfriend, who is distraught and in shock. He is questioned by the police, and his emotional state is fragile. He struggles to articulate his feelings, and Laure senses his pain but remains professional, pushing for information that could lead to a suspect. The boyfriend's conflicting emotions create a sense of tension, as he oscillates between grief and anger, making it difficult for Laure to gauge his reliability as a witness.

As the investigation unfolds, Laure's team uncovers a potential suspect, a man with a history of violence. They track him down and confront him, leading to a tense interrogation scene. The suspect is evasive and defensive, and Laure's frustration grows as she tries to extract a confession. The interrogation is intense, with Laure employing various tactics to break him down, but he remains unyielding. This scene highlights Laure's determination but also her struggle with the ethical boundaries of her methods.

In a parallel storyline, we see Gilou dealing with his own personal issues. He is struggling with his marriage and the pressures of his job. His internal conflict is evident as he tries to balance his responsibilities at work with his failing relationship at home. This subplot adds depth to his character, showcasing the emotional toll that the job takes on him. He often finds solace in his work, but the case is beginning to weigh heavily on him as well.

As the episode progresses, Laure receives a tip-off about a possible witness who may have seen something the night of the murder. She and her team rush to follow up on this lead, their urgency palpable. The witness is a young woman who is initially reluctant to speak, but Laure's empathetic approach helps her open up. The witness recounts a disturbing encounter she had with the victim, providing crucial information that could lead to a breakthrough in the case.

The episode builds to a climax as Laure and her team piece together the evidence, leading them to a confrontation with the main suspect. They set up a sting operation, hoping to catch him in the act or force him to reveal his guilt. The tension is high as they wait for the suspect to make a move. When he finally appears, the situation escalates quickly. A chase ensues through the streets, with Laure and her team in hot pursuit. The adrenaline is palpable as they navigate through narrow alleys and busy streets, showcasing the urgency of their mission.

The chase culminates in a dramatic standoff. Laure confronts the suspect, and the emotional stakes are at their highest. She is fueled by a mix of anger and desperation, wanting to bring justice for the victim. The suspect, cornered and desperate, makes a last-ditch effort to escape, leading to a physical confrontation. Laure's determination shines through as she fights to subdue him, showcasing her strength and resolve.

In the aftermath of the confrontation, Laure and her team reflect on the case. They have made progress, but the emotional toll of the investigation is evident on their faces. Laure is left grappling with the complexities of the case and the impact it has had on her team and herself. The episode closes with a sense of unresolved tension, hinting at the challenges that lie ahead as they continue to seek justice in a world filled with moral ambiguity.

What is the ending?

In the ending of "Spiral," Season 1, Episode 2, the investigation into the murder of a young woman continues to unfold, revealing deeper layers of complexity and tension among the characters. The episode concludes with the police making progress in their case, but the emotional toll on the characters is palpable, leading to a sense of unresolved tension.

As the episode progresses, we see the detectives grappling with the implications of their findings. The personal lives of the characters begin to intertwine with the case, showcasing their vulnerabilities and the weight of their responsibilities. The episode ends with a sense of foreboding, as the characters are left to confront the consequences of their actions and the ongoing investigation.


The episode opens with a somber atmosphere, the camera panning over the cityscape of Paris, hinting at the dark undertones of the narrative. The scene shifts to the police station, where the detectives are gathered around a table, poring over evidence related to the murder of the young woman. The tension is palpable as they discuss the details of the case, each character's frustration and determination evident in their expressions and body language.

As the investigation deepens, we see Detective Laure Berthaud, portrayed with a fierce intensity, leading the charge. Her determination to solve the case is matched by her emotional turmoil, as she grapples with the weight of the crime and its impact on her team. Laure's internal conflict is highlighted through her interactions with her colleagues, particularly with her partner, Gilou, who is struggling with his own demons. Their conversations are charged with unspoken tension, revealing the strain that the case is placing on their partnership.

