A locked-room murder, an inspired guest turn, and a warning from James make “Snookered” one of Ludwig’s strongest episodes yet.
With only two episodes left, Ludwig’s second season is gathering momentum. “Snookered” balances the show’s trademark quirky humor with unsettling developments in the mystery surrounding James’s disappearance. It’s a wonderfully written and performed episode, with David Mitchell particularly effective as John struggles to decide whether to heed his brother’s warning or trust Lucy to handle her increasingly dangerous investigation.
The case of the week revolves around the murder of snooker player Oliver Cowie in a seemingly impossible locked-room scenario. Found dead in a windowless changing room with a broken snooker cue through his back, Oliver initially appears to have been the victim of a robbery. But with cameras monitoring access to the room and no obvious opportunity for anyone to enter or leave, the investigation becomes a classic locked-room mystery.
Stephen Merchant is a terrific addition as Oliver’s opponent, Danny Sloane, whose apparently airtight alibi makes him an intriguing suspect. John’s eventual discovery that Danny used his childhood Meccano skills to build a remotely activated contraption is wonderfully inventive. Merchant also plays beautifully off Mitchell, with their scenes together providing some of the episode’s funniest moments.
Meanwhile, Lucy is preparing for a potentially dangerous interview with MP Joanne Kemper. Her attempts to uncover information about Kemper and the mysterious deaths connected to her provide some entertaining moments, particularly when she talks her way into a conversation with a local florist.
The mood shifts, however, when John receives a shocking phone call from James, warning that Lucy is in danger and insisting that the interview must be stopped. Should John follow his brother’s instructions or allow Lucy to continue? The dilemma gives Mitchell another opportunity to show John’s vulnerability as his concern for Lucy collides with his growing understanding of the conspiracy. Despite his skill at solving puzzles, this is one problem he can’t solve through logic alone.
The closing revelations make the episode even more compelling. Henry and Lucy uncover connections involving Mandy Ziegler’s death, Chief Constable Ziegler, DCI Carter and Kemper, while DI Matt Neville’s disappearance adds another troubling piece to the puzzle. Carter arranging a meeting with an unknown caller makes for an ominous final scene and raises the stakes ahead of the season’s last two episodes.
“Snookered” delivers everything I enjoy about Ludwig: an inventive mystery, terrific performances and clever comedy, all woven into a larger story that keeps pulling me in. Mitchell anchors the episode beautifully, Merchant is an inspired guest addition, and the developments surrounding Lucy and James leave plenty to think about. If the final two episodes build on this momentum, we’re in for a very satisfying conclusion. Overall, I give the episode a 9/10.
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Catch Ludwig on BritBox.
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