As the curtain rises on this installment of "Sherwood," Pam Bottomley (portrayed by Sharlene Whyte) and her family awaken in their newly adopted, secluded abode. Roy Branson (Stephen Dillane), holding a firearm, issues a chilling command to his associate: to fire upon the least fortunate soul. Meanwhile, Daphne Sparrow (Lorraine Ashbourne) receives a call from Ann Branson (Monica Dolan), who reveals their impending plan to act the next day, with Ronan in tow. Daphne, voice tinged with reluctance, confesses her discomfort, yet Ann assures her that Ronan's role will merely be to identify targets. Daphne, steadfast in her resolve, insists on accompanying them.
After ending the call, Daphne fills Mickey (Philip Jackson) in on the developments. Elsewhere, Lisa Waters (Ria Zmitrowicz) reads vitriolic comments about herself online, including a deplorable suggestion to run her down and another advocating for the defense of their heritage. Sandy (Aisling Loftus) joins Lisa, cradling their baby. Julie Jackson (Lesley Manville) is taken aback by an unexpected visit from Ian St Clair (David Morrissey), who confesses his disillusionment. Helen has relocated, and Cathy too has taken tentative steps towards selling, Julie reveals.
Ronan stubbornly refuses to disclose to Daphne the identity of his rink companion. Rory (Perry Fitzpatrick) interrupts, urging them to calm down, considering Ronan's recent trauma. Rachel Crossley (Christine Bottomley) ponders responding to Ronan's messages but ultimately refrains. The Chief Constable (Jennifer Hennessy) addresses the press regarding the recent shootings, while Harry Summers (Michael Balogun) surveys the Bottomley residence with a probing gaze.
Lisa confides in Ian about her role in facilitating support groups for crime victims, expressing reservations about Harry's well-being. She reveals that the Bottomleys are part of her group. Ian, however, defends Harry's promotion as well-deserved and reassures her that all is well. Their conversation abruptly concludes as Roy and Ann arrive to seek Lisa's endorsement for naming a street after their son, a venture contingent on gaining the neighbors' consent.
Later, Lisa seeks Julie's counsel on the matter. Julie suggests consulting Janet, whose sons are on the brink of graduation. Lisa holds Julie in high esteem, reminiscing about their past endeavors. Samuel Warner (Robert Emms) bumps into Rory, informing him that two neighboring farms have leased their land to developers. Rory, aware of Samuel's designs on their land for solar panels, invites him for a meeting. Samuel then argues that the transition to green infrastructure necessitates steel, hence coal, advocating for localized coal usage to mitigate global shipping. One man expresses concern about regressing. Samuel counters by reminding everyone that Lisa and Sandy represent the district and their decision is pivotal.
Daphne discovers Ronan slumbering on the couch and, with a deft move, unlocks his phone using his fingerprint. Intrigued by Rachel's name, she orchestrates a meeting with her, eager to unravel the mystery behind this figure. Once she obtains Rachel's address, Daphne discreetly erases any incriminating messages from Ronan's device.
Meanwhile, Harry phones Ian, informing him of ANPR alerts on the Sparrows and associates, expressing unease about his recent visit. Ian requests time to investigate further. Later, he pays Julie a visit, inquiring about Daphne's well-being and whether she's inadvertently entangled in any trouble. Julie dismisses the notion, but Ian persists, eventually extending an invitation for a drink. After some hesitation, she accepts.
Harry pays a visit to the Bottomleys, where Stephie greets him at the door. He reassuringly checks on their wellbeing. Elsewhere, Rachel spends time with her friends when Daphne arrives, prompting one of them to snidely label her a crackhead. Overhearing this, Rachel jumps to Daphne's defense, revealing she's Ronan's sister. Welcoming Daphne inside for a bathroom break, Rachel listens as Daphne declares she harbors no regrets for actions taken decades ago. Rachel reveals how Ronan discovered the truth and insists she's moved past it, her parents having been wonderful. She maintains a distance, arguing that this world isn't hers. Daphne shares Nicky's family's intent to confront the Bottomleys with Ronan, but Rachel hesitates, wary of causing harm. Daphne persists, reminding Rachel of her past desertion, but Rachel stands firm, unwilling to risk more hurt.
