As the curtains rise on this installment of Sherwood, Julie Jackson, portrayed by Lesley Manville, bids adieu to her abode, now pending sale. She informs the real estate agent of her temporary relocation to her sister's place. Ian St Clair, played by David Morrissey, almost dials Julie's number but thinks better of it. Ian, alongside Harry Summers (Michael Balogun), conveys to Daphne (Lorraine Ashbourne), Rachel (Christine Bottomley), and the rest that their testimonies alone won't suffice. Ian yearns for them to capture the Bransons confessing to the heinous crimes. Mickey (Philip Jackson) gripes about the police outsourcing their duty to them. Daphne requests a private audience with everyone, prompting the detectives to depart. Subsequently, Daphne confides in Rory (Perry Fitzpatrick) and the group that their safety hangs in the balance until the Bransons are vanquished. Rory contends they can handle the Bransons in their own way, but Mickey counters that the Bransons would swiftly piece together the puzzle and finger them. Rory, steadfast in adhering to their cardinal rule of never snitching, decides to abandon the plan. Daphne inquiries about her solo execution with Ian, insistent on tackling it alone. Ian cautions that the Bransons enjoy special security, making their movements predictable. Daphne then exits with Ian. Meanwhile, Sandy Waters (Aisling Loftus) delivers Stephie (Bethany Asher) to the guards at her home. Sandy offers to relocate Stephie, but Jordan (Tyrese Eaton-Dyce) interrupts, asserting that no place is safer for Stephie than her own home. Jordan learns that Sandy resides nearby with Lisa Waters, the Sheriff of Nottingham (Ria Zmitrowicz).
In a private moment, Stephie reveals to Jordan that Ryan (Oliver Huntingdon) has charged him with her protection. Jordan concurs, acknowledging Ryan's continued authority. Elsewhere, Ryan discusses with Scott (Adam Hugill) the retrieval of his buried treasure. Ryan reminds Scott that the money isn't earning interest and that Scott could walk free. Scott ponders his own freedom, having been convicted of manslaughter, but doubts Ryan will ever see daylight. Ryan clarifies that he seeks the funds for his sister. Scott's mockery prompts Ryan to slap him, igniting a brawl. Lisa discovers graffiti on her home that reads, "Vote for the pit or end up in one," and reads a menacing email that amplifies the threat. Franklin (Robert Lindsay) urges Samuel (Robert Emms) to confront the sheriff with the truth, desiring to bring an end to the ordeal. However, Samuel finds it impossible to extract the truth from his father.
Lisa confides in Sandy about the menacing email she received, yet she hesitates to involve the authorities. Sandy insists that she should at least consult Ian for his advice. Meanwhile, Daphne approaches Ian, seeking reassurance that their deal remains intact. Ian affirms his discretion, but Daphne reveals that Julie is privy to the information, having overheard it from Ronan. Ian notes that Daphne has kept Mickey in the dark, to which she responds with confidence that Rory will not interfere. Elsewhere, Mickey engages Rachel in a heartfelt discussion about their past encounter, and Rachel empathizes with his reluctance to raise another man's child. Mickey admits to Daphne that he had once been open to the idea. Rachel observes that Daphne hasn't disclosed the underlying reasons.
Ryan seeks reassurance from Scott, acknowledging his impending incarceration without comprehension of his own actions. He emphasizes his sister as his sole family and promises Scott substantial financial rewards. Scott shares his dream of escaping to a blazing ghost town in America, where he envisions a fresh start. He inscribes a note on Ryan's hand. Meanwhile, Jordan and his companions venture to a hidden location, uncovering a stash of money. Separately, Harry learns of an unusual surge in gun seizures, an amount usually seen over a six-month period. Stephie watches a press conference announcing Kyre's death, prompting Rory to leave home in a fury, wielding an axe.
Franklin and Samuel visit Lisa, bearing gifts, and Franklin ponders the source of the incriminating information. He admits he initially considered denying the allegations but realized it would bring shame upon him—a sentiment he vigorously rejects. Franklin reveals his role as a government fixer, working for the security services, and defends his actions as public service. He dismisses the malicious rumors and highlights the upcoming mine vote, suggesting they are a desperate attempt to tarnish an opponent's reputation. A stunned Samuel departs with his father.
Ian visits the pub to announce he has rented the old function room and invites Harry to help set up the equipment. Lisa phones Ian, informing him of the death threats, and he volunteers to come over later to trace the emails. Rory, seeking validation, visits Stephie's place, smashing her window. He confronts Jordan, asserting the existence of two narratives: one portraying his family as terrified and the other as resurgent due to Rory's return. With the Bransons on the brink of decline, Rory intends to secure his family's claim.
