As the climactic scene of "Grace" unfolds, Detective Superintendent Roy Grace (portrayed by John Simm) finds himself delving into the enigmatic case of The Merchant. Flashing back four months, we witness Daniel "Danny" Starr (played by Josef Davies) aboard the vessel named the Red Funnel, attempting to navigate through the customs checkpoint. Officer Johnson (Lace Akpojaro) intercepts him, peppering him with inquiries and instructing him to disembark. Meanwhile, Roy and Detective Inspector Glenn Branson (Richie Campbell) observe discreetly from a nearby vantage point. Officer Johnson conducts a thorough search of the vehicle's interior, while elsewhere, Terrence Maxwell (Shaun Dooley) engages in a conversation about education with Wesley (Jack Barker), accompanied by Barbara Maxwell (Catherine Walker) and Ellen Maxwell (Sophie Ablett). Wesley expresses aspirations of becoming an engineer, offering heartfelt gratitude to Terrence for his legal defense and unwavering support.
Officer Johnson informs Roy of the vehicle's clean bill of health, yet Roy, ever the skeptic, slices open a tire, revealing a cache of illicit drugs. In a panic, Danny takes flight, accidentally striking Glenn in the process before appropriating a nearby phone. Soon after, Danny is apprehended on suspicion of importing narcotics.
Within the interrogation room, Roy strives to coax Danny into revealing the identity of The Merchant. Glenn adds pressure by disclosing that they have the number Danny dialed. Danny, mindful of his ailing mother, Alma, remains tight-lipped. Later, Roy and Glenn pay a visit to Terrence Maxwell, requesting his presence at the station to discuss a phone call he received earlier that day. Just before Laura Magellan (Iona Anderson) departs, she shares a tender moment with her mother, Meg Magellan (Georgina Rich), promising to rely on Cassie as a daily reminder to send messages. Laura emphasizes the importance of this routine for both of them.
Four months hence, at the station, Stephen Wolfe (Sule Rimi) inquires about the progress on Maxwell's computer, noting that the technical team is still deciphering encrypted files. Roy questions Stephen's optimism regarding Maxwell's potential plea change, puzzled by their confidence. Stephen attributes it to Terrence's relentless legal counsel, Primrose Morley, who is known for exploiting any weakness in an investigation, particularly one conducted under the watch of Cassian Pewe.
Glenn readily agrees to stand in for Roy, whose desire to be present in court is insatiable. With a determined glint in his eye, he reveals that they're closing the noose around the Benchdale gang, expressing unwavering confidence in their mission to rid the streets of Albazi. Roy, visibly rattled, admits that he's been haunted by his near-miss with Cassian. Meanwhile, Maxwell plots to stir chaos in any capacity he can muster during the trial.
Danny dials his mother, his voice tinged with urgency as he reminds her of his precarious situation. Alma, portrayed by Lynn Farleigh, receives the news with a puzzled look. When informed that arrangements are being made for her visit, her confusion persists until Danny clarifies that he's incarcerated. Alma recounts a chilling prophecy that she might never see him again.
Elsewhere, Roy engages Cleo (played by Zoe Tapper) in a heartfelt conversation, asking if she's truly prepared for what lies ahead. Cleo stands her ground, insisting that this path is her choice, unfazed by any reminders of doubt. Bruno (Finn Guegan), ever steadfast, stands by her side.
Meg, with resolve etched on her face, heads towards East Sussex Crown Court for Terrence's trial. Stephen addresses the jury, painting Terrence as a deceptive legal eagle, humble on the surface but a cunning criminal genius beneath. Inside the courtroom, a covert listener wears a wire, while outside, a vigilant observer tracks Meg's every move through a camera lens, noting her solemn demeanor.
Roy takes the stand, detailing their relentless pursuit of The Merchant and recounting how they apprehended Danny Starr. A video plays, featuring Danny's affirmation that Terrence Maxwell is indeed The Merchant. Meg engages with other jurors, including Janet, while discreetly messaging Laura.
