The BBC's critically acclaimed police drama Line of Duty is poised to reignite one of its most contentious story arcs in the forthcoming seventh season. According to recent reports, the divisive 'H' plotline, which many fans believed was conclusively resolved in the 2021 finale, will be reopened, adding a new layer of intrigue to the series.
The Controversial 'H' Revelation
When Line of Duty last aired, it unveiled DSI Ian Buckells, portrayed by Nigel Boyle, as the elusive 'H' – the corrupt police officer at the heart of AC-12's prolonged investigation. This revelation left a significant portion of the audience disappointed, with critics and viewers alike debating the anticlimactic nature of the conclusion. The finale, however, achieved record-breaking viewership, attracting 17 million viewers across 28 days, making it the most-watched drama episode since modern records began in 2002.
New Season, Old Mysteries
The new series, scheduled to commence filming in Belfast next month, will see the return of lead stars Martin Compston, Vicky McClure, and Adrian Dunbar, reprising their roles as the tenacious officers of AC-12. Insider sources suggest that the procedural's fresh narrative will be intricately linked to the unresolved elements of the 'H' case, creating what has been described as a 'sensational double-whammy' for audiences.
Despite the revival of this classic storyline, the show will not shy away from introducing a new primary antagonist. Each season of Line of Duty traditionally focuses on a different character under investigation by AC-12, and the seventh installment is expected to follow this pattern. The suspected target for this year is Detective Inspector Dominic Gough, a charismatic officer celebrated for his successful takedowns of organised crime networks.
AC-12's Evolution and New Challenges
In a significant structural shift, AC-12 has been disbanded and rebranded as the Inspectorate of Police Standards. The BBC's official press release highlights that anticorruption work has never been more challenging, and in this fraught climate, Steve Arnott, Kate Fleming, and Ted Hastings are assigned their most sensitive case to date.
The central plot revolves around DI Dominic Gough, who stands accused of exploiting his position of trust to act as a sexual predator. However, the pressing question remains: is Gough's case merely a deliberate distraction from a more substantial threat still lurking in the shadows? This ambiguity promises to keep viewers on the edge of their seats.
Cast and Production Details
The casting for the role of Dominic Gough has yet to be announced, adding to the anticipation surrounding the new season. The series has a storied history of featuring esteemed guest stars, including Lennie James, Keeley Hawes, Stephen Graham, Daniel Mays, and Thandiwe Newton. Additionally, Owen Teale is confirmed to reprise his role as Chief Constable Philip Osborne, a character who has appeared in every series since the show's inception in 2012.
Line of Duty initially aired on BBC Two before transitioning to BBC One for its second season, where it has since garnered a massive and dedicated following. The upcoming six-part series aims to blend nostalgic callbacks with fresh narratives, ensuring that the legacy of AC-12 continues to captivate audiences worldwide.
