Line of Duty Season 7 Will Look Again at the 'H' Story

Good news for fans of the police show Line of Duty! Season 7 is coming and will explore the mystery of 'H' again. The main actors will return. The show's police anti-corruption unit, AC-12, will also change.
By Newsroom | TV Shows, Crime Drama |

The highly anticipated seventh season of the police drama "Line of Duty" is set to reopen the contentious investigation into the elusive figure known as 'H'. This development comes following considerable fan reaction to the resolution of the storyline in the sixth series. The principal actors Martin Compston, Vicky McClure, and Adrian Dunbar are confirmed to return as the core AC-12 team, though the unit itself will undergo a structural change.

Background and Context

The return of "Line of Duty" for a seventh series was confirmed by the BBC. This news followed a period of speculation since the conclusion of the sixth season in 2021. The sixth series culminated in the identification of Detective Sergeant Ian Buckells as 'H', a revelation that generated significant discussion and, according to reports, fan dissatisfaction.

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  • The seventh season aims to revisit the 'H' storyline.

  • The main cast, including Martin Compston (Steve Arnott), Vicky McClure (Kate Fleming), and Adrian Dunbar (Ted Hastings), will reprise their roles.

  • The series is expected to begin filming in Belfast.

  • AC-12, the anti-corruption unit, has been disbanded and will be known as the Inspectorate of Police Standards in the new season.

  • A new character, Detective Inspector Dominic Gough, is expected to be introduced.

Fan Reaction and Narrative Shift

Reports indicate that the decision to re-examine the 'H' narrative is a direct response to audience sentiment regarding the conclusion of series six. While the identity of 'H' was revealed, the nature of this resolution appears to have left a segment of the viewership seeking further clarification or a different outcome. The writers have acknowledged the strong connection they feel with the show's audience.

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"Everyone involved in Line of Duty feels enormous gratitude to the show's fans." - Jed Mercurio, Writer

This statement suggests an awareness of, and responsiveness to, the feedback received. The proximity of the creative team is noted, with one report mentioning frequent communication between the writers and actors.

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The 'H' Investigation: Unanswered Questions and Theories

The "H" mystery has been a central plot device throughout several seasons of "Line of Duty." The identity of 'H', the senior corrupt police officer, was a prolonged and intricate pursuit for AC-12.

  • The series six finale identified Ian Buckells as 'H'.

  • This identification followed investigations into an organised crime group (OCG).

  • Prior to Buckells' identification, theories circulated, including speculation that Patricia Carmichael, a senior officer, might be 'H'. Her actions, such as closing down Hastings' lines of inquiry, fueled these suspicions.

  • Some viewers noted her pen-tapping during interrogations, theorizing it could be Morse code for 'H'.

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The move to reopen this storyline suggests that the finality of Buckells' designation as 'H' may be revisited or that its implications were not fully explored. The purpose of this re-examination, and whether it points to a larger conspiracy or a flawed investigation, remains a key question.

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Structural Changes at AC-12

The restructuring of AC-12 into the Inspectorate of Police Standards signifies a potential shift in the unit's operational focus and authority.

  • The disbandment of AC-12 indicates a disruption to the established investigative framework.

  • The new title, Inspectorate of Police Standards, suggests a broader remit, potentially encompassing wider oversight rather than solely focusing on internal corruption investigations.

  • This change may present new challenges and dynamics for the returning officers.

Expert Commentary

While direct commentary from showrunners or network executives on the specifics of the 'H' storyline's reopening is limited, the acknowledgement of fan pressure and the confirmation of a new series suggest a strategic narrative decision. The reported sentiment among writers highlights a direct link between audience engagement and creative direction.

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Findings and Implications

The decision to revisit the 'H' storyline in "Line of Duty" series 7 is a notable development, stemming from fan response to the previous season's conclusion. The return of the core cast and the structural reorganisation of AC-12 indicate significant narrative elements are being introduced.

  • Audience Influence: The move underscores the impact of viewer perception on established television series.

  • Narrative Continuation: The reopening of the 'H' plot suggests unresolved threads or a desire to provide a more comprehensive or satisfying conclusion for the audience.

  • Unit Evolution: The transformation of AC-12 into the Inspectorate of Police Standards points to new operational contexts and potential conflicts for the protagonists.

  • Filming and Release: Filming is slated to commence in Belfast, with a release date for the new season yet to be announced.

Further details regarding the plot of series 7 and how the 'H' investigation will be integrated are expected to emerge as production progresses.

Sources Used:

Note: Article 7, 10, and 11 from The Guardian and BBC News were contextually relevant to the 'H' investigation and fan theories prior to the series 7 announcement, providing background to the controversy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Will the main actors be in Line of Duty Season 7?
Yes, Martin Compston, Vicky McClure, and Adrian Dunbar will be back. They play the main police officers.
Q: What is the 'H' story?
'H' is a secret corrupt police officer that the main characters have been trying to find for a long time. The last season showed who they thought 'H' was, but some fans were not happy.
Q: Where will Line of Duty Season 7 be filmed?
The new season is planned to be filmed in Belfast.
Q: What happens to AC-12 in Season 7?
The anti-corruption unit AC-12 has been changed. It will now be called the Inspectorate of Police Standards.