As the episode unfolds, the skilled arborists employed by Pickard meticulously prune the trees that stand majestically in front of Charlotte Twist and Iain Frankland's (portrayed by Dominic Mafham) practice. Iain, irritated by the persistent noise, firmly slams the window shut, grumbling about the disturbance. Charlotte, sensing his frustration, suggests he take a well-deserved break over the weekend. However, Iain, claiming to have a packed schedule, dashes out just as his next session is about to commence.
As Charlotte exits the practice, Ross Pickard (Neil Morrissey) informs Tony Donner (played by Bluey Robinson) that Nathan Dix (Joshua James), the eccentric figure, has returned. Tony scans the sidewalk and spots a figure standing there, capturing his attention. Ross and Nathan's gaze then turns to Daisy Philips (Sophie Melville) as she approaches the practice, unaware of the whispers behind her back.
Inside, DI Max Arnold (Adrian Scarborough) fingers the keys of the organ when suddenly, the power dips into darkness. Astrid Fischer (Anamaria Marinca)'s call pierces through the silence, informing him of an impending delivery. In exchange for some delectable marzipan, Max readily agrees to assist her with the arrival of her new furniture.
Elsewhere, Iain gently reminds Daisy that this will be her final session. She hesitates, a flicker of vulnerability crossing her face, before finally admitting that she is ready to embrace love. With that, Iain switches off the camera, signaling the end of their session. Outside, Ross watches Daisy walk away from the practice, her steps carrying a newfound sense of resolve.
Meanwhile, Max is caught up in the hustle and bustle of Astrid's furniture delivery. In a quiet moment, Letitia (Esme Scarborough) discovers Daisy crouched in her room, her demeanor a mix of contemplation and calm. Daisy reassures Letitia that she is alright, prompting Letitia to suggest they discuss things further upon her return from Bath.
Upon entering the office, Iain's frustration resurfaces as he demands that Ross move the chip box truck, which is perilously close to his car. Ross, ever the laid-back individual, suggests it's time for lunch and reveals his plan to distribute fliers around the neighborhood. Inside the office, Iain briefly steps away from a video session with Khalid Hassan (Esh Alladi), only to reappear with a head wound that sends Khalid into a panic. The scene is set, teeming with subtle tensions and unspoken narratives, as the episode progresses.
Detective Sergeant Layla Walsh (Vanessa Emme) briefs Max on the victim, Iain, while Ashley Wilton (Sophie Stone) postulates that a lamp might have been used as the blunt force instrument in the assault. Layla mentions that the police received a complaint from Khalid, who vehemently denies witnessing the crime. She further notes that the perpetrator rifled through the drawers, yet nothing appeared to have been taken.
Later, during his interview with Charlotte, Detective Constable Connor Pollock (Peter Bankole) reveals the existence of a threatening letter inscribed with "Rot In Hell," addressed to Iain. Charlotte suggests that Iain’s client, Nathan, whose condition worsened after cessation of medication, could be involved. She adds that Nathan had been previously arrested for attempting unauthorized entry into the office.
Layla and Max break the news of Iain's murder to Martha Frankland (Charlotte Emmerson), who is visibly shaken. She insists she was at home all day, mentioning that Emma Frankland (Gala Wise) might have gone for a run after waking up late. Holding up Nathan’s photo, Max inquiries if she recognizes him. She denies knowing his name but acknowledges awareness of a trespasser. When Max displays a family photo with "Rot In Hell" scrawled on the back, Martha, noticing the same photo on her fireplace mantel, wonders if the assailant had infiltrated their home. Distressed by the possibility of being stalked, her fears escalate as Emma approaches to inquire about Iain.
DC Jess Lombard (Lucy Phelps) updates Max, informing him that Nathan was last known to be staying at a hotel in Shepherd’s Bush. Max clarifies that Iain was murdered between 11:30 and 11:55, a time when the arborists from Pickard’s were on lunch break. He mentions that these workers had reportedly seen a man matching Nathan’s description loitering around the previous day.
Subsequently, Max and Layla engage in a video chat with Iain’s OCD client, Khalid, from outside his flat. Khalid assures them that Iain would never disrupt a therapy session unless it was a matter of dire emergency. He is unable to identify Nathan from the photo. Just then, Max receives a call from Jess, informing him that Nathan is staying with his grandmother in Belgravia. Upon visiting the address, Max and Layla find Nathan and his grandmother. Max notices an injury on Nathan, which his grandmother attributes to cutting. Nathan denies sending hate mail before inquiring if Iain had accused him of something. He implores to speak with Iain, only to be informed of his untimely death by Max, causing Nathan to scream in despair.
