Coming soon to BBC Two, Line of Duty is a hard-hitting new thriller series exploring the world of police corruption.
> Order Series 1 on DVD on Amazon.
DCI Tony Gates is played by Lennie James, DS Steve Arnott by Martin Compston, DC Kate Fleming by Vicky McClure, Jackie Laverty by Gina McKee, Superintendent Ted Hastings by Adrian Dunbar, DS Matt ‘Dot’ Cottan by Craig Parkinson, DC Nigel Morton by Neil Morrissey and DC Deepak Kapoor by Faraz Ayub.
Episode 1
Tuesday 26th June 2012, 9pm
When a counterterrorism raid goes tragically wrong, Detective Sergeant Steve Arnott refuses to participate in a cover-up. Ostracised by colleagues, he transfers to an anti-corruption unit, AC-12, led by Superintendent Ted Hastings.
AC-12 is in the process of investigating one of the force’s most respected officers, Detective Chief Inspector Tony Gates. Not only has Gates just been awarded his regional force’s Officer of the Year commendation, his squad has returned the best crime figures for three consecutive years. Hastings is convinced that no one can be that good. Uncomfortable in his new role, Arnott initially questions the whole enterprise – but Hastings is convinced that no-one achieves those results by wholly legitimate means.
But Gates’ secret is something altogether unexpected. Appearing to be a devoted family man, he is conducting a passionate affair with an old flame, Jackie Laverty. When Jackie implores him to help cover up a minor traffic offence, Gates reluctantly agrees.
Gates’ squad, TO-20, is nicknamed ‘the big, sexy crime unit’ and includes Detective Sergeant Matt ‘Dot’ Cottan, Detective Constable Nigel Morton and Detective Constable Deepak Kapoor. Under pressure to have a more gender-balanced team, Gates agrees to give Detective Constable Kate Fleming a trial on TO-20. A talented detective, Kate soon wins Gates’ approval – and then starts winning his trust.
When Arnott delves into Gates’ case files, Gates is confident of seeing off the investigation. But that’s before he realises that Jackie’s minor traffic offence may have been something altogether more serious.
Episode 2
Tuesday 3rd July 2012, 9pm
Having been duped into covering up Jackie’s crime, Gates is desperate to conceal any evidence of his involvement.
Jackie visits the police station to ensure she’s in the clear, but Gates is determined to sever ties with her. Fleming’s suspicions are aroused: working secretly with Arnott they set about connecting Gates to Jackie. As the net closes on Gates, he’s forced to choose between his marriage and his career – and finds himself plunged into an even more dangerous situation.
Episode 3
Tuesday 10th July 2012, 9pm
Gates visits Jackie’s house to find blood stains on the carpet but no sign of Jackie herself. He must act fast: Arnott is racing towards him, convinced that he played a part in Jackie’s disappearance.
With Fleming’s help the anticorruption team tries to trap Gates into revealing his involvement in covering up Jackie’s crimes. Desperate to get his man, Arnott oversteps the boundaries – risking the entire anticorruption operation and his own career. Meanwhile Gates wrestles with the nagging doubt that Jackie may still be alive.
Episode 4
Tuesday 17th July 2012, 9pm
With Arnott off the case, Fleming is determined to save the anticorruption operation single-handed.
Desperate for proof of Gates’s involvement in Jackie’s crimes, Fleming pushes her relationship with him to the limit, testing how far she’ll go to gain his trust. But her behaviour causes Morton to suspect that she harbours an ulterior motive. If Fleming makes the tiniest slip-up, Morton will blow her cover.
Episode 5
Tuesday 24th July 2012, 9pm
With Gates on the run the anticorruption team come under pressure to close the case. Tensions flare between Arnott, Fleming and Hastings, as Arnott questions how intimate Fleming was prepared to get with Gates.
Meanwhile, Gates still believes he can save his career and marriage, if only he can prove his innocence. Arnott is forced to decide where his loyalties lie, while Fleming and Hastings go all out to catch Gates – leading to a shattering conclusion.
> Order Series 1 on DVD on Amazon.
Are you looking forward to Line of Duty? Let us know below…