In the first episode after the break it kicks off with a woman running through the woods and falling, immediately followed by Alec in his office, writhing in pain due to stomach cramps. Coach Lucas enters, bringing with him a guest, Deion Butler, who introduces herself as the mother of missing tennis star Shana Butler. Alec is immediately familiar with Shana, having seen her play at the US Open, and Coach Lucas explains that she hasn’t been seen for over a day. Mrs. Butler expresses concern, explaining Shana never misses commitments, especially after switching coaches from her stepfather, David, to Coach Lucas.
They share their worry about Shana's disappearance, pointing out that her dog was left at home without food or water, and security footage shows Shana getting into a cab—something she's never done. Alec agrees to help after Mrs. Butler insists, noting that the police are dragging their feet, considering Shana hasn't been missing long enough.
As the team assembles, Alec ponders what would cause a world-class athlete to disappear. Theories range from mental struggles to a desire to start over, but none explain why Shana would abandon her dog. Kylie, meanwhile, is tracking down Shana’s last credit card charge, which leads to a cab company and a driver named Reggie Gordon. When Alec confronts Reggie, the driver admits to taking Shana to a remote park, leaving her alive in the National Forest, though his story seems suspicious. Alec begins experiencing more intense pain and collapses, leading to a hospital stay for trauma-induced appendicitis.
At the hospital, Alec’s condition is serious, but Kylie assures everyone that surgery was successful. Rose and Marisa, though clearly concerned about Alec’s health, continue to work on the case, determined to find Shana. The team discovers that Shana had recently been struggling with a major injury to her shoulder, which threatened her tennis career. Despite this, she had started training for a marathon, showing a strong desire to push herself in other areas. Meanwhile, Alec, refusing to rest, guides the search from his hospital bed, though his doctors and Marisa try to keep him grounded.
The search for Shana in the woods intensifies, with Rose and Marisa braving dangerous conditions and a potential forest fire, while Alec continues his recovery. The investigation deepens when Alec uncovers the truth about Shana’s injury through her physiotherapist, Monica, who reveals that Shana’s rotator cuff injury was career-ending and that she had been secretly pushing herself in a new direction—training to run a marathon. Alec pieces together that Shana may have been in the woods deliberately, trying to achieve her goal of running a full marathon in isolation.
As the search continues, Marisa and Rose find evidence that suggests Shana was running from something or someone in the woods. Soon, the terrifying revelation comes to light: Shana is being targeted by a sniper, and someone is actively trying to kill her. With Marisa taking fire and Rose rescuing Shana from the ravine, the truth finally emerges: David, Shana’s stepfather, had orchestrated the whole thing. Alec, from his hospital bed, realizes that David was trying to collect a multi-million-dollar life insurance payout on Shana’s behalf.
Marisa, in an intense standoff with David in the woods, takes him down with a gunshot to the arm after outsmarting him. Meanwhile, back at the hospital, Alec learns that Shana has been rescued, though he is in serious pain from his surgery. Kylie, who has been a constant support, assures him she’ll go to homecoming as planned, though Alec insists that her being there for him is what matters most.
As Shana is brought to safety and treated, she reflects on the trauma, unaware of the full extent of her stepfather’s plan. Marisa and Rose share a moment of solidarity, united in their care for Alec, knowing their mutual love for him will always be their bond.
In the final moments, Alec reflects with Mrs. Butler, who admits her own blind spots in seeing her husband’s anger and potential danger. Alec encourages her to rebuild with Shana, but also to forgive herself for the role she played in the family’s turmoil. Rose returns to Alec’s side, relieved that he’s okay, and Alec, though still in pain, is thankful to have them both in his life. The team’s hard work pays off with Shana’s rescue, but the episode ends with a lingering question about trust, family, and the toll secrets can take on even the closest relationships.
What did you think?
Loved it
Hated it
So/So
Comments