The grandmother asserts with conviction that she and Nathan were inseparable throughout the entire day. She elaborates on their daily ritual, which invariably includes a visit to Bannerman Health. Upon concluding his room's search, Max carelessly tosses Nathan's gym bag, filled with freshly laundered attire, onto a chair. Mrs. Dix emphasizes that any clothing drenched in sweat is meticulously washed post-workout. Nathan concedes that he knew visiting Iain last summer was inappropriate; his sole intention was to apologize for upsetting him. Mrs. Dix further reveals that Nathan was previously arrested for harassment. He recounts how he cunningly slipped into Iain's session amidst other clients and waited patiently for it to conclude. Ferguson (Robert Pickavance) then proceeds to escort Nathan back to his room.
Max confides in Jess and Pollock, sharing that Nathan's parents meted out a harsh punishment by imprisoning him in a cellar, which they euphemistically termed as "House Arrest" for the six-year-old. He adds that Nathan ceased taking his medication when Mrs. Dix assisted him in securing his own apartment. Layla confirms their alibi with Bannerman Health's facial recognition security system, verifying Nathan and Mrs. Dix's visit. Jess mentions that Iain's only face-to-face therapy session was conducted by Daisy Philips, who remains unreachable on her phone. Charlotte promptly contacts the police station, seeking authorization to access client files from the crime scene.
Charlotte speculates that Martha and Iain harbored grievances towards Emma, portraying Iain as a confident "alpha" figure. Letitia, Jess, and Layla stumble upon an unconscious Daisy slumped on a sofa, with pills and a poignant note - "I'm sorry Spike. I wish I could have waited" - lying nearby on the table. Soon after, EMTs gently place Daisy on a gurney and load her into the ambulance. Layla reassures Letitia that Daisy is breathing independently. Letitia reveals that Daisy had scrimped and saved to ensure she received the best possible treatment. She recounts Daisy's tumultuous upbringing in foster care, where she endured numerous hardships. Daisy's therapy was nearing its conclusion, and she had recently met Spike.
Max breaks the heart-wrenching news to Charlotte about Daisy's tragic attempt to take her own life. Charlotte, in stark contrast, asserts that Iain had been overjoyed with Daisy's steady improvement. At the police station, Layla and Max scrutinize Daisy's therapy tape with intense focus. Jess expresses doubt, suggesting that Daisy lacks the physical prowess to brutally assault Iain. Max reassures her, contending that such an act could very well be feasible if Iain were caught completely off his guard, possibly motivated by her imminent discharge from therapy. Layla characterizes Daisy as "optimistic," echoing Letitia's earlier description.
Meanwhile, Pollock uncovers a crucial detail in a therapy video—a fleeting reflection of Ross captured in a glass photo frame, peering into the office during one of Charlotte's sessions. Jess and Pollock rush to the crime scene only to find Tony working solitary. Tony informs them that Ross is at Arthur's Café, and Pollock locates him savoring a meal. Back at the crime scene, Tony maintains that he and Ross were on lunch break when Iain was attacked. Jess inquiries about who was pruning trees earlier, to which Tony responds, "Ross."
Returning to Arthur's Café, Pollock confronts Ross with his reflection in the video, prompting Ross to ask sarcastically if he was expected to be blind to his own presence. Jess posits that it could be a case of voyeurism. Ross alleges hearing Charlotte denounce Iain as a "lying bastard" roughly an hour before his demise.
Charlotte confides in Max, revealing that she and Iain had a pact: should one of them perish, the survivor would inherit their clients. Max notes that Iain's client list outnumbered hers by double, querying whether Iain's fees were steeper. She admits her rate is "client-dependent," then inquires if Iain's clients continue to fork out the higher amount. Affirming this temporarily, she admits to a heated dispute with Iain after he poached one of her referrals, branding him a "greedy, egotistical bully" with a "God complex." She claims to have been house-hunting with real estate agents when Iain met his fate, acknowledging her secret plan to exit the practice if Iain hadn't passed away.
Elsewhere, Emma weeps inconsolably in the bathtub as Martha tidies her bedroom, startlingly discovering a family photo with the chilling words "I Hope You Die" scrawled on the back.