Rory assures Jordan that he has the manpower covered, while he himself boasts an extensive network of contacts. He reassures Jordan, dismissing any concerns about the neighbors, insisting that everyone around is too engrossed in their own affairs to notice. Jordan, convinced, accepts Rory's proposition. Meanwhile, Daphne enters the pub, unaware that Ian and Harry eavesdrop on her from an adjacent room.
Outside, Roy, played by Stephen Dillane, confides in Ann, portrayed by Monica Dolan, expressing his disinterest in betraying Kyre, even in death. Ann counters by asserting they've turned his demise to their advantage. Roy ponders over Kyre's killer, prompting Ann to head inside where she encounters Daphne, who expresses remorse over Kyre's fate. Ann speculates that perhaps the Sparrows were the traitors. Daphne probes further, but Ann stands firm in their innocence, arguing that parents bear responsibility for their children's actions, a principle she has upheld diligently.
At the police station, Marcus Clarke (Jorden Myrie) attempts to decipher the enigma surrounding Harry Summers. His colleague, PC Crystal Brown (Jessica Whitehurst), hints cryptically that sometimes, one Sparrow in cooperation is more valuable than two Bransons behind bars, revealing that someone is wearing a wire. Elsewhere, Daphne keeps Ann engaged in conversation, unaware of Marcus's intentions. He steps outside to call Ann, whose ringing phone goes unanswered. Seeking refuge at the bar for another drink, Daphne momentarily leaves Ann, who subsequently calls Marcus back, informing him of her current companionship and the hidden microphone.
Upon her return, Daphne inquires about Ann's police interrogation, prompting Ann to bring up Ronan (Bill Jones) and Daphne's checkered past filled with illicit activities. Ann emphasizes their intertwined fates, threatening that they will either rise or fall together. As Ann departs, Daphne realizes the truth. Furiously, she contacts Ian, accusing someone from his circle of betrayal. Ian vehemently denies it, but Daphne curses them all before hanging up in frustration.
Rory arrives with supplies for Jordan, outlining their plan to smuggle synthetic drugs into the prison—where even an ounce fetches an exorbitant price of a thousand pounds.
The prison has embarked on an ambitious new library initiative, seeking generous donations to enrich its intellectual resources. Jordan vows to transform these gifts into a burgeoning treasure trove of knowledge. Additionally, they are in dire need of more volunteers to facilitate the distribution. Ryan reaches out to his sister, contemplating a visit to Sandy's abode with her assistance. Meanwhile, Ian contacts Daphne to assure her of her safety, despite her lingering suspicions of foul play.
A heated debate arises between Harry and Ian over whether they should confront the Bransons head-on. In a moment of frustration, Ian shouts for Harry to silence himself, swiftly followed by an apology. Ian is troubled by the potential repercussions on his alternative employment. As Harry departs with Marcus, he confides that Ian was intertwined in Chloe's fateful tale, recounting their encounter during her tenure as a secretary for a criminal accountant linked to various gangs, including the Bransons. On a fateful day, Kyre's unexpected visit presented Harry with a perceived opportunity to incriminate him through Chloe, but the plan backfired tragically, with Chloe caught in the crossfire. Harry has harbored the suspicion that Kyre knows the perpetrator's identity.
Elsewhere, Jordan and Stephie encounter Lisa outdoors and inquire about Sandy's wellbeing. Ian ventures to the boxing gym, seeking information from Denise (alias Dena Smiles), with Marco (alias Mark Oliver) keeping a close watch. His query about gang recruitment earns him an accusation of betrayal from Denise. Marco reminds Ian of the choices he made long ago and the consequences he must face. Denise declares that Ian's collaboration with the police bars him from participating in their endeavors.
While Jordan and Stephie await Sandy's arrival with Lisa, Stephie expresses her willingness to assist Ryan with the prison library's bookkeeping. Lisa confirms their acceptance of donations and agrees to promote the initiative by displaying a poster and a donation box in the club, believing the process of delivering books to the prison will be straightforward. Stephie reassures Lisa that all is well at home.
Ian visits Julie's residence but finds it abandoned, the wailing sirens echoing ominously in the background. Unbeknownst to Ian, Jordan and his associates are surreptitiously lacing the pages of donated books with drugs, adhering strictly to page fifty as their secret mark. Ryan learns about Lisa's plight through the news. The episode concludes with Samuel casting a pensive gaze at Franklin, leaving their thoughts and intentions shrouded in mystery.
