Line of Duty Season 6 has kept us on the edge of our seats even more than in previous years, with a host of shocks, twists and curveballs being thrown our way.
This Sunday, the drama is concluding in epic style as time is running out for AC-12. While the forced retirement of Superintendent Ted Hastings (Adrian Dunbar) looms closer, DI Steve Arnott (Martin Compston) faces possible suspension if he continues to evade a medical review to hide his painkiller addiction.
Can they and DI Kate Fleming (Vicky McClure) finally crack the Operation Lighthouse investigation into the murder of journalist Gail Vella and unmask the elusive ‘H’ or ‘Fourth Man’, the corrupt police figure linked to organised crime?
Here are six burning questions that need to be answered in the finale…
Who is responsible for the murder of Gail Vella?
Carl Banks, part of the organised crime group (OCG), appears to have killed journalist Gail and has now been murdered himself. But who ordered Gail’s assassination? She was investigating police corruption concerning historical cases, some of which involved ex-detective Marcus Thurwell (James Nesbitt), who has now apparently been murdered, dodgy cop DCU Ian Buckells (Nigel Boyle), and seemingly shifty Chief Constable Philip Osborne (Owen Teale). Did one of them request the hit?
“The Vella case is something the police force is struggling to solve,” says the show’s writer Jed Mercurio. “There’s been no closure.”
Who did Joanne think was her father?
Troubled cop Joanne Davidson (Kelly Macdonald) has discovered that murdered crime boss Tommy Hunter (Brian McCardie) was her father as he had raped her mother Samantha, his sister. But who was the ‘bent police officer’ she believed to be her real father? Could he be Thurwell, Osborne, or even Hastings?
“Things have happened in the past,” teases Mercurio. “Joanne is enigmatic…”
What is Carmichael’s motivation?
Formidable DCS Patricia Carmichael (Anna Maxwell Martin) has taken control of AC-12 and shut down their enquiries, particularly those linked to Osborne or the search for ‘H’. Are Pat’s actions down to her jobsworth desire to stick to budget cuts? Or is she protecting a corrupt colleague, or even herself?
“I wouldn't be allowed to blab, but she’s ready to bust some balls,” laughs Maxwell Martin. “I love playing Pat, she’s ace!”
Is Chloe the daughter of Tony Gates?
Efficient DC Chloe Bishop (Shalom Brune-Franklin) has unearthed vital evidence for AC-12, but fans have been speculating like crazy about her background as series one’s dishonest cop Tony Gates (Lennie James) had two daughters, one of whom was called Chloe... Is Chloe working with AC-12 to atone for her late dad’s shady past, or is she continuing his legacy and leaking information to the OCG?
“Chloe’s eager to prove to her bosses that she was the right choice,” reveals Brune-Franklin. “She’s really trying to impress…”
Is Kate corrupt?
An ‘H’ was seen beside Kate on the graffiti in the subway where she meets her AC-12 colleagues. Is this a telling clue? Did the seemingly upstanding cop leave AC-12 and join Operation Lighthouse in order to control the murder investigation for the OCG? And if so, will she be killed off in dramatic style?
“Nobody’s safe, that's what keeps the audience on the edge of their seat,” hints Jed. “It’d be a sad day. But all the cast realise it's possible. We're mates, we joke about it. It's something no one would relish, but everybody would understand…”
Is Hastings ruled out as 'H'?
Although suspicions that Hastings was ‘H’ seemed to have been assuaged last series, his behaviour still gives cause for concern. Did he give money to Steph Corbett (Amy De Bhrún) to ease his guilt over her husband John’s death, or to buy her silence? Why did he really block Ryan’s arrest?
“We’re looking forward to how it plays out,” smiles Dunbar. “All will be revealed in the fullness of time.”
Where can I watch the finale of Line of Duty?
Line of Duty concludes on Sunday May 2 on BBC1 at 9pm and you can also catch the finale, and the rest of the series so far, on BBC iPlayer.
