As the curtains rise on another chapter of Sherwood, Chief Constable Jennifer Hennessy (Jennifer Hennessy) engages in a grave discussion with Ian St Clair (David Morrissey) regarding Harry Summers (Michael Balogun) and the grim double homicide of Dennis and Pam Bottomley. Into this tense atmosphere steps Sandy Waters (Aisling Loftus), concerned for the wellbeing of Stephie (Bethany Asher). Meanwhile, Samuel Warner (Robert Emms) sits glued to the news with his father, while Franklin (Robert Lindsay) whispers ominous predictions – that the outlaws have returned, thriving in the shadows. The Chief Constable is determined to nip this threat in the bud before it blossoms into full-fledged chaos.
Police officers stumble upon a van containing the lifeless body of Kyre Branson (Conor Deane) alongside a phone, prompting Stephie's fingerprinting. Mickey (Philip Jackson) approaches Daphne Sparrow (Lorraine Ashbourne), inquiring if their involvement in these grim events has reached its conclusion. Stepping outside, Daphne encounters Ronan (Bill Jones), who grills her about the previous day's happenings. She insists he should have approached her about Rachel first, maintaining she kept a secret, not a lie. Revealing a fleeting past as a police officer, Daphne admits she harbors no regrets about her actions. Suspecting her of betrayal, Ronan wonders if she's the one who's been spilling the beans.
Empowered by necessity, the Chief Constable grants Ian emergency powers as a review officer, part of a strategic plan to reclaim lost ground amidst the police exodus. Ian, steadfast in his resolve, vows to withdraw once this case is closed. Lisa Waters (Ria Zmitrowicz) phones Ian, her voice laced with dread as she conveys the harrowing news. The public demands her statement, and Lisa learns that Ian has returned solely for this case. Franklin advises Samuel that while he can't control events, he can steer public perception. Samuel learns that Lisa seeks a meeting to discuss the matter.
Ian and Harry delve into an interview with Ann Branson (Monica Dolan) and Roy Branson (Stephen Dillane). Roy asserts they were celebrating Kyre's 18th birthday, a gathering overshadowed by the young man's dark destiny. Ann refuses to utter the name of her son's killer. Ian broaches the subject of Dennis and Pam's deaths, to which Roy vehemently denies any involvement. Marcus Clarke (Jorden Myrie) interrupts with the devastating news of Kyre's demise, sparking a conversation between Ian and Harry about Roy and Ann's potential presence at the crime scene. Returning to the interview room, Ann confirms Kyre's presence at the party. Ian delivers the heart-wrenching news of Kyre's discovery, prompting Ann to request privacy.
Left alone, Roy's fury erupts, shattering a chair in a fit of desperation, believing this will lead to accusations. Ann, composed yet desperate, tells the detectives they need protection. She suggests Kyre acted alone, but their blood will be on the hunt as the community seeks justice.
Ian approached the Chief Constable with an urgent plea, conveying that his entire family was seeking protection. At home, Julie Jackson (portrayed by Lesley Manville) meticulously attempted to select an appropriate outfit, her mind preoccupied. A sudden call from Ian interrupted her endeavors; he apologized for having to cancel their plans due to an unforeseen development. He revealed that he had temporarily rejoined the force and, despite the cancellation, still wished to spend time with her that evening. Meanwhile, Julie received a call confirming a bid on their house, adding another layer of tumult to her thoughts.
Ryan Bottomley (played by Oliver Huntingdon) was visited by Stephie and Ian, who delivered the heart-wrenching news of Dennis and Pam's demise. Ryan, suspicious that the Branson family had targeted him because of Nicky, inquired about Stephie's immediate plans. Sandy suggested a temporary stay at a residential care home, but Ryan requested a private moment with Stephie. Elsewhere, Samuel warmly greeted Lisa outside and ushered her in, creating an intimate setting. During their private conversation, Ryan offered heartfelt apologies, and Stephie, in turn, confessed to killing Kyre.
Lisa was introduced to Franklin, and their discussion centered on a proposed development project. Franklin postulated that the recent surge in crime was linked to the area's unemployment. Lisa, however, expressed doubts about this being an effective job creation strategy. Franklin countered by emphasizing the necessity of construction, which relied heavily on steel and, consequently, coal. Lisa felt it sounded like a gimmick. Stephie, sharing her intentions with Sandy, expressed a desire to return home. Ryan believed he could facilitate this, suggesting their cousins could visit and stay with them.
