As the curtains rise on the second season of "Sherwood," a breaking news report lays bare the somber tale of mine closures, heralding a grim shift where jobs depart and criminality takes root. Whispers of a prospective deep mine rekindle hope, prompting Julie Jackson (played by Lesley Manville) to reach out to Cathy Rowley (Claire Rushbrook). Julie confirms her intent to sell their abode, while Cathy inquiries about her participation in tomorrow's consultation regarding the proposed pit. Julie dismisses her opinion, regarding it as just one among many.
Meanwhile, Ryan Bottomley (Oliver Huntingdon) strolls leisurely, a cigarette dangling from his lips, seemingly concluding a drug deal before being accosted by masked bikers. His sister, Stephie Bottomley (Bethany Asher), and her friend Sandy Waters (Aisling Loftus), return to Pam Bottomley's (Sharlene Whyte) home, where Sandy confesses their financial strain, making daytime assistance a luxury they can ill afford. Ryan's visit to see Steph prompts Pam to usher him away promptly. Dennis Bottomley (David Harewood) beckons Steph inside, while Ryan offers sporadic protective reassurance, which Pam categorically rejects. Pam inquiries after Ryan's needs, mentioning their ongoing support group meetings, but he departs in stony silence.
Elsewhere, Daphne Sparrow (Lorraine Ashbourne), Rory (Perry Fitzpatrick), and Mickey (Philip Jackson) scheme about an impending prank, only to be reminded by Ronan (Bill Jones) that this is no time for reckless revelry. Ronan, intent on his newfound life, declines involvement, his thoughts drifting back to a conversation where Ian compelled Daphne into unwanted duty. Lisa Waters (Ria Zmitrowicz) engages in a discourse on crime's impact with the Bottomleys and others. Pam expresses gratitude for the community's inclusiveness, revealing her guilt over Ryan's downward spiral following her husband's demise.
Ian St Clair (David Morrissey) attends a gathering focused on the mine proposal, where Lisa advocates for investment in technology and science over mining. Samuel Warner (Robert Emms) eavesdrops discreetly. Sandy proposes a toast to Lisa's appointment as the county's new Sheriff of Nottingham, amidst reflections on motherhood's demands. Lisa and Sandy share a tender kiss before Lisa confronts Ian about the mine. Ian confesses indifference, his name now splashed across newspapers as the new "anti-violence czar." He vehemently denies bashing his former force.
He asserts that the force is ripe for transformation, hinting at his potential to catalyze this change from an external vantage point. Ian harbors ambitions to revitalize the youth rehabilitation initiative. Meanwhile, Samuel Warner guides individuals through the prospective mining site, stressing that the coal reserves await their extraction. Ryan peers through his rifle scope, surveying the crowd from his window. Ronan ventures to a skating rink, where he engages in conversation with Rachel Crossley (portrayed by Christine Bottomley). Rachel confesses her uncertainty about attending but admits her intrigue. As Ryan enters the scene, a nearby individual takes notice. Ryan seats himself and requests a favor, while Ronan confides in Rachel that their mother remains unaware. He unveils Rachel's birth certificate, revealing how he discovered his sister's existence.
Pam and Dennis embark on a metal-detecting adventure with the children. The boy inquiries about Scott Rowley's legendary treasure, and Dennis reveals the rumored existence of fifteen thousand pounds somewhere nearby. The boy vows to uncover it. Samuel converses with Lisa, accompanied by her new spouse and daughter. Samuel had witnessed Lisa addressing the council earlier and notes her omnipresence. Franklin Warner (played by Robert Lindsay) passes by and interrupts their discussion. Rachel ponders the identity of her father, prompting Ronan to mention his own dad, Mickey, who runs a taxi business. Overhearing their discussion about the Sparrow family, Franklin joins the group, emphasizing the significance of entrepreneurship in life.
In a private moment, Franklin informs Lisa that her council lacks the public funds to sustain their endeavors. Lisa counters that the wealthy and corporations evade their tax obligations. Franklin highlights the job opportunities the mine will create, while Lisa maintains her skepticism, arguing that miners' descendants might not benefit from these roles. Elsewhere, two protesters vent their fury by drenching a painting in paint. Rachel senses that Ronan seeks something unattainable and offers him her number. Ryan approaches, and Nicky Branson cuts in, criticizing Ryan for carrying cheap drugs. Nicky escalates the confrontation by pushing Ryan and seizing the drugs. Ryan vows Nicky's fate before departing. Nicky persuades Rachel not to leave and guides her through a rear exit. As Nicky opens the door, Ryan stands there, armed. Nicky flees but is shot down. Ryan advances, firing another shot before reclaiming the drugs. Rather than harming Ronan or Rachel, Ryan chooses to depart.
