‘Conviction: The Case of Stephen Lawrence’ Recap – ‘Episode 2’

Written by John Edward Betancourt

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode Two of ‘Conviction: The Case of Stephen Lawrence’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
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When we last settled in to discuss the powerful Acorn TV series, Conviction: The Case of Stephen Lawrence, the Lawrence family and DCI Clive Driscoll were facing quite the grim surprise regarding their case. In that, details on the case were leaked to the press. A move that all but shattered the fragile trust and hope that Clive instilled in Doreen and Neville Lawrence and of course, this was something that could easily derail the case. Since it could create undue pressure upon the Metropolitan Police to get something going, allowing for mistakes to take place, or it could in fact, lead to more critical leaks and well, when we catch up with Clive and his intrepid officers in the next episode of this series, they’re moving quickly to contain the leaks and get the case back on track, and one of those goals they were able to accomplish easily.

Because Clive did eventually tell the papers that any further leaks would lead to outright shaming of the reporter that published that kind of story, and once that turned off the leaks… he could turn his attention to the new problems he faced getting this case rolling again. For it turned out the evidence, they discovered just wasn’t concrete enough, forcing the Forensics lab to really dive in and find something that a prosecutor could sink their teeth into and of course, they also needed a solid witness and that, was quite the difficult task. Because everyone involved with the case from back in the day, had little interest in testifying or offering statements, largely because of the mistakes the police had made so far and, in some cases, because of the fear of reprisal and that really did make it appear as though… this case was going to go off the rails and quickly. Because there were just no breaks coming Clive’s way and he was genuinely beside himself and frustrated over the reality that the promise he made to this ailing family, might go unfulfilled.

But just like that, a surprise came into play. A good one for that matter. Because the forensic team found a droplet of blood on one of the suspect’s coats. The kind that likely landed there during the assault and that immediately made it appear as though… something concrete had come forth at last and maybe they could press charges and take this to trial. Provided of course, some key facts were confirmed. For instance, there had to be absolute proof that the blood didn’t get there via mishandling and that the forensic tests didn’t create this through cross contamination and believe it or not… they were able to prove just that. For the chain of custody never once allowed for the evidence to be jumbled together and the blood was indeed not contaminated in the slightest. It was Stephen’s, and it arrived on that jacket when the knife was pulled out of him and that allowed for the most powerful moment in this episode to take place.

Wherein Clive called the Lawrence family and their council to the Met to inform them that after years of waiting and heartbreak and strife… charges were going to brought against two of the suspects involved and that this was indeed going to trial, and the power of that moment was simply stunning. Because this is of course, a dramatic re-telling of this case, and this scene allowed for one to imagine the bevy of emotions that the family went through right then and there. Since there would have been joy, relief, sorrow, and anguish. Because this is a moment the Lawrence family thought would never come and it was incredible to see this moment arrive. But what also made this sequence so impressive, is that it stayed grounded in realism. Since Doreen was quick to point out that only two of the five involved were being charged, reminding us of the fact that the Met has more work ahead of them regarding this case.

But before we get to that, we can bask in the majesty of one engaging and satisfying tale. Because of that aforementioned big moment and also because, this was an incredible re-telling of the incredible difficulties and odds that Clive overcame to bring that moment to fruition. Because good heavens, there were so many gaps in this case and the chain of custody because of the time that had passed between prior investigations. But his team filled them all and assembled the facts in a careful and professional manner and this really does set the stage for a powerful finale. One that will undoubtedly be filled with more emotional moments as testimony comes to light, since Clive did convince some to come forward and speak, and potential heartbreak if not everyone is brought to justice, and it will be quite fascinating to see… how this real-life case came to a close after decades of struggle and strife. Until next time.

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