ITV’s crime drama Winter returns with a new episode airing at 9 p.m. Thursday, plunging viewers into a disturbing and complex investigation. The plot centers on forensic scientist Winter, portrayed by Richard Armitage, who is summoned to a demolition site where a man has been found with his face removed—an unusually graphic case for the network’s crime genre.

Working alongside Detective Inspector Lauren Bell, played by Annabel Scholey, Winter dives into the forensic analysis to uncover the circumstances surrounding the victim’s death. As the investigation deepens, it becomes clear that the case resonates personally with Winter, reopening wounds related to his fiancée’s unresolved murder.

The storyline explores the ways in which Winter’s traumatic past intersects with his current professional duties. The scientist’s pursuit of justice in this gruesome case puts his reputation and career on the line, adding a layer of emotional complexity to the procedural elements of the show.

This installment marks a notable shift in tone and narrative intensity for the series, emphasizing both the psychological toll of crime investigation and the intricate dynamics between the main characters.