Ian engages Marco and a woman at a boxing gym, discussing the lingering gang presence. The detective, DCS Harry Summers, arrives and uncovers Nicky's (played by Sam Buchanan) identity. Harry speaks with Ronan, who denies any acquaintance with Nicky.
Ronan is confronted with a question that pierces through the air: did he witness the shooter? Meanwhile, Daphne's eyes widen in astonishment as she beholds the police officers arriving at her doorstep, an unwelcome spectacle that disrupts the tranquility of her home. Harry arrives, escorting Ronan back, while Daphne imparts a stern message to Ronan, emphasizing that secrets have no place in their family. Ronan, however, remains skeptical of this assertion.
Harry then steps forward, conveying that they wish for Ronan to assist in identifying the suspect. Mickey's voice cuts through the conversation, his tone laden with defiance as he declares that they will never lend a hand to the authorities, urging that Ronan be spared from this ordeal.
In a private exchange, Rory confronts Ronan, acknowledging his reluctance to cooperate with the police. He emphasizes the importance of fostering trust among them, reminding Ronan that one day, they will be all that each other has. Elsewhere, Ian engages in a discussion with Chief Constable Jennifer Hennessy, proposing a collaboration between the Violence Intervention Team and the police force. She views it as an experimental endeavor, hesitant to endorse such a union. The Chief Constable seeks off-the-record advice regarding the Branson homicide, prompting Ian to gently remind her of his resignation from the force. Jennifer suggests that DCS Summers might appreciate his insights nonetheless.
Suddenly, the tranquility of Pam and Dennis's home is shattered by a hail of bullets fired by masked assailants. Lisa, chance-passing by, is drawn into the chaos, learning of the harrowing event. At the police station, Pam and Dennis stand before Harry, Pam vigorously defending their innocence and upstanding nature, while insisting she knows nothing of Ryan's whereabouts.
Ian intercepts Harry as he exits the interview room, noting the shared loss among those present, including Harry himself. Ian confides in Harry his plans and intentions. Just then, Ryan storms into the station, gun in hand, convinced they hold his sister captive. In a dramatic turn, he incapacitates a drunk individual before being swiftly subdued. Ian instructs Harry to secure the weapon, ensuring it is properly bagged as evidence.
Ronan is subsequently brought into the station, where Harry informs Pam and Dennis of the dramatic turn of events. They contemplate relocating to a secluded, off-grid location for safety. Ronan is asked once more if he can identify the shooter, and without hesitation, he points out Ryan. Dennis and the others are promptly moved to a secure location. Ryan is brought before a magistrate, who informs him that he will be remanded in custody pending further investigation.
A boy standing nearby shoots him a fierce glare. As Ann Branson (played by Monica Dolan) enters the scene, Ryan sneers, wondering aloud if she genuinely believes the world revolves around her. He launches into a tirade, cursing both Ann and her husband. The magistrate, attempting to restore order, urges the victim’s family to place their trust in the legal system.
Later, Ann and Roy Branson (portrayed by Stephen Dillane) pay a visit to the Sparrow family. Roy insists that no hard feelings linger, claiming that tragedies such as this one offer a stark reminder of life's fragility. Meanwhile, Mickey maintains that Ronan witnessed nothing, an assertion met with skepticism from Ann. Ann's complaints about having to meticulously prepare Roy’s meals stretch on endlessly. Roy retorts that they bear no responsibility for the shooting at Pam’s house, though they empathize with the situation. Ann worries that Ryan will lead too cushy a life behind bars, and the couple discusses the feasibility of ensuring his incarceration.
Determined to confront Ronan, Ann decides to ascend the stairs and speak with him, despite Daphne’s objections. Elsewhere, Ian scrutinizes the Ashfield community group, his gaze lingering on Julie’s profile page.
In a poignant conversation, Ann confronts Ronan about the harrowing moment she watched her son perish. She inquires whether he could identify the Bottomley family if he encountered them again. Bound by tradition and his association with Nicky, Ronan is now perceived as being aligned with them. She delves deeper, asking him about his thoughts and his final words. Ronan believes his last utterance was "buckle up." Meanwhile, Julie steps outside to dispose of the trash, unaware of the heavy emotions swirling around her.