Primrose Morley KC (Jackie Clune), with a sharp wit and a questioning gaze, challenges Roy's collaboration with Cassian Pewe, disparaging their department as substandard. She suggests that 'The Merchant' could be a cryptic alias or a reference to multiple individuals. Roy, unwavering, disputes her assertions.
Ellen and Barbara converse about maintaining normalcy amidst the trial's tumult. Barbara insists that they can't hide from reality, prompting Ellen to question the veracity of the whispers surrounding Terrence. Barbara counters that Terrence has a knack for securing justice for the downtrodden, earning him enemies in the process. They are soon joined by Brendan.
Meg, her senses heightened, thinks she hears an intruder in her home and instantaneously grabs a knife, ready to confront whatever darkness lurks in the shadows.
She receives a phone call from an anonymous individual, delving into intimate details about her daughter. This caller, seemingly well-informed about Meg's family, subtly hints that Laura and Cassie's upcoming journey could take a mysterious turn. Laura is then propositioned with an enticing yet unethical offer: to ensure the foreman declares 'not guilty' at the trial's conclusion, all while maintaining strict secrecy. The weight of this deal rests heavily on her shoulders.
Elsewhere, Cleo advises Roy to strengthen their relationship with Bruno by formalizing their arrangements. She proposes discussing with his grandparents the possibility of more frequent visits and even allocating him a personal room, hinting at a deeper commitment. In response to this, Meg takes preemptive measures by changing the locks to her home.
During the trial proceedings, Stephen grills Terrence about his financial transactions, probing for inconsistencies. Terrence reveals that he invested seed money in Danny Starr's venture almost a decade ago, receiving shares in return. Stephen scoffs at the notion of Terrence's fortunate investments, prompting Terrence to confess his past in defending Danny when he was entangled in a car theft ring. Upon Danny's release, Terrence generously funded the startup costs, driven by both his admiration for Danny and the allure of his business plan.
At the police station, Vee Wilde (portrayed by Juliette Motamed) inquiries Bella (Laura Elphinstone) about the team's activities, which Bella clarifies as an in-depth review sparked by Cassian Pewe's involvement. This scrutiny has also extended to the Metropolitan Police, due to Pewe's stint in London. Bella reassures Vee, noting her brief presence in the city hardly merits concern.
The jury embarks on the task of selecting a foreman, amidst a tense atmosphere. Meg receives a discreet message urging her to seize the opportunity during lunch to cultivate discord among the jurors and secure the foreperson position for herself. Roy, eavesdropping on this conversation, later checks in on Meg, expressing concern. Meg dismisses it as mere homesickness for her traveling daughter. As she departs, Roy initiates a PNC check on her.
The interrogation of Mr. Colin MacKaye follows, where he asserts his oversight of both Maxwell's personal finances and the business accounts of his legal firm. Colin emphasizes Terrence's disregard for wealth, finding it absurd to suggest he would engage in drug trafficking for monetary gain. Returning home, Meg discovers that her sanctuary has once again been violated, hinting at ongoing intrusions into her private life.
They've posted a missive concerning her daughter and Cassie, leaving an air of anticipation. Cleo dials Roy's number, relaying the message that Margot intends to visit the following evening. Stephen strides in, ready to conspire with Roy and Glenn about their next steps. He concedes that they must arm themselves with more ammunition. Following a brief phone call, Grace informs Stephen that he's acquired just what they need – a bullet in their metaphorical gun.
Meg endeavors to persuade her fellow jurors to entrust her with the role of foreperson, her conviction evident in every word. Stephen, eager to bolster their case, reveals their latest breakthrough: they've decrypted sensitive files discovered on Terrence's home computer. These files are damning evidence of a Seychelles account holding 4.6 million pounds. Primrose, however, asserts that the defense deserves a thorough review of this material before it's presented to the court. The judge dismisses any notion of deliberate mischief or malice.
Primrose confides in Terrence, who claims that Grace is orchestrating a frame-up against him. He hints darkly that the tech team might have planted the files retroactively. Terrence maintains his innocence with fervent insistence, demanding to retake the witness stand. Upon resuming his seat, he shifts the blame onto Colin MacKaye, invoking Colin's criminal past as the reason he couldn't open the Seychelles account himself. Stephen seizes the moment, proposing that Colin be subpoenaed for testimony the next day.