Lisa confronted Samuel and Franklin, revealing that she had received information suggesting Franklin was an insider, possibly benefiting from government contracts. Franklin proposed keeping this matter confidential for the time being. Separately, Sandy and Ian discussed the prison's understaffing issue, with Sandy also mentioning Scott Rowley. Later, Ian met Julie at a cozy pub, where she mentioned contemplating enrolling in a course, her recent experiences prompting her to envision a different path. Their conversation steered towards Ian's visit to the prison, where he was proposed to visit Scott. Julie accused Ian of intending to sympathize with Scott as if he were the victim, a notion Ian vehemently denied. Overwhelmed, Julie stood up and decided to leave, her mind cluttered with numerous thoughts.
The following day, Harry and Ian analyzed the two phones discovered in the van's rear, uncovering a message from Daphne urging them to flee. The intended recipient of this message remained a mystery. Only Dennis and Stephie's fingerprints were found on the garden shears used in Kyre's murder. The phone's signal traced back near the Sparrow farm. Ian suggested to Harry that they inspect the location where Dennis had used his card. Harry and Marcus spoke to a neighbor who confirmed the frequent comings and goings at the property, adding to the intrigue surrounding the case.
The neighbor reveals that Dennis, having just received a new phone, promptly inquired about borrowing a phone charger. Meanwhile, Harry speeds a call to Ian, imparting this information just moments before Ian is set to converse with the Sparrows. The firearm retrieved from Kyre's person corresponds precisely to the one employed in Dennis's murder, but not that of his sister. Ian steps indoors to inquire whether the Branson family had paid them a visit, to which Mickey responds in the negative. Ian proceeds to disclose their suspicion that someone attempted to forewarn Pam and Dennis, a notion Rory (Perry Fitzpatrick) contests vehemently. Ian issues a veiled threat of obtaining a warrant to search for a phone likely in Daphne's possession. He then breaks the news of Kyre's demise and urges them to come forward, engage in dialogue, and make themselves comfortable.
Elsewhere, Harry and Marcus find themselves at the pub, where Marcus announces that the chatty neighbor has come through with crucial evidence: license plate numbers and more. Marcus ponders whether to forward this information, but Harry insists on conferring with Rachel Crossley (Christine Bottomley) first. They venture inside, where they engage in conversation with Jamie (Andrew Gower) and Rachel. Marcus requests her bank card, noting that the victims were present in the pub during one of her card transactions. Rachel, visibly distressed, confesses her bewilderment. She admits to being accompanied by someone else during her visit and expresses a desire to speak confidentially with her fiancé. Rachel categorically denies any contact with either the Bottomleys or the Bransons. The detectives eventually depart, leaving Rachel to confess her fear to Jamie. Harry confides in Marcus that one of the cards belongs to him, revealing that he had checked in with the Bottomleys and stayed until the morning they passed away. Harry admits that this revelation has stirred deep emotions within him due to past events. Marcus recounts how the Bottomleys called him at the station on the fateful day, which he initially took as a routine check-in.
Harry emphasizes the importance of mutual support, urging everyone to lend a helping hand. Jamie, however, finds himself at a loss for words as he confronts Rachel, acknowledging her genuine intentions despite the situation's complexity. Realizing that Rachel's presence at the scene of the homicide will inevitably come to light, Jamie urges her to contact the authorities promptly.
Meanwhile, Daphne serves drinks amidst a solemn family gathering, broaching the delicate subject of Rachel's companionship with Ronan during Nicky's tragic demise. She discloses that the police are onto them, hinting at the dire consequences of their entanglement. Daphne insists that cooperating with the law enforcement is now imperative for their safety, emphasizing the necessity to thwart the Bransons' machinations somehow.
Elsewhere, Ryan secures a phone and promptly dials Jordan (Tyrese Eaton-Dyce), entrusting him with the care of his sister while hinting at promising prospects for their venture. Jordan, pragmatic as ever, emphasizes the urgent need for funds before terminating the call.
Ian's conversation is abruptly cut short by an incoming call, after which he whispers to Harry about the need for a private discussion. Ian subsequently meets with Mickey Sparrow and his kin, where Daphne confesses her presence at the scene, albeit as a bystander. She plays a voicemail from Roy, yet Ian remains skeptical, reminding her that her credibility as a witness is questionable, necessitating further evidence. Daphne's fear intensifies, anticipating disaster should the Bransons discover their plans. Rachel's arrival adds to the tense atmosphere.
Ryan visits Scott Rowley (Adam Hugill), who is engrossed in his workout within the confines of his cell. Elsewhere, Roy and Ann are confronted with the heart-wrenching task of identifying Kyre's body. Lisa meticulously documents Franklin's cryptic remarks about something 'growing,' only to receive a chilling email threatening her life. Marcus's suspicious actions suggest a darker agenda at play.
Ann intercepts a message and shares it with Roy, who curses the Sparrows in frustration. Ann resolutely declares that they know what must be done, prompting Roy to inquire which of them she refers to. "All of them," she replies, her voice unwavering.
