Line of Duty Season 7 Set to Revisit Controversial 'H' Plotline Following Viewer Outcry
The highly-anticipated seventh season of the BBC's acclaimed police drama, Line of Duty, is poised to deliver what fans have been clamoring for: a resolution to the infamous 'H' storyline that left audiences deeply unsatisfied. When season six concluded in 2021, the revelation that the corrupt officer known as H was the bumbling Ian Buckells, portrayed by Nigel Boyle, sparked widespread disappointment and debate among devotees of the series.
Fan Backlash Fuels Creative Decisions
According to a television insider who spoke to The Sun, the genuine anger over the season six finale played a significant role in greenlighting a seventh installment. The source revealed, "There was genuine anger about the way series six ended, and that was part of the reason that a seventh outing was ordered. But this is the first time that there's been any news on whether they'll bring back the 'H' storyline – and devotees will be thrilled to hear Jed will be giving them just what they want."
This move aims to address the lingering questions and theories that have persisted since the controversial reveal. Many fans speculated that Ian Buckells might have been a red herring, with theories suggesting that the true H could be retired Superintendent Ted Hastings, played by Adrian Dunbar, or Chief Constable Philip Osborne, portrayed by Owen Teale.
New Season Brings Fresh Twists and Returns
The upcoming six-part season will see the return of Anti-Corruption Unit 12, which has been rebranded as the Inspectorate of Police Standards. With Buckells incarcerated, the narrative will introduce a new villain, but as the insider noted, "the incoming baddie's storyline is likely to be intertwined with that of H in a sensational double-whammy." This approach promises to blend old mysteries with new threats, keeping viewers on the edge of their seats.
Plot details released alongside the season announcement indicate that detectives Steve Arnott, played by Martin Compston, and Kate Fleming will be assigned their most sensitive case to date, leading them to seek assistance from their former superintendent, Ted Hastings. The investigation will focus on Detective Inspector Dominic Gough, a senior officer accused of being a sexual predator, raising questions about whether his case is straightforward or part of a larger conspiracy.
Cast and Creator Insights
Series creator Jed Mercutio commented on the challenges of crafting new storylines, stating, "Corruption in this country is supposed to have come to an end while Line of Duty was off air, so I've been forced to use my imagination." Meanwhile, the cast remains tight-lipped about specifics, with Martin Compston expressing excitement about the new scripts. He told Metro, "I've just got the first three scripts, and as you'd expect, they're brilliant, proper page turners. It's really, really exciting stuff, but I'm just looking forward to getting back with my pals."
Fan Predictions and Expectations
Metro readers have shared their predictions for season seven, highlighting themes such as:
- A deep dive into toxic masculinity within the police force
- More legendary one-liners from Ted Hastings
- Addressing and potentially fixing the season six ending
- Exploration of bent coppers wreaking havoc
These expectations align with the show's history of tackling complex issues and delivering gripping narratives. Line of Duty is currently available for streaming on BBC iPlayer, though no official release date for season seven has been announced yet. The BBC has been approached for further comment on the developments.