During a recess, the jurors admit that the Seychelles revelation is incriminating indeed. Meg, sensing an opportunity, attempts to sway their opinions with subtle persuasion. She watches a video of Laura and Cassie enjoying a zip-lining adventure, but something appears to go terribly wrong. Meanwhile, an unseen observer keeps tabs on Janet as she hops onto a bicycle. Laura reassures Meg that Cassie seems fine, but the mysterious caller reaches out to Meg again, mentioning the zip-wire incident and promising assistance with the jury's deliberations.
Later, a car forces Janet into a bike accident, the crash sending her to the hospital. Glenn informs Roy that there are no signs of tampering on the bike and no paint transfer to indicate foul play. He cautions Roy against speaking to Janet directly, reminding him of their restrictions. Glenn suggests that Roy, who isn't testifying, should be the one to talk to her. Ignoring the advice, Roy impulsively enters Janet's room and inquiries about the accident.
Stephen later assesses that the jury will likely press ahead regardless. The tension thickens, each revelation and twist adding layers to the intricate web of deceit and truth.
Stephen underscores that they still retain their trump card: Danny Starr. A Chaplain, played by Paul Hickey, pays Danny a visit in his confined quarters. Danny inquiries about Father Wilson's whereabouts, to which the chaplain responds by stating he is merely filling in for him. The chaplain's conversation shifts to Alma, warning Danny that more than just touching her will transpire if he doesn't alter his statement. Meanwhile, Roy engages in covert surveillance on Meg, who notices his presence outside. He arrives late for his scheduled meeting with Margot Balkwill, portrayed by Margot Leicester. Margot conveys that she and Derek have no objections to Bruno's continued stay but expresses reservations about the timing.
Elsewhere, Sally and Richard sit tranquilly on a bench when someone emerges from the foliage and fires shots at Richard. Both are fatally wounded, leaving their bodies to tell the tale. Forensic experts meticulously examine the crime scene at Ridgeton Park, identifying the deceased as Richard Bailey, played by Luke Azille, and Sally Jacobs, portrayed by Connie Jenkins-Greig, both individuals without a criminal past. Cleo spots a shoeprint on Richard's hoodie, prompting Vee to speculate that it belongs to the perpetrator. Cleo further reveals that the victims were felled from a distance. Nick informs Bella and Vee of the identities and adds that Sally's body was discovered some 20 yards away, facing in the opposite direction.
PC Dave Cripps, played by Mark Flitton, recognizes Vee as the daughter of his ex-Met colleague, James Vernon. She swiftly denies any familial ties to Vernon, despite his insistence on having seen her at Vernon's barbecues. Forensic evidence collects a piece of bloody rope, while Nick, Bella, and Vee uncover blood splatters and tire tracks on the adjacent road. Vee turns around to find Cripps scrutinizing her with a probing gaze.
Outside the court, Meg encounters Roy and Stephen. Roy claims he conducted a bug sweep at Meg's place the previous night and demands to know who's pulling the strings. Stephen cautions him against contacting a juror. Roy insists that the jury is under threat and proposes bringing it to the attention of Judge Channing, played by Paul Clayton. Stephen counters by saying Channing would demand evidence they lack.
Inside the jury room, Maisy Walter, portrayed by Julie Barclay, persists in her assertion that Janet Smythson, played by Karen Ascoe, believed Maxwell to be guilty and is now critically ill in ICU. Deepak Singh, played by Mikhael Deville, suggests that if Maisy is correct, a spy might be lurking among them. Meg, the jury foreman, is criticized by Maisy for her lack of constructive input, while Sam Makerson, played by Howard Saddler, reminds them of the rarity of jury tampering.
