The finale of Line of Duty left many viewers scratching their heads and wondering what exactly happened. If you’re one of those people, don’t worry – we’ve got you covered. In this article, we’ll break down the ending of the hit show and explain everything you need to know. Here’s the Line of Duty Series 6 ending explained.
Recap of the final episode
To understand the Line of Duty Season 6 ending explained we must look back at the last episode. In the final episode of Line of Duty, viewers finally learn the identity of the mysterious H, the high-ranking police officer who had been orchestrating corruption within the force. It was revealed that H was actually four people, with the final member being revealed as Detective Superintendent Ian Buckells.
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Buckells first made an appearance in Series 1, Episode 1, where he is only the rank of Detective Inspector. It’s revealed in a final interview with A.C. 12 that Buckells began working for the O.C.G. at this time and helped them by relaying information about cases, officers and other secrets of the Central Police.
Buckells reveals all
The final episode of Line of Duty was full of major plot twists and reveals, leaving viewers on the edge of their seats. The biggest reveal was the identity of H, which turned out to be four people working together to orchestrate corruption within the police force. These were: Acting Chief Constable Derek Hilton, Detective Inspector Mathew Cotton, Jill Biggaloe, and finally Detective Superintendant Buckells.
This entire network was mainly orchestrated by now deceased Tommy Hunter, who cultivated relationships with senior police officers setting himself up to be the go-between the O.C.G. and the Central Police.
However, when Tony Gates kills himself in Episode 1, Tommy is heard on a tape confessing to crimes, because of this, Mathew Cotton strikes a deal with Hunter using the Crown Prosecution Service and other connections within the Police and Judiciary to give him full immunity from prosecution, if he agrees not to talk and reveal any information. He is told to keep quiet regarding the murders on Greek Lane involving Wesley Duke, and the murder of Jacky Laverty, as well as corrupt links to the Central police. The investigating team goes with the narrative that the Greek Lane murder was carried out by al-Qaeda. In fact, the interview between Hunter and the police is set up by Hilton, with Buckells overseeing it as well.
In series 2, Detective Sergeant Jane Akers posted to A.C. 9 who is Tommy Hunter’s personal Police liaison and Witness Protection manager for witness protection conspires with Detective Inspector Lindsay Denton to kill Hunter in an ambush. The ambush is orchestrated by D.I. Cotton, who wants Hunter silent. For her role in the ambush, D.I. Denton is given £50,000 by the O.C.G and is shot years later in series 3 by Cotton for emailing a list of corrupt officers & people associated with child sexual abuse to D.S.U. Hastings
Buckells additionally reveals that after Hunter’s death, Cotton takes over communications for the O.C.G., It’s revealed that the O.C.G. have bodies stored with many people’s DNA on them. This includes DCI Tony Gates whose DNA is found on a knife that is stained with the blood of Jacky Laverty, another person connected to the OCG.
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In Series 3, Cotton is shot to death by the O.C.G. in the final scene after he is found out to be corrupt in an interview by AC-12. Consequentially, Hilton takes over, but in Series 4 he is also killed by the O.C.G. after he cannot stop the investigation into Balaclava man, who is actually James (Jimmy) Lakewell, a charismatic solicitor who is used by the O.C.G. to frame and murder people.
Due to these events, the only 2 members of the Central Police force who work directly for the OCG are Gill Biggaloe, DSU Buckells and of course Jo Davidson, but we will come to her later.
After Jill is exposed as being a corrupt officer with links to O.C.G. and given full immunity from prosecution and witness protection, the only remaining corrupt officer part of H or the four links to the O.C.G., Buckells and Davidson are essentially the only links left. Therefore, they start working together. However, Davidson does not know the identity of the person who is controlling her and relaying orders to her from the O.C.G.
She communicates with the anonymous person using a laptop and encrypted chat, while never suspecting D.S.U. Buckells as the man behind it all. As Buckells and Davidson are the only ones after the death of Ryan Pilkington, (the corrupt P.C. who joins the force in Series 5) it makes sense for Buckells to relay orders to her while he is in prison.

He does this using a small laptop. After A.C. 12 raids his cell and discovers the laptop, he is taken to an interview and questioned about the laptop. The final interview is the result. After this happens, Buckells tries to use cunning and deploys his lawyer to try and bargain for witness protection and immunity from further prosecutions.
A.C. 12 reminds him that if he confesses to certain crimes this will make him ineligible for immunity from prosecution. Buckells is then caught in a web of his own making and forced to confess about the O.C.G. and corruption within the central police. Finally, it validates the long-term concerns of Ted Hastings, Kate Flemming and Steve Arnot. The result is the prosecution and conviction of Buckells, along with witness protection and immunity from prosecution for Jo Davidson.
The Episode ends with the statement that A.C. 12 has never been weaker than ever, hinting that A.C. 12 is not going to be around for much longer. This is after D.C.S. Carmichael announced to A.C. 12 that she and the P.C.C. will be merging 3 different Anti-Corruption departments in the Central Police.
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Unanswered questions
Additionally, some fans have questioned the fate of certain characters, such as Ted Hastings and Steve Arnott, and whether they will continue to work for AC-12. While the ending of Line of Duty provided closure for the main storyline, it’s clear that fans will continue to speculate and theorize about the show’s unanswered questions.
Overall interpretation and evaluation of the ending
The ending of Line of Duty provided closure for the main plotline, revealing the identity of the elusive “H” and bringing the corrupt officers to justice. However, there were still some unanswered questions and loose ends, leaving room for speculation and fan theories.
Despite this, the ending was generally well-received by fans and critics alike, with many praising the show’s ability to maintain suspense and deliver a satisfying conclusion. Overall, the culmination of Line of Duty was a fitting end to a gripping and intense series.
More on Line of Duty
To understand more about Line of Duty Season 6 ending, read here about the TV series Line of Duty. Line of Duty is a critically acclaimed British television series known for its gripping storylines and complex characters. The show, created by Jed Mercurio, delves into the murky world of police corruption and the efforts of an anti-corruption unit to expose and bring down corrupt officers within the fictional Central Police Force.
The series primarily follows the investigations led by AC-12, an anti-corruption unit headed by Superintendent Ted Hastings, played by Adrian Dunbar. Each season focuses on a different case, with AC-12 attempting to uncover the truth behind the actions of suspected corrupt officers. The show is renowned for its intense interrogations, intricate plot twists, and intricate web of conspiracy that keeps viewers on the edge of their seats.
“Line of Duty” has gained a massive following over the years, largely due to its attention to detail, realistic portrayal of police procedures, and its ability to constantly keep audiences guessing. The show has received widespread critical acclaim for its writing, acting, and the way it explores the themes of loyalty, betrayal, and the blurred lines between good and evil.
The Line of Duty ending, especially in its sixth season, left viewers captivated and eager for answers. The finale of the sixth season revealed the identity of the mysterious corrupt officer, known as “H,” who had been orchestrating a network of corrupt individuals within the police force. The reveal of “H” shocked fans and sparked numerous theories and discussions.
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