‘Line of Duty’ Recap: ‘Episode 5’

Written by John Edward Betancourt

THIS IS THE EMERGENCY SPOILER ALERT SYSTEM. YOU ARE ADVISED TO READ AT YOUR OWN RISK

​The point of no return is an important concept in modern society. For it truly represents the moment that we are outright ready to commit to something big. It could be something good, such as preparing to ask the person we love if they would like to spend the rest of our lives with us. Or it could be something horrendous, like preparing to cross a line and commit a crime that we swore we never would. But one way or another, once we commit to that positive or negative thing there is no going back, and this is relevant to today’s discussion, simply because when we last saw DCI Tony Gates on Line of Duty; it seemed as though he had reached the point of no return in a negative fashion.
 
For he had abandoned DS Steve Arnott in his hour of need, and it wouldn’t be long before Tommy’s boys put an end to him like they did Jackie Laverty. And allowing for that to happen would in essence complete Tony’s downward spiral and make him no better than the thugs he put behind bars, and when we catch up with Arnott here, it would seem there’s no hope for Steve or Tony in the slightest. Because Gates is nowhere to be found, Kate and IT are struggling to get into Tony’s computer, and Steve is mere moments away from being sliced up by bolt cutters. But that’s when quite the surprise came into play, for suddenly there were sirens in the air and they in turn, led to the stunning return of Tony Gates. Who quickly dispatched the thugs and saved Steve from a horrific and bloody fate. 
 
But that act left Steve in quite the tough place. Because this proved that while Tony might be lost, he’s no killer and he can be saved and rather than immediately resume the search for Tony; Steve took the time to protect him. Something that didn’t sit well with Kate or Hastings but buying Gates a little bit of time was enough to inspire Steve to use this broken officer to finally bring all of these cases to a close. And with some creativity, Arnott was indeed able to get Tony to agree to a powerhouse sting operation, one that would bring Tommy to justice and potentially restore Gates’ honor and standing and wouldn’t you know it? The plan worked and Gates was able to get Tommy in handcuffs and provide a full confession for his crimes. But while Tony saved the day and stayed away from the brink, the damage to his personal and professional life was more than he could bear.
 
So, rather than deal with the fallout of his actions, and see his transgressions be dragged into the public eye; Tony made one hell of a devastating decision. One that would take care of his family and preserve his legacy, and in stunning fashion, Tony walked into traffic and ended his life. Which is a shocking way to end this tale since Tony was so close to redemption. But he truly felt he was too far gone, and the darkness surrounding the end of this investigation didn’t end there. Because Tommy never once faced charges, because AC-12 was looking at the wrong cop all along. For it turns out that Dot was the crooked element in TO-20 and his ascension in Tony’s absence allowed for him to fix the case, and to sour things further; Arnott’s testimony did nothing in the end since his former unit never faced a single charge for killing an innocent man.
 
If anything, this was just an incredibly shocking way to end the first season of this incredible series. For in essence, a great man fell from grace, the bad guys got away with it and not a single ounce of justice was served in this tale. Which should be infuriating, but instead, this ending deserves nothing but praise. Because this is a bold and realistic way to end this story, since those very things happen in the world on a daily basis. And with the Gates mess now behind us, who knows where this series will take us since there are more seasons of this saga waiting in the wings. But one thing is certain, in that, whatever comes our way will be bold and unfettered, and that means we are likely in for more powerful stories that will drop our collective jaws and that’s a wonderful thing when all is said and done. Until next time. 

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