In the courtroom, Channing announces the trial's continuation, albeit without Colin MacKaye, played by Paul Blair, as a witness. He expresses his disdain for case tampering and warns of discharging the jury if any suspicion arises. At Harborside Way, Branson informs Roy that Colin left two months' rent and a note requesting his belongings be sold, with a portion of the proceeds given to his sister, Kirsty MacKaye, played by Ashley Hope Allan. The landlady reveals she never saw him depart. Branson discovers Colin's motorcycle and passport missing, while Kirsty shares that she spoke with Colin at 8 PM the previous night. She expresses worry about his upset over Maxwell's accusation and his plans to leave, fearing he might do something rash. Upon their departure, they receive a call from Vee, informing them that Colin's motorcycle was captured on a seafront traffic camera at 10 PM. Roy speculates that the driver could be anyone, leaving the mystery wide open.
At the East Sussex Police Station, Vee cleverly utilizes Bella's ID to delve into the database in search of Cripps. To their surprise, Vernon's profile, a former DCI from Chapelwood, appears on the screen, marked with the stigma of dismissal due to gross misconduct. In the courtroom, Branson confronts Roy about his seemingly unhealthy fascination with Maxwell, but Roy merely turns away, leaving no response.
Inside the court, Roy scans the room as Stephen questions Danny about his involvement in a drug ring. He inquiries whether the elusive Merchant is present in the courtroom, to which Danny replies in the negative and flatly denies the Merchant's existence. Clutching his sworn statement, Stephen reminds Danny that he previously identified Terrance as the Merchant. Danny counterclaims that Roy coerced and threatened him, but Stephen disputes this, referring to the interrogation recording. Danny then resorts to claiming that Roy is obsessed with Maxwell, prompting Stephen to announce that he has no further questions. Frustrated, Roy abruptly exits the courtroom.
In the jury room, Maisy, Hugo Pink (Danny Mac), and Harold Trout (Bill Blackwood) engage in a discussion about Starr's reversal of statement. Maisy suggests that they might have tampered with him as well. Meg counters that their accusations are mere speculation and exits the room in disdain.
Outside the court, Roy receives a call from Vee, informing him that Colin had visited Barbara's salon the previous day. When Roy arrives at the salon, he finds Brendan in deep conversation with Barbara and questions her absence from the court proceedings. She stands firmly by Maxwell's innocence. Roy reveals that Maxwell blames Colin for the police discovery of encrypted files on his computer. She responds that Colin is their bookkeeper and insists that he mentioned he would be away for a while.
At the police department, Bella elaborates on her theory about the murders of Sally and Richard. Sally was shot while attempting to escape, and forensics failed to recover any bullets from the crime scene. Nick believes Colin could be the third victim, considering his DNA was found at the scene. However, pointing to a traffic photo, Roy argues that the driver isn't Colin.
Meanwhile, at the beach, Meg reconnects with a friend, unaware that they are being closely monitored. A mysterious man keeps them under surveillance from the rooftop of a nearby building. Returning to the police station, Roy and Branson discuss Brendan's extensive criminal background, noting that he has kept a low profile for the past decade.
Back at the beach, Meg's friend urges her to report to the police, but Meg insists that to protect Cassie and Laura, she must secure a not-guilty verdict. At the police station, Vee shows Nick and Bella surveillance footage of Colin's motorcycle passing Shoreham Harbour at 10:30 pm, followed ten minutes later by a Brightfield Auto Repair van traveling in the opposite direction. She explains that the van uses a ramp to load and offload motorcycles, adding a layer of intrigue to the unfolding mystery.
At Brightfield Auto Repair, Branson and Roy issued a command to Derren Skinner, played by Paul Marlon, to unlock his van. With a swift pull, Skinner revealed its contents: motorcycle gear, yet no bike in sight. Later, at the police station, Nick and Vee scrutinized footage that captured a bloodied Skinner stuffing something into his van. Meanwhile, Roy inquired if Skinner knew Colin, to which Skinner replied in the negative. Brendan then arrived and introduced himself to Roy. Bella alerted Roy that Skinner, the Ridgeton Park shooter, was aligned with Brendan. Suddenly, Skinner reached for a gun. Branson, quick on his feet, kicked the van door, throwing Skinner off balance. Brendan, realizing the gravity of the situation, also retrieved a firearm. Roy and Branson sought cover behind a nearby vehicle as Brendan and Skinner opened fire. In a hail of bullets, Roy and Branson dashed into a nearby building, with the chase hot on their heels.