Harry and Dennis converse, Harry sharing his indecision about settling in the area initially but finding solace in a new relationship. Dennis captivates Harry with tales of King John's hidden treasure. In a tense exchange, Daphne confronts Rachel about her past, asserting her resolve to protect Ronan. Rachel remains steadfast, refusing to be drawn into further conflict.
Elsewhere, Harry confides in Dennis about Chloe's innocence amidst the factory's turmoil, revealing Dennis's gambling struggles post-closure. Harry succumbs to sleep, only to be tormented by night terrors, awakening Dennis and Pam.
The following day, Rory equips Daphne with two unactivated phones, pondering how she'll discreetly contact those she seeks to help escape the Bransons' watchful eyes. Daphne emphasizes the importance of staying connected to ensure their safety. Lisa's research into strike-era espionage leads her to uncover information about Franklin Warner. As Daphne and Rachel await the Bransons' arrival, tensions mount, each woman grappling with their pasts and the impending confrontations.
Daphne is tasked with conveying to Ann the presence of Rachel, accompanied by Ronan. Both Daphne and Rachel accompany them on this venture. Dennis urges Pam to seize the day and enjoy themselves, emphasizing their need to live life to the fullest. Pam concurs, suggesting they embark on an adventure for some much-needed fun.
As Daphne probes into how Roy obtained the location of the imprisoned Bottomleys, Roy notices a missed call from Kyre. He clarifies that it's a disposable, unregistered phone, necessary for maintaining contact with their nephew Kyre, whom they trust not to involve himself directly in their operations. They sift through the messages, stumbling upon one left by Nicky during his time in Wembley. The voicemail drones on incessantly until Roy steps out of the car to gather his composure. Meanwhile, Harry cruises by Skeg Vegas, his vehicle crossing paths with theirs.
The Bottomleys are leisurely spending time in town, evading Roy and the others who search for them in vain. He instructs Daphne and Rachel to enter a nearby restaurant to scout for them. Coincidentally, Daphne and Rachel catch sight of the Bottomleys inside. Daphne intends to alert them promptly, but her plans are thwarted by Ann's arrival. Ann, sensing their discovery, remarks on how unmistakable it is when one lays eyes on such a distinctive family. Daphne endeavors to dissuade her suspicions, while Rachel generously offers to pay for Ann's drink, despite her protests.
Daphne attempts to linger in the restaurant, prompting Ann to await her. Ann calls for Pam, verifying her identity. In the restroom, Daphne discovers the phone batteries dwindling. In haste, she drafts a message and slips the phone into Pam's pocket as she exits. By the time they return to the house, Pam discovers the phone, only to find it lifeless and unable to display the message.
Kyre and Roy prepare to storm the residence where the Bottomleys are held. Pam attempts to reach Harry at the station, but he's absent. Marcus (Jorden Myrie), the receiver of her call, pretends ignorance of Harry's whereabouts as he casually strolls past.
Pam informs him that during their visit to the pub, they stumbled upon a phone. Marcus responds by saying they'll dispatch a couple of officers in uniform to investigate. As Roy and Kyrie approach the residence, Ann, reminiscing about her visits there when she was younger, shares her stories with Daphne while they wait. Meanwhile, Dennis engages in conversation with a nearby neighbor, while Stephie sets out to search the area. Dennis inquiries if the neighbor has a charger for the discovered phone. Roy receives a message about retrieving the phone. Disregarding the fact that it's potential evidence, Ann carelessly tosses her bottle to the ground. Pam begins charging the phone, and Dennis, making use of the neighbor's lawnmower, starts mowing the grass. Meanwhile, Roy and Kyrie covertly enter the residence and successfully retrieve the phone. Kyre instructs Roy to keep a lookout outside. Spotting Pam, Roy shoots her in the head without hesitation. Kyre then takes out Dennis before they remove their masks and flee the scene. Roy mocks Kyre for being slow, pointing out that he had already taken care of Pam. They leave Stephie stranded on the beach.
Returning to Daphne, Roy boasts that they've taken care of both their targets. Ann examines the message on the phone and reveals that someone had attempted to warn them. When Roy calls the phone, it buzzes in Daphne's pocket. He warns the unknown caller that they are as good as dead. Kyre is instructed to dispose of the phone. After the others have left, Stephie strikes Kyre from behind with a pair of shears. Daphne and Rachel abandon Roy and Ann. Harry surveys the crime scene and notices Stephie nearby, adding another layer of complexity to the unfolding drama.