Meanwhile, the episode introduces the victim's family, showcasing their grief and desperation for answers. The emotional weight of their loss is palpable, and the detectives feel the pressure to deliver justice. This subplot adds depth to the narrative, emphasizing the human cost of the crime and the stakes involved in the investigation.

As the detectives follow leads, they encounter various suspects, each revealing a layer of complexity to the case. The interactions are fraught with tension, as the detectives navigate the murky waters of truth and deception. The pacing quickens as they close in on a potential suspect, leading to a climactic confrontation that leaves the audience on edge.

In the final scenes, the detectives regroup to discuss their findings. Laure's frustration boils over as she confronts the limitations of their investigation, her passion for justice clashing with the harsh realities of the case. The emotional toll is evident on her face, reflecting her commitment to the victims and her desire to protect her team.

The episode concludes with a sense of unresolved tension. The detectives may have made progress, but the emotional scars of the case linger. Laure, Gilou, and the rest of the team are left to confront the implications of their work, the weight of their responsibilities heavy on their shoulders. The camera lingers on Laure's face, capturing her determination and vulnerability as the screen fades to black, leaving the audience with a haunting sense of anticipation for what lies ahead.

Is there a post-credit scene?

In "Spiral," season 1, episode 2, there is no post-credit scene. The episode concludes without any additional scenes or content after the credits roll. The focus remains on the unfolding narrative and character development throughout the episode, leaving viewers to reflect on the events that have transpired without any further revelations or cliffhangers in a post-credit format.

What happens to the character Pierre Clément in this episode?

In this episode, Pierre Clément, a young and ambitious judge, grapples with the complexities of his role in the justice system. He is deeply affected by the case he is handling, which involves a brutal murder. As he delves deeper into the investigation, he becomes increasingly frustrated with the limitations of the legal system and the emotional toll it takes on him.

How does the investigation into the murder unfold in Episode 2?

The investigation into the murder unfolds as detectives from the Paris police force, including the seasoned and cynical detective Gilou, work tirelessly to gather evidence. They interview witnesses and sift through clues, revealing the dark underbelly of the victim's life. Tensions rise as they encounter obstacles, including uncooperative witnesses and the pressure from the media.

What role does the character Laure Berthaud play in this episode?

Laure Berthaud, a determined and tough police officer, plays a crucial role in the investigation. She is portrayed as a strong female lead who faces challenges both in her professional and personal life. In this episode, her dedication to solving the case is evident as she navigates the complexities of the investigation while dealing with her own emotional struggles.

How does the episode explore the relationship between the police and the judicial system?

The episode explores the fraught relationship between the police and the judicial system through the interactions between Pierre Clément and the detectives. There are moments of tension as they clash over methods and priorities, highlighting the frustrations that arise when the pursuit of justice is hindered by bureaucratic constraints.

What emotional challenges does Gilou face in this episode?

In this episode, Gilou faces significant emotional challenges as he confronts the harsh realities of his job. He struggles with feelings of disillusionment and the weight of the cases he handles. His interactions with colleagues and the victims' families reveal his internal conflict and the toll that the job takes on his psyche.

Is this family friendly?

"Spiral" (original title "Engrenages") is a gritty French crime drama that delves into the complexities of the criminal justice system. In Season 1, Episode 2, there are several elements that may be considered objectionable or upsetting for children or sensitive viewers:

  1. Violence: The episode includes scenes depicting crime and the aftermath of violent acts, which may be disturbing.
  2. Mature Themes: The narrative explores themes of corruption, moral ambiguity, and the darker aspects of human nature, which may be challenging for younger audiences to process.
  3. Language: There is the use of strong language throughout the episode, which may not be suitable for children.
  4. Emotional Tension: Characters experience intense emotional struggles, including stress, fear, and moral dilemmas, which could be unsettling for sensitive viewers.
  5. Police Procedures: The depiction of police investigations includes graphic discussions about crime scenes and the impact of crime on victims and their families.

Overall, the tone and content of "Spiral" are geared towards an adult audience, making it less suitable for children or those who are sensitive to such themes.