Inside, Roy stumbled upon Colin’s lifeless body. Meanwhile, Branson and Skinner engaged in a intense struggle over a gun, which misfired. Roy seized the opportunity, knocking Skinner unconscious. Branson, not wasting a moment, fired at Brendan. As Brendan lay wounded, Roy demanded to know the identity of "The Merchant." Brendan, in a desperate bid, implicated Maxwell.
Back at the police station, Branson revealed to Roy that a bullet recovered from the Ridgeton Park crime scene matched Skinner’s gun, which bore Brendan’s partial fingerprint. Roy pondered over Brendan’s willingness to pinpoint Maxwell and wondered how Barbara knew about Starr’s changed testimony despite her absence from court.
In jail, Terry accused Barbara of betrayal. A glance at Barbara Devlin’s file at the police station unveiled two drug charges in 2002 and 2003, with her boyfriend Brendan also facing charges. Maxwell, Barbara’s solicitor, had successfully defended her, while Brendan served a seven-year sentence. A shocking revelation followed: Brendan was Ellen’s father. Bella speculated that Barbara herself could be "The Merchant."
Confronted in jail, Barbara admitted to being "The Merchant." Maxwell accused her of using him as a scapegoat. She vowed loyalty but was dismissed by him. In the courtroom, Channing dismissed the jury to allow Roy to explain Colin’s absence. Roy revealed Colin’s murder as an act to silence him, and Terry’s innocence as a victim of a framing plot orchestrated by Brendan and Barbara. Evidence linked them to Colin MacKaye’s murder and the deaths of two innocent bystanders in Ridgeton Park. Roy informed the jury of Janet’s full recovery and inquired if anyone else had been threatened. Meg disclosed that Laura and Cassie were in danger.
Barbara was escorted to Roy, who confronted her about Danny’s changed testimony and her friends in Ecuador threatening Meg’s daughter, Laura. He urged her to call them off. Elsewhere, Bella found Vee in a state of panic in her car. Bella sensed that the police constable involved in the Ridgeton Park incident wasn’t mistaken but likely collaborated with Vee’s father, a former Met officer suspected of killing an informant. Vee shared that her father had left when she was 16 due to his alcoholism.
Bella reassures her, whispering that she needn't run anymore, for this is indeed her rightful place. Meg's phone buzzes, and it's her daughter's voice, assuring her everything is well. Laura, too, stands at the threshold of her home, eager to return. Meanwhile, Terrence makes his way to the jail to visit Barbara, his client. His words, filled with affection, spill out as he confesses his love for her. Barbara, aware of her own shortcomings, feels unworthy of such devotion. Terrence, however, insists on her signature to formalize their professional arrangement.
Later, Glenn finds himself in deep conversation with Roy, addressing the elephant in the room—the loss of their baby. Glenn offers his condolences, hoping to grant Roy the space he needs to grieve. He believes in Roy's potential to be an exemplary father to Bruno. Roy, still grappling with the aftermath, isn't so sure he's free from its clutches just yet. Cassian's request for a meeting with Roy adds another layer to the complex tapestry of their lives.
Vee's phone rings, her father's number flashing on the screen. She hesitates, preferring not to share the details with Bella just yet. Roy, driven by a need for answers, ventures to the jail to confront Cassian Pewe (Sam Hoare). Their conversation is civil, a delicate dance on the edge of tension. Cassian brings up Benchdale, revealing disturbing revelations that cast a long shadow over Roy's world.
Benchdale, it seems, has uncovered information with grave implications for Roy. They orchestrated Sandy's death, making it appear as a suicide, a cruel twist of fate. Cassian drops another bombshell, mentioning that Albazi was spotted in Munich, mere days before Sandy's untimely demise. The supposed car accident that claimed his life is now called into question. Sandy's debt remains unpaid, a haunting reminder of unfulfilled obligations.
Benchdale is aware of her son's existence, and Albazi's failure to collect this debt has led to dire consequences for his own family. Now, Albazi seeks retribution, his thirst for justice turning into a relentless pursuit of blood. The narrative deepens, each revelation adding layers to the intricate web of deceit, loss, and the relentless search for truth.
