The series kicks off with a bang as a young woman is abducted by what appears to be the mysterious "Balaclava Man" who is suspected of having abducted, killed, and dismembered at least two young women from the same area of town. DCI Huntley and her team have been handling the case, but in the last few months the investigation has stalled, so this fresh lead is just what the team needs. Long story short, they track the suspect to a home and are able to rescue the young woman and find a treasure trove of evidence linking a young man named Michael Farmer to the crimes. Huntley's boss, ACC Hilton (Paul Higgins), is more than thrilled to finally have a solid suspect, especially since he has been pressuring Roz to wrap up the case, but Forensic Investigator Timothy Ifield (Jason Watkins) doesn't think things quite add up in the evidence and he suspects a conspiracy. He's the one who calls in AC-12 to investigate, all on the down-low, of course.
AC-12, led by Commander Ted Hastings (Adrian Dunbar), slips newly promoted DS Kate Fleming (Vicky McClure, The Secret Agent) into Huntley's ranks working undercover on the premise of a investigating a missing young woman who could be connected to the Balaclava Man case, while DS Steve Arnott (Martin Compston) comes at Roz's team from the front, full force. Roz is shaken, but steadfast as she truly believes she has her man and feels she is being targeted, with her credibility called into question because she is a woman. When she confronts Ifield as the one who put AC-12 onto her, a terrible chain of events is set into motion that leave the viewer wondering how to differentiate between the good and the bad guys.
As AC-12 digs deeper and Fleming manages to gain Roz's trust somewhat, various people will find themselves under the shadow of suspicion for various reasons, even members of the AC-12 themselves. As bodies and body parts turn up, more layers of corruption are revealed and the members of AC-12 realize that the corruption discovered during the previous series was only the tip of the iceberg; some crimes hark all the way back to Line of Duty: Series 1! Before everything plays out in grand, incredible fashion, one team member will find themselves horribly injured, with another questioning their future at the AC-12.
Line of Duty: Series 4 is quite simply fantastic. It's a visceral, pulse-pounding, thrilling cop drama that will have you glued to your TV from start to finish. It's a shining example of the perfect cop drama and if you haven't been watching this show, you really need to start. Line of Duty: Series 1 - 2 are available to watch on Acorn TV, but oddly enough, Line of Duty: Series 3 and 4 are not, so the only way you'll get to see this gem is if you buy it. But trust me, Thandie Newton is an incredible addition to this series, and the regular crew of Line of Duty never disappoints. Highly, highly recommended.
