As the curtains draw on the final episode of Sherwood, Rachel Crossley, portrayed by Christine Bottomley, sits amidst the others, her thoughts intertwined with the haunting memory of Mickey's demise. Ronan, embodied by Bill Jones, is engulfed by self-blame, believing he set the chain of events into motion. Rory, played by Perry Fitzpatrick, confronts Ronan, insisting that their sole focus should be on honoring their father through their actions, lamenting that they somehow lost their way.
Chief Constable Jen, vividly brought to life by Jennifer Hennessy, engages in a discourse with Ian and Harry Summers (Michael Balogun), delving into the decision to briefly detain Ann before releasing her. Ian St Clair, expertly depicted by David Morrissey, emphasizes the urgency of redirecting all efforts towards capturing Ann Branson, portrayed by Monica Dolan. Harry and Ian confront Roy, portrayed by Stephen Dillane, who expresses a lack of surprise regarding the recent revelations. Roy's inquisitiveness about Kyre's murderer remains unanswered as Ian assures him they'll apprehend Ann at the slightest misstep.
Roy persists with his questioning, while Stephie (Bethany Asher) awakens in the hospital, her mind swirling as Jordan prepares to transport books to their destination, pondering where Stephie might have wandered off to. Doubting her loyalty, Jordan refrains from accusing her of betrayal. Meanwhile, Harry and Ian delve deeper into Kyre's life with Roy, Harry suggesting that Kyre was poised to become a police informant. Roy expresses skepticism, acknowledging instead that Chloe had intentions to turn against them, a revelation shared posthumously by Kyre.
Marcus Clarke (Jorden Myrie) catches sight of Harry and approaches him, curiosity piqued about any recent breakthroughs. Harry mentions a potential sighting of Ann Branson, unaware that Roy might possess similar insights. Harry proposes a joint operation, sensing an opportunity for justice. Rory, in a passionate soliloquy to his kin, advocates for handling the Bransons in their own way, believing Mickey's actions were fueled by love for Daphne. He suspects a nearby insider holds the key to Ann's whereabouts, while Daphne interprets Mickey's final words, "don't," as a plea to avoid self-destruction for his sake. Rory asserts that they all know what must be done.
In a private moment, Daphne confides in Rachel, revealing her desire for Ann's capture. Ian, interrupting Harry's drive with Marcus, receives a curt response from Daphne, who demands they cease contact until Ann is apprehended. Daphne, longing for the police's departure, secretly hopes someone else reaches Ann first, her hand instinctively drifting towards a loaded gun.
Harry leads Marcus into Sherwood Forest, where he subjects Marcus to a harrowing ordeal of near-strangulation, revealing years of suspicion and testing. Confronted with evidence of his betrayal, Marcus concedes that Harry's eccentricities are well-founded. Harry seizes Marcus's phone, threatening to expose his duplicity. In a tense confrontation, Marcus tries to assert his innocence, but Harry produces incriminating messages, revealing Marcus's true colors.
Jordan attempts to dissuade Rory from taking money, but Rory defiantly pushes past him. Marcus, now in handcuffs, admits at the station to being bribed by the Bransons for his university degree and discusses the Warners' illegal activities. Marcus laments that the police often overlook the bigger fish, focusing instead on smaller fry. Ian hints at leniency if Marcus divulges his knowledge about Ann. Elsewhere, Sandy (Aisling Loftus) encounters Stephie at the hospital, marking yet another twist in this intricate tale of justice and revenge.
Stephie insists that she believed they were watching over her welfare, unaware of their concealed actions, thinking she remained oblivious to their deeds. Meanwhile, Jordan's residence undergoes a raid, leading to his immediate detention. Upstairs, Ian discovers a youth who has seized something valuable, a face he recognizes from Marco's gym. A breaking news report reveals that the police have decided against pressing charges against Franklin Warren (played by Robert Lindsay) in Lisa's poisoning case. Franklin addresses the media outside, branding the situation as corrupted. He metaphorically suggests that mischief can flourish where there is fertile ground for deceit. Informed that the council members now oppose him by a two-to-one margin, Franklin predicts that no one will be spared the impending doom.
Lisa (portrayed by Ria Zmitrowicz) awakens in the hospital, to Sandy's relief, yet another weight lifted from her shoulders. Harry informs Ian that Stephie has revealed they were at Lisa's place on the day she collapsed. Ian expresses his dissatisfaction with the authorities' decision to not hospitalize the boy found upstairs. PC Brown clarifies that they've deemed him fit for detention after pumping his stomach. Despite Ian's desire to intervene and remove the boy, Jen opposes his action, leading to a heated argument between them. Ian insists on his duty to step in before storming out.
Samuel (played by Robert Emms) reminds Franklin of his previous advice to avoid speaking to the police, stressing the importance of letting things take their course. Having convened the board yesterday, Samuel expresses his desire to be instrumental in bringing about change. Franklin, however, laments the world's decline, accusing Samuel of seizing the most convenient means to achieve his ends. Franklin intends to visit the office for some calls, but Samuel declares it's all over, instructing the driver to drop Franklin off at home and proceed to the office with him.