Max steps into his home to find Astrid lounging on the sofa, a serene figure amidst the day's chaos. He expresses his gratitude for her handling of the electrician's visit, and she, in turn, presents him with a delightful box of marzipan before bidding him farewell. As he settles in, Max watches Daisy's therapy session video, where she recounts her harrowing escape from Petershill. Daisy and Spike sought refuge in an abandoned caravan, which she fondly terms their "sanctuary." Suddenly, the power flickers and dies, coinciding with a call from Ashley, who reveals that the murder weapon is none other than the lamp, hinting at an unpremeditated crime. Intriguingly, foreign blood was discovered on the victim's head wound.
During a subsequent phone conversation, Max lambasts the electrical service as a "shoddy mess." Shortly after, Emma arrives, finding Max and Layla already present. Her eyes fall upon a photo bearing the chilling message, "I Hope You Die," and she immediately accuses Martha of betraying her by alerting the police, absent Iain's restraining influence.
At the police station, Emma confesses that receiving the threatening card actually lifted her spirits. She harbors a deep resentment towards Iain for his affair with her 16-year-old friend. Emma Frankland interrupts, clarifying that the affair ended swiftly, expressing gratitude towards Emma for saving him from his own impulses. He pleaded with her not to tell her mother, vowing never to repeat such behavior. To Emma's knowledge, he kept his word, and she, in turn, kept his secret. Layla inquiries about the hate mail's inception, prompting Emma to estimate it began six months prior, following a heated argument about her anger management issues. However, she emphasizes that she only sent three letters in total and never dispatched one anticipating his suicide. Emma vehemently denies any involvement in his death or hiring an assassin, deriding the notion of sending a calling card before committing murder as absurdly foolish.
When Max inquiries about her friend, Emma scoffs, branding her an ex-friend and divulging the forbidden liaison with her father. Later, Layla enlightens Max, revealing that Emma's former friend is Mandy Cho, who relocated to Australia approximately 18 months ago. DC Jess Lombard updates them, clearing Daisy from suspicion as toxicology reports indicate she overdosed prior to Iain's murder. Meanwhile, DC Connor Pollock shares news of a burglary at 22 Havelock Street, occurring while the owners were absent. CCTV footage captures the perpetrator dressed as a Rush Order delivery driver, with Connor mentioning Ross Pickard before revealing his accomplice, Tony Donner, has a criminal record.
Ross Pickard is summoned for interrogation and inquires about David Slinn. Max informs him that Slinn possesses an alibi, as he was in the midst of burglarizing a nearby house at the pertinent time. Ross hastily interjects, asserting that Slinn wouldn't harm a soul. Jess probes further, questioning him about his means of earning approximately a thousand pounds a month. Ross clarifies that he merely relayed information that could prove beneficial. Max accusations fly, accusing him of raiding 50 Havelock Street only to discover Mr. Frankland diligently working on a bank holiday. Ross steadfastly maintains his innocence, insisting he was on a lunch break and had already encountered Mr. Frankland earlier, exchanging heated words over his vehicle. He urges them to speak with Tony, who he believes will vouch for his whereabouts.
When Tony is cross-examined, he adamantly claims ignorance of the incident. He confesses to a youthful mistake—stealing a car while under the influence at 19—but insists he is a changed man. Connor grills him about his whereabouts near the food trucks with Ross around the time of Mr. Frankland's murder. Tony denounces this as a fabrication, explaining that the food trucks aren't operational on bank holidays. Instead, he brought his own meal and dined by the river. Ross then admits to mixing up his days but emphatically denies any involvement in the murder. Max presses him for his whereabouts the previous day, to which Ross remains silent. Subsequently, Max proposes scrutinizing CCTV footage by the river, though Layla warns of its potential time-consuming nature. For now, the suspects are released.
As Max observes Tony returning Ross's vest, expressing hope for his downfall and preferring sewer work over serving under Ross, he receives an urgent call from Ashley. She shares the forensic results, revealing a match between the foreign blood found on the victim's head wound and Nathan Dix. A raid on Nathan's residence unearths evidence suggesting he may have grabbed a knife before fleeing. Martha seeks forgiveness from Emma, acknowledging she should have given her the benefit of the doubt. Emma, however, retorts that Martha blindly trusted one man, leading to false memories and a troubled daughter. Connor updates Max, informing him that Jess and Layla are pursuing a police sighting lead.
Max attempts to extract information from Mrs. Dix, who insists she was with Nathan all day. After detailing their gym visit, Max instructs Connor to review the gym's CCTV footage. Mrs. Dix reveals that Nathan has a history of self-harm, with wounds that were bandaged but needed redressing after swimming. However, Ferguson interrupts, revealing a deep laceration that complicates the picture further.
