The controversial BBC plot saw the team thrown into an investigation around two London-based care homes, following the unusual death of a woman called Jacqueline McDowd, who experienced a drug overdose behind the wheel.
What followed was a complicated tale of people in power abusing the residents in care, and as the police were quick to assume there was nothing else going on beneath the surface, Jackie’s son Kevin McDowd (Toby Sams-Friedman) ended up dead in a heartbreaking altercation.
As the drama increased, Clarissa Mullery (Liz Carr) decided to go undercover to investigate the care home herself, where she was subject to horrifying abuse from corrupt employee Conor Flannery (Charlie Creed-Miles).
Viewers were then forced to witness the wheelchair-bound scientist get thrown onto the floor by the twisted Conor, who told her: “Look at you, useless, no good to anyone.”
Upset by the harrowing scenes, viewers took to Twitter to express their feelings on the sensitive portrayal.
One person wrote: “OMG, I cannot even imagine how incredibly difficult this episode was for @thelizcarr. Absolutely breathtaking acting – worth a BAFTA. #SilentWitness.”
“Silent witness nearly sending me into early cardiac arrest,” another shocked fan said.
A third praised: “@thelizcarr amazing tonight. Was scared for Clarissa – well done #SilentWitness,” followed by: “Tonight’s episode of #SilentWitness absolutely broke my heart.”
“OMG @thelizcarr #SilentWitness such a powerful episode my heart is pounding,” one person admitted, as another added: “Omg you’re amazing! @thelizcarr #SilentWitness @BBCOne chilling and moving story.”
Writer Tim Prager revealed how he was determined to create the powerful storyline, particularly with the intent of “normalising” disability on television.
“Hopefully one of the outcomes is to change perception,” he said. “Accept difference and consider how the quantification of everything in our modern life might be at odds with our humanity.”
Tim went on to reveal that actress Liz was pivotal in the conception, and it gave him the chance to flesh out Clarissa’s backstory and history.
“Of course it was key that Liz Carr was already in the show,” he explained. “I created the character of Clarissa six years ago and I believe she has always been a great asset to the show.
“I had always wanted to make her role more significant and write for her in a way that allowed her to shine.
“Knowing that I’ve got a character like Clarissa gives me a story portal that I can walk through; that allows me to go into these subjects in a way that feels organic to the series,” he added.
Silent Witness continues Monday at 9pm on BBC One.