Harry informs Lisa and Sandy that Jordan Magashi, the boy, claims he only wished to harm Lisa, blaming her for his brother's plight. His elder brother, serving a life sentence in HMP Nottingham, had benefited from prison programs until funding was cut. Harry acknowledges the situation's opportunism. The investigation into the death threats continues as Jordan denies sending them. Harry then calls Ian with reassuring news about Lisa's recovery.
Julie Jackson (played by Lesley Manville) encounters Ian, who begins to weep. They retreat to Ian's flat, where Julie expresses her horror over the recent incidents involving Mickey and Lisa. She underscores the importance of presence over just fixing problems. Ian admits he's struggling, but Julie believes in his ability to inspire others to help themselves. Together, they confront the reality of life's ongoing challenges.
Daphne receives an intriguing message from Julie, piquing her curiosity. Ian pays Ryan, alias Oliver Huntingdon, a visit and unloads a bombshell about Jordan. He discloses the discovery of a plethora of books at the donation center, revealing that the drugs are concealed within page 50. Ryan confides that his motives stem from a desire to protect Stephie. Ian then drops the bombshell that Ryan's transfer is imminent, probing for any insights into Ann Branson. He urges Ryan to reflect on his journey and open up about it. Ian admits his disdain for the Bransons, echoing Ryan's sentiment that they are bullies. Ryan postulates that perhaps he snapped that fateful night, believing someone had to confront the Bransons. Ian seeks advice on how to break the Bransons' grip over people. Ryan explains that individuals are drawn to what the Bransons offer because there are no viable alternatives. Ian clarifies his intent to converse for now, leaving the door open for future strategies.
Elsewhere, Rory and Ronan head to the boxing gym, hoping to secure Marco's assistance with a bribe of three thousand dollars for Ann Branson's sake. However, Marco stands firm in his refusal. Meanwhile, Daphne ventures to Julie's place, who warmly invites her in while Rachel keeps vigil outside in the car. Daphne, seeking solace, unburdens herself to Julie, who empathizes deeply, sharing her own experiences.
Outside the gym, Jarrod (James Burrows) catches up with Rory and Ronan. A consensus emerges among them: the Bransons have crossed the line, and their reign must come to an end. Jarrod reveals that Ann has been eagerly awaiting her passport and requests Rory's phone. He slips something into the device and tasks Rory with delivering the passport to Ann. Inside the car, Ronan urges Rory to inform Daphne or reveal Ann's location using the phone. However, Rory insists Ronan exit the vehicle, asserting that he is better than this. Ronan complies but calls Daphne shortly afterward. Almost instantaneously, Daphne reaches out to Rory, who implores her to entrust the matter to him.
Once Daphne uncovers Ann's whereabouts, she realizes with a start that she's alarmingly nearby. Seizing the gun, she leaps into her car and speeds towards the destination. Rachel, her voice imbued with desperation, begs her to reconsider her course of action, even as she frantically texts Ian for help.
Upon reaching her destination, Daphne storms out, the gun clutched tightly in her hand, ready to confront Ann head-on. In a hail of bullets, she shoots Ann and demands to know who betrayed her location. With steely resolve, Daphne commands Ann to comply, yet Ann, ever cunning, tries to lure her closer to the water's edge, hoping to minimize the hassle of disposing of her body.
Meanwhile, Rachel, seizing the moment, snatches the gun from the ground and confronts Ann, giving Daphne the crucial seconds she needs to engage in a fierce struggle with Ann. Soon enough, Ann is toppled to the ground, with Daphne standing over her, gun aimed and steady. Yet, she hesitates, the trigger unpulled. Instead, she urges Ann to flee, knowing that if she were to pull the trigger, she would betray Mickey's trust. Daphne warns Ann that she is utterly alone, with everyone turning against her and the authorities closing in.
Just then, Rory arrives on the scene. In a desperate bid for freedom, Ann lunges at Daphne, only to find herself tumbling into the water. Daphne and Rachel, unmoved by her plight, watch as she struggles to stay afloat. Rory joins them shortly before the police sirens begin to wail in the distance. Ian, having received Rachel's urgent messages, realizes with a sinking heart that Ann's fate is sealed. The Sparrows, however, choose to walk away from the unfolding drama, leaving the police to deal with the aftermath.
Elsewhere, Ryan speaks to Stephie with a heart heavy with sorrow. He tells her that he must leave, the distance between them growing ever wider. His love for her, however, remains steadfast. Lisa addresses the council with passion, extolling the virtues of growth and prosperity, hinting at hidden agendas that seek to undermine their progress. Stephie, meanwhile, buries the remainder of their ill-gotten gains, hoping to put the past behind her.
Jordan is transferred to a cell, his freedom a distant memory. Harry attends a group meeting, seeking solace and strength in the collective spirit. Lisa, her voice filled with conviction, insists that they must start believing in themselves, their potential unlimited. Ian visits Julie, seeking comfort in her presence. And as Daphne is discharged from the hospital, Ronan is there to pick her up, ready to face whatever challenges lie ahead together.