Upon their return, the bandage was mysteriously absent, prompting Nathan to confess his misdeed, though Ferguson insisted Nathan was a good-hearted soul who had been wronged. He firmly believed Nathan's capacity for harm extended only to himself. At the precinct, Connor informed Max that Mrs. Dix had attended her pilates session while Nathan had slipped out of the service entrance. CCTV footage captured him in the alley behind the gym, bandaged, and forty-five minutes later, he returned the same way, heading for a swim. Additionally, a camera on Quay Street picked him up, still bandaged, twenty minutes prior to the call reporting Frankland's attack, as he walked past Khalid Hasan just before the latter hailed a taxi.
When approached, Khalid explained that he had felt much better and decided to surprise Iain by attending his session personally. Disrupted by construction dust on Havelock Street, Khalid had panicked and fled, neglecting to mention it earlier due to its perceived unimportance. Upon showing Khalid a picture of Nathan, Max confirmed their encounter.
Back at the station, Max updated the team. Connor revealed that Spike had been phoning Daisy Philips, whose recovery was progressing. The calls traced back to a disposable phone, and therapy tapes revealed she had lost contact with Spike years ago.
Frustrated, Max arrived home to find the lights out. Nathan confronted him, revealing he had visited the station but feared arrest, so he had followed Max back. While Nathan was distracted, Max phoned Layla to eavesdrop. Nathan insisted he hadn't hurt Iain, professing his love for him. Nathan wanted to tell Iain he was back on medication and could resume their relationship. He had visited the previous two days but found Iain alone, injured. Nathan removed his bandage to help Iain, who in turn gave him a talisman and acknowledged his house arrest. Believing he had saved Iain's life, Nathan thought the amulet would shield him from discovery. Nathan discarded the bandage with soiled towels but clung to the talisman. Layla heard Nathan seize the phone and end the call.
Max tried to persuade Nathan to lay down the knife. Nathan revealed the amulet from Iain's hand, featuring a picture of a joyful Daisy embracing him. Just as officers descended upon the boat, Nathan brandished the talisman, and Max seized the knife.
Max assured Nathan of his trust and subsequently thanked Layla for her presence and promptness in answering the phone. He then presented Layla with the carabiner, which Nathan had retrieved, hypothesizing that Iain must have wrenched it from the assailant. The gear, typically used by climbers and arborists, added another layer to the mystery. Ross was summoned for another round of questioning. Meanwhile, Layla received a reassuring call from the hospital, informing her that Daisy was now out of harm's way.
Connor showed them a video footage capturing Daisy exiting her session with Iain, while the tree surgeons were packing up for the day. Tony approached Layla, and they embraced warmly. Suspicions arose about Tony possibly being Spike. In their quest to locate him, they stumbled upon an envelope at his place, containing what seemed to be an SD card, accompanied by a chilling note: "He deserved it." Upon reviewing the footage, they witnessed Iain employing unconventional methods to help Daisy conquer her intimacy phobia. Max, recognizing the urgency, instructed the team to prepare a vehicle as he had pinpointed Iain's whereabouts.
They found Tony with Daisy and promptly apprehended him. Tony declared his desire to confess, revealing that his time in prison had convinced him that Daisy was the only person who mattered in his life. Devastated to find her absent upon his release, he remained hopeful of reuniting with her. His disbelief turned to heartbreak when he saw her in distress, a victim of Iain's rape. Layla acknowledged that Iain's actions were in no way Daisy's fault. Tony's sole mission had been to retrieve the tape for Daisy, a mission he admitted to having lost control over. He expressed relief at Iain's demise and vowed to serve his sentence but never to cease loving Daisy. She, addressing him as Spike, acknowledged that he had been the missing piece in her life all along.
Martha offered an apology to Emma, acknowledging her oversight in not disclosing Mandy's incident sooner. Charlotte emphasized that Iain alone was responsible for his deeds. Ross informed Jess of his relief, as this development exonerated him from the murder charge. However, she reminded him that his thieving past still haunted him, revealing that his accomplice, Davie Slinn, had spilled the beans on their Havelock Street caper and three other jobs in the vicinity.
The team pondered the justice of Tony's plight. Max generously handed out money for drinks, despite his intentions to decline. Later, he joined Astrid to watch an old movie, contemplating whether to book a motel. However, Astrid assured him of his welcome. Max noticed Astrid receiving a call from someone named Richard, prompting her to step outside to take it.
