As the curtains rise on the fifth installment of "Virdee," viewers are transported to the vibrant yet tumultuous landscape of Punjab in 2017. Officer Sharma (portrayed by Sagar Arya) finds himself confined within a cell, face-to-face with Jai Pawa (played by Ramon Tikaram). Sharma's piercing gaze demands an answer: is Jai prepared to unveil the secrets of his operations, or does Basanti still have tricks up her sleeve? Jai stands accused of orchestrating the smuggling of heroin from the heart of Punjab to the distant shores of England. Sharma yearns to unravel the intricate web of their supply chain, uncovering each of its concealed stops.
Jai, however, counters with an unexpected proposition. He whispers an enticing offer, asking Sharma if he harbors aspirations to become the undisputed master of the prison realm and the most formidable figure in Punjab. Jai boasts that he possesses the means to turn these dreams into reality, provided Sharma aids in his escape and facilitates his return to England. Sharma, intrigued yet cautious, wonders aloud if Jai's motive stems from a desire to avenge his own fall from grace. Jai, firm in his conviction, insists that this endeavor transcends mere power politics. When Sharma inquires about the enigmatic Basanti, Jai remains tight-lipped, adding another layer of mystery to their confrontation.
Switching scenes, Harry Virdee (Staz Nair) finds himself sprawled on the ground, a grim tableau of pain and confusion. His body is slick with an amber substance, seemingly honey, attracting a swarm of wasps that buzz with malicious intent. In a flurry of activity, Virdee is rushed to the hospital, where Dr. Nida Azhar (Melissa Advani) and a diligent paramedic (Evie Hargreaves) spring into action, striving to stabilize his condition. Saima Hyatt (Aysha Kala) enters the fray, her eyes filled with concern as she checks on him.
Elsewhere, DS Khalil Amin (Danyal Ismail) informs Rebecca Armitage (Elaine Tan) that SOCO (Scene of Crime Officers) will meticulously comb through the premises once they conclude their examination of Henford's house. As they venture inside, their eyes catch sight of graffiti scrawled across a wall, a silent testament to the turmoil within. They discover the very spot where Virdee's ordeal with the wasps unfolded, a chilling reminder of his near-fatal encounter. Khalil pulls open a freezer door, revealing a grim discovery: a body, draped in leeches, identified as Matthew Henford, the former accountant turned state's witness against Pawa.
DS Clare Conway (Elizabeth Berrington) updates Saima, revealing that Virdee was found collapsed outside the suspect's residence, an unattended figure on the street. Saima's incredulous tone betrays her surprise at their lack of awareness regarding Virdee's whereabouts. Conway clarifies that Virdee was without his radio, suspended from duty, rendering him invisible to his comrades. Ubaid (Javed Khan) joins their conversation, gently urging Saima to consider stepping outside for a breath of fresh air, asking if Virdee's family has been informed. Saima, her voice steeled with resolve, insists that she cannot confront them at this moment, her focus laser-locked on the task at hand.Riaz Hyatt, alias Vikash Bhai, receives a cryptic message hinting at Pawa's potential return to Bradford. Riaz, keen on verification without alerting Sophie Brodenham (played by Nichola Burley), prefers discretion. Just then, Sophie emerges, her voice tinged with concern over a potential retaliation by Vasil. She urges Riaz to exercise caution and perhaps work remotely for a spell. However, Riaz remains unmoved by the suggestion. When Sophie inquiries about Harry, Riaz dismisses it as a chapter closed, reminding her that every decision comes with its reckoning.
Alastair Boardman (portrayed by Jack Archer) confronts Jai, demanding motives and accusing him of the detective's demise. Jai promptly calls Jonathan Boardman (Silas Carson), informing him of his captive son and announcing his intention to surrender at City Park, unharming Alastair, but demanding Harry Virdee in return. Meanwhile, Khalil stands vigil at the hospital as Harry awakens, relaying the gravity of his plight and sharing that Henford has been located. Harry, though uncertain, suspects the perpetrator resembled Jai Pawa. Khalil relays Harry's assertion to Jonathan, who senses a deeper conspiracy at work.
Vasil Shala (played by Andi Jashy), seeking clarity on the recent disturbances at his tearoom, summons Ateeq Farooqi (Yousef Naseer). Ateeq reveals his contact with Bradford West, noting that the abduction incident bolstered their trust in him. He clarifies that the mastermind goes by Riaz Hyatt and will be at a specified locale today. Vasil, pleased with their strategy's success, inquiries about the tearoom damage. Ateeq insists Vasil would be aware if he had any knowledge. As a gesture of gratitude, Vasil hands Ateeq ten thousand pounds. Turning to Viktor (Connor Horrigan), Vasil tasks him with eliminating Riaz Hyatt, hinting at a grim fate for a child involved.
Conway confirms with the British Consulate that Jai indeed escaped from prison, with the videos being deceitful fabrications. The search intensifies for Sophie and others who might aid their investigation. Jonathan insists on speaking with Harry Virdee. Ubaid concludes his prayers, while Saima discusses Harry's suspension with him. Their conversation is abruptly interrupted by Jonathan and Conway.Jonathan imparts the details of the call to Virdee, while Saima expresses her reservations about Virdee leveraging his position to apprehend Alastair and Jai. Jonathan reassures him of full tactical backing. Distressed by this conversation, Saima exits the room abruptly. Catching up with her, Virdee confesses that his suspension stemmed from a suspect manipulating him into confessing to a murder. Intrigued, Saima inquires about the tactics employed by the suspect, wondering if the phone somehow factored into it. Unaware that she had already returned Riaz's phone, Virdee suggests she pose this question to Riaz. Virdee promptly informs Riaz of Saima's awareness, and they arrange a meeting at the warehouse.
