DCI BANKS returns for its grittiest season yet with an explosive serial crime story. When the victim of a frenzied attack is found in woodland, the team wonder if it’s a random killing or related to the location – a shrine to a local girl who recently committed suicide there. But when Banks uncovers a link to local crime boss Steve Richards, he formulates a theory of his own.
Elsewhere what starts out as a missing person’s case soon escalates into a kidnap and ransom. And Banks and the team have a painful job finding out how a recent tragedy occurred. While Chief Superintendent Anderson puts pressure on DI Helen Morton to close the case, Banks becomes increasingly certain this is all down to one man – crime boss Steve Richards.
EPISODE GUIDE:
Episode 1: “To Burn In Every Drop of Blood” airs Thursday, Jan. 5 at 10 p.m. - When the victim of a frenzied attack is found in woodland, initially the team wonder if it’s random or related to the location – a shrine to a local girl who recently committed suicide there.
After the victim is identified and Banks uncovers a link to local crime boss Steve Richards, Banks formulates a theory of his own: he’s convinced the hitherto untouchable Richards had a part in the murder. As he struggles to find the proof, Banks becomes obsessed with pinning it on Richards.
As the rest of the team learn more about the victim, more suspects come under the spotlight. Slowly the team begins to wonder if the infallible Banks hasn’t got it wrong. Banks is finally vindicated when Richards’ alibi for the night of the murder is proven to be false. Having found a chink in Richards’ armour, it looks like he’s done what no other policeman has managed to do – until events take a tragic turn for the worse.
Episode 2: “A Little Bit Of Heart“ airs Thursday, Jan. 12 at 10 p.m. - What starts out as a missing person’s case soon escalates into a kidnap and ransom – but when the perpetrators cleverly stay one step ahead of the police it soon becomes clear that they are far from average criminals.
The case is further complicated by the fact the victim, a wealthy businessman, came to Leeds after fleeing persecution from his birth country of China. Banks wonders if the motives could be connected to his past. Instinctive police-work ensures the victim is rescued and it appears the case is closed – until an unexpected turn of events escalates into a full on murder investigation. And a tragedy occurs that is even closer to home.
Episode 3: “Undertow“ airs Thursday, Jan. 19 at 10 p.m. - Banks and the team have a painful job to find out how a recent tragedy occurred. Following dogged police work, they locate and close in on a suspect - only to be thwarted when it’s discovered there’s no way they are to blame. While recently appointed Chief Superintendent Anderson puts pressure on Helen to reign in Banks and close the case, Banks becomes increasingly certain that this is all down to one man – crime boss Steve Richards.
But every moment he comes closer to nailing Richards, evidence fades, witnesses disappear or scapegoats step up to take the fall. Soon, Banks’ obsession with nailing Richards sends him over the edge, resulting in Anderson exiling him from the station and making Helen acting DCI in his place. As Helen is forced to choose between career ambition and loyalty to her team, Banks is pushed into a place he’s never been before in order to ensure good triumphs over evil.
CREDITS:
A Left Bank Pictures production for ITV. Distributed by BBC Worldwide. Starring: Stephen Tompkinson (WILD AT HEART, TROLLIED), Andrea Lowe (LOVE LIFE, MONROE), Caroline Catz (DOC MARTIN, MURDER IN SUBURBIA), Samuel Anderson (TROLLIED, DOCTOR WHO), Shaun Dingwall (LEGENDS, SILENT WITNESS), Shaun Dooley (BROADCHURCH, ORDINARY LIES), Maime McCoy (THE MUSKETEERS), Jack Deam (NEW TRICKS, CASUALTY), Keith Barron (HOLBY CITY, DOCTORS). Written by Nicholas Hicks-Beach (INSPECTOR LEWIS, LAW AND ORDER UK), Paul Logue (DEATH IN PARADISE). Based on the novels by Peter Robinson. Directors: Craig Pickles (DCI BANKS, SUSPECTS), Robert Quinn (HOME FIRES, JEKYLL AND HYDE), Mark Brozel (DICKENSIAN, "Holy Cross"). Producer: Anne-Louise Russell (CASUALTY). Executive Producer: Andy Harries (STRIKE BACK, WALLANDER), Radford Neville (THE GAME, "The Borrowers").
