Line of Duty Set to Revisit Controversial ‘H’ Storyline in Highly Anticipated Season 7
Fans of the gripping BBC police corruption drama Line of Duty have reason to celebrate, as the show is officially returning for a seventh season. More significantly, the series is poised to revisit a storyline that left many viewers deeply unsatisfied: the identity of the elusive, high-ranking corrupt officer known only as ‘H’.
Since its debut in 2012, Line of Duty has captivated audiences with its intricate plots, nail-biting interrogations, and the relentless pursuit of bent coppers by the Anti-Corruption Unit 12 (AC-12). However, the Season 6 finale, which saw Detective Chief Inspector Ian Buckells, played by Nigel Boyle, unmasked as ‘H’, failed to land with a significant portion of the fanbase. Many felt the reveal was anticlimactic and didn’t live up to the years of speculation and build-up.
The long and winding road to identifying ‘H’ had become a central mystery, drawing comparisons to other popular puzzle-box narratives. The eventual reveal of Buckells, a character often perceived as bumbling and incompetent, left many viewers questioning whether the writers had truly delivered on the promise of a master manipulator at the heart of the corruption.
However, the tide is set to turn. The production has confirmed that Season 7 will indeed “reopen” the ‘H’ case, suggesting that Buckells may have been a pawn or a misdirection rather than the ultimate architect of the corruption. This sentiment was echoed by Adrian Dunbar, the actor behind the formidable Superintendent Ted Hastings, who hinted at this very possibility back in 2022.
Speaking to the Radio Times, Dunbar elaborated on the Season 6 ending: “He’s not ‘H’. We just got the guy we could actually pin a charge on. We didn’t get ‘H’, we got Buckells, the patsy.” He further revealed that the AC-12 team themselves harboured doubts, with a scene depicting their shared disbelief: “There’s a scene when we look at each other and think: ‘Really? This t**t?’ He’s a distraction.” It appears the writers are now acknowledging this very point, much to the delight of long-time followers.
The return of the core trio – Adrian Dunbar as Ted Hastings, Martin Compston as DI Steve Arnott, and Vicky McClure as DI Kate Fleming – has also been confirmed for Season 7, signalling a strong continuity for the beloved characters. Filming is reportedly set to commence imminently, with sources indicating that the ‘H’ storyline will be a significant focus.
A source close to the production told The Sun that “devotees will be thrilled to hear Jed [Mercurio, the show’s creator] will be giving them just what they want.” While a new primary antagonist is expected to be introduced, as has been the tradition in previous seasons, their storyline is anticipated to be intricately linked with the ongoing ‘H’ mystery, creating a “sensational double-whammy” for viewers.
News of the ‘H’ storyline’s resurgence has ignited a wave of excitement on social media. Fans, who have spent years dissecting clues and theorising online, are already voicing their renewed enthusiasm. Comments flooded platforms, with one user exclaiming, “I can’t wait! I am sure that H is Osbourne, been saying it for 10 years lol.” Another simply declared, “Line of Duty season 7 WE HAVE WAITED FOR THIS.”
The decision to revisit ‘H’ suggests a strategic move by the show’s creators to address fan feedback and re-engage with the overarching narrative that has defined the series. The prospect of a dual threat – a new villain intertwined with the unresolved ‘H’ conspiracy – promises to deliver the high stakes and complex investigations that Line of Duty is renowned for.
Key Elements to Expect in Season 7:
- The Return of AC-12: Superintendent Ted Hastings, DI Steve Arnott, and DI Kate Fleming are back, ready to tackle another deep-rooted corruption case.
- Revisiting the ‘H’ Mystery: The identity and full extent of ‘H’s’ involvement in police corruption will be a central focus, potentially revealing Buckells as a mere figurehead.
- A New Primary Antagonist: A fresh villain is expected, but their motives and actions will likely be intrinsically linked to the ‘H’ conspiracy.
- Intricate Plotting: Expect the signature complex narratives, moral ambiguity, and tense interrogation scenes that have made Line of Duty a critical and commercial success.
- Fan-Driven Storytelling: The decision to re-explore ‘H’ indicates a responsiveness to audience reception, aiming to provide a more satisfying conclusion to this pivotal storyline.
The anticipation for Line of Duty Season 7 is palpable, with the promise of untangling the ‘H’ enigma once again ensuring that millions will be tuning in to see AC-12 confront their most challenging case yet.