At the warehouse, Ateeq engages in a heated discussion with Riaz about being relegated to menial tasks. Riaz confronts Ateeq about his accusation against Vasil, to which Ateeq responds that he was merely seeking a transfer to Riaz's group. He claims his actions were part of a strategic maneuver, and Vasil's reaction was a warning. Riaz emphasizes his involvement in this undertaking due to his ties to people, family, and a sense of ethics, insisting he is fostering genuine employment opportunities.
Just then, Riaz receives a message announcing the arrival of the final shipment. Virdee arrives at a crucial moment, witnessing an assassination attempt on Riaz. Elsewhere, Tara Virdee-Duggal, played by Nina Singh, expresses gratitude to Saima for meeting her and inquires about Paul King. Saima recounts him as a brute who raided their shop during the 2001 riots, almost claiming her mother's life before Riaz intervened. Tara expresses doubts about Harry and Riaz being the men they purport to be.
Ubaid approaches Ranjit Virdee, portrayed by Kulvinder Ghir, introducing himself and mentioning he donned Ranjit's traditional shalwar kameez before deciding to change into different attire for the occasion. Ubaid reveals his purchase of a shop on Lammington Lane three decades ago, explaining his earlier attire choice as an attempt to blend in. Meanwhile, Enzo and Harry deliberate on their next steps concerning Riaz, refusing to allow Harry to contact the police. The bullet lodged in Riaz's arm is successfully removed.
Ubaid urges Ranjit to forgive Harry and Saima for their actions, asserting that Aaron's greatest blessing is his ignorance of the hardships and sorrows they have endured.Ubaid departs shortly thereafter, leaving behind a tense atmosphere. Harry inquiries of Riaz about the conversation he had with Saima, to which Riaz responds by revealing that he imparted the very same information he is now sharing with Harry. Riaz warns Harry to steer clear of him and his affairs, vowing to cut ties with everyone associated with Vasil. Virdee cautions Riaz that his actions will irreversibly alter his path. After Virdee's departure, Enzo reveals that he has spread word that Vasil has successfully recruited his man. Eager to strike when Vasil's defenses are down, Riaz plots his downfall. Meanwhile, Ateeq observes Virdee entering his vehicle and, upon receiving a call, confirms to Vasil that Riaz is deceased—a false report intended to deceive.
Alastair begs Jai for his freedom, but Jai is engrossed in constructing a treacherous trap, explaining that some deaths merit a lingering demise. Elsewhere, the police brace for Virdee's encounter with the suspect, as Jonathan learns that Virdee intends to carry a firearm. Saima, desperate to locate Riaz, rummages through his desk and discovers a gun. Noticing Chloe nearby, Saima hastily conceals the weapon in her pocket. Chloe, realizing Saima is Riaz's sister, informs her that Riaz is occupied and unavailable. Saima hurries away, concealing the gun in her purse once she's inside her car.
Outside, Enzo stands guard while Sophie checks on Riaz, informing him of the police operation planned for the night. Seizing the opportunity, Riaz decides to confront Vasil tonight, exploiting the police distraction. He insists on attending as it's high time he confronted Vasil face-to-face. Later, Enzo receives a call confirming Vasil's capture, along with the identity of the informant. Riaz demands their presence as well. From afar, Saima keeps a wary eye on the proceedings.
Conway, in charge of the operation, grants Harry permission to use his weapon if he senses any danger. Virdee vows not to be outmaneuvered again. Saima watches as the men escort Vasil and Ateeq to Riaz. She slips inside and witnesses Enzo brutality assaulting Vasil, before turning their attention to Ateeq. Riaz attempts to provoke Ateeq into shooting Vasil, reminding him that innocence has no place in their world.
Ateeq ponders over his childhood memories within the confines of this bustling city when, abruptly, Vasil's life is snuffed out by Riaz's cold, calculated shot. Saima, shaken, retreats from the scene only to halt abruptly as her phone buzzes with Harry's call. But fate, cruel and unforgiving, strikes again as another vehicle collides with her, cutting her conversation short. A shadowy figure emerges from the offending automobile, calmly terminating her call.
Meanwhile, Conway meticulously verifies that each member of her team is strategically positioned. She reaches out to Harry, who assures her of his well-being. Their target, Jai's van, has been sighted on Manchester Road, and it draws nearer. Harry alerts Conway to the van's tinted windows, shrouding its occupants in mystery. Out steps Jai, accompanied by Alastair, whose neck is encased in a chilling, sinister trap. Harry alerts Conway to the device, cautioning against taking a shot at Jai, who might be wielding a dead man's switch. Jai, sensing their apprehension, demonstrates that he isn't wearing an explosive vest. He instructs Alastair to live by relinquishing him, but first, orders Harry to dispose of his earpiece, desiring an undisturbed conversation. With a chilling threat to release the button and condemn Alastair to his fate, Harry complies.
Virdee, seizing the moment, attempts to apprehend Jai. Jai, realizing defeat but far from capitulation, surrenders peacefully. However, Virdee's attention is drawn to Saima's necklace dangling from Jai's neck. Jai, with a sinister smile, hints that their confrontation is far from over. He holds Saima's life in the palm of his hand, warning that if Virdee utters a word, her fate will be sealed. With a twisted sense of triumph, Jai taunts that they shall witness just how far Harry is willing to go to rescue her.
