The BBC prison drama Time has concluded its third and final season, set in a Young Offenders Institution. Starring David Tennant as prison officer Bobby Bailey and Siobhan Finneran as chaplain Marie-Louise, the series explored the impact of locking up teenage boys and the effect on those working in the prison.
The BBC had earlier teased the storyline: “Prison Chaplain Marie-Louise comes to the YOI having lost her faith. When tragedy strikes in the prison, Marie-Louise clashes with veteran officer Bailey, a man in the midst of his own crisis. Bailey knows more about the circumstances that led to this major incident – but will he come clean before the guilt gets too much?”
Final episode reveals fate of Bobby, Peter and James
The final episode opened with Bobby optimistic for the future while on a date with Nicola. However, his world came crashing down when she was suddenly hit by a car and killed. Before her death, Nicola had been convincing Bobby to tell the truth about corruption at the institution, after Fred had left Ushindo and Paddy unsupervised, killing Ushindo.
Exposing Fred’s behaviour while at an inquest in court, Bobby ended the series with a clear conscience, tearful as he spoke to Ushindo’s mum about what had happened.
For young offender Peter, loyalty to his family had kept him quiet, but he ultimately told the truth that it was his cousin Toby who had fatally killed a man. Peter was found not guilty at his trial and set free, to raise his young baby with his girlfriend. Meanwhile, James, who viewers discovered killed his disabled brother, is transferred to an adult prison for the rest of his sentence.
No fourth season expected
The end of Time season three comes after creator Jimmy McGovern hinted there would be no more seasons. The first season starred Stephen Graham and Sean Bean, debuting in 2021, while the second aired in 2023, starring Jodie Whittaker and Bella Ramsey.
McGovern told Radio Times: “I do them because I love doing them, although I think this will be the last Time. I have said that many a time before, though, because these are also stories I feel bound to tell.”
Viewers react to the harrowing series
Viewers were left heartbroken over the series. One person wrote: “It’s mixed emotions watching Time. This series with the young offenders has been the hardest watch, because you feel helpless. So many issues that can’t be solved over night (or really even at all). It’s so sad.”
Another said: “Bloody Hell @BBCOne no easy Sunday night viewing here. #TIME is so harrowing, sad, devastating but brilliant!” Another added: “Just finished episode 3 & it was outstandingly brilliant, the gasp moment hits hard the endings are perfect. The BBC at its finest.”
Someone else wrote: “Binged all three series of Time over the past week, and honestly, what a phenomenal piece of television. It’s been a long time since I’ve enjoyed a series from beginning to end quite this much.” They added: “The young offenders. Three episodes that completely floored me. This series felt different again, but every bit as powerful as its predecessors. I was absolutely glued to the screen throughout. The first episode was heartbreaking, and by the third, I genuinely gasped and had to hit pause to process what I’d just watched. The emotional impact of this series is something else.”
Time is available to watch on BBC iPlayer.
