Line Of Duty series 6: Top fan theories from episode 2

Line Of Duty viewers flocked to Twitter on Tuesday night to pick apart of the second episode of the new series.

And, as usual, the fan theories began rolling in thick and fast, with eagle-eyed enthusiasts noting a series of possible explanations for some of the biggest plot-holes and red-herrings dished out during the instalment.

One of the major theories centred around newcomer DCI Jo Davidson [Kelly MacDonald] who was hauled in for the first AC-12 interrogation scene of the season.

Is DCI Jo Davidson being blackmailed?

She was seen being grilled by Superintendent Ted Hastings [Adrian Dunbar], Acting DI Steve Arnott [Martin Compston] and DC Chloe Bishop [Shalom Brune-Franklin] over gross misconduct charges relating to the ongoing investigation into the murder of journalist Gail Vella [Andi Osho].

However, at the end of the episode she was let go, seemingly not guilty, after her ex-girlfriend PS Farida Jatri [Anneika Rose] was implemented in corruption.

However, Jo was seen hitching a ride with known bent copper Ryan Pilkington [Gregory Piper] and taken to collect a burner phone, making her look suspicious once more.

Fans, however, are convinced the DCI is being blackmailed into corruption, and that she is not as shady as she seems.

‘Davidson is being coerced into doing whatever it is she is doing!’ one fan declared on Twitter.

‘So Jo Davidson is just like [season 1 character] Tony Gates: coerced by the OCG into doing their dirty work, under threats to the welfare of her family. But was never corrupt from an early age, unlike Dot and Ryan! Meaning that she’s unlikely to be H!’ another theorised. 

‘So Jo is being coerced/blackmailed somehow, right? Right?!?’ another tweeted.

‘Davidson isn’t bent, she’s trapped/being threatened by OCG (could be due to her family)!’

Is DCI Jo Davidson’s mother Anne-Marie McGillis? 

Fans also speculated over who Jo’s mother could be, after she was seen in a photograph in last week’s episode.

Many theorised her mother has something to do with season five character John Corbett’s [Stephen Graham] mother Anne-Marie McGillis, who was killed by an Irish Republican paramilitary group sometime after 1989.

‘My theory is Joanne is related to Corbett in some way and has joined the OCG to bring them down and get justice for John or is being blackmailed by them?! Still think Kate is dodgy!’ someone tweeted.

Replying to this, another fan penned: ‘I thought this too, the woman in the family photo in Joanne’s house looked similar to John Corbett’s mother Anne-Marie!’

Another penned:  ‘Right, so Jo definitely set up Jatri but I get the feeling she was blackmailed into all of this for another reason… What do they have on her? And it deffo has something to do with her mother… (Who I still kinda think is Anne Marie in WP)’

Is the male voice on Gail Vella’s podcast DCI Roz Huntley’s dodgy lawyer?

Another popular theory referenced a recording of the late Gail Vella and an unknown male.

Several fans picked up on the male’s voice, linking it to series four character Jimmy Lakewell [Patrick Baladi], the lawyer of DCI Roz Huntley [Thandie Newton] and her husband Nick [Lee Ingleby].

‘I’m calling it – the male voice on the Gale Vella recording was Jimmy Lakewell, Nick Huntley’s lawyer!’ one posted.

Another agreed: ‘Tonight was crazy. They weren’t kidding when they said episode 2 took things up a notch! Also the voice on that podcast recording is Jimmy Lakewell (The bent lawyer from series 4)’

Someone else posted: ‘The voice on the Audio file with Gail Vella is 1000% this guy from series 4, Ros’ lawyer!’

Are DS Ian Buckells and Ryan Pilkington plotting together?

There was also plenty of chatter about the arrival of Ryan, who was last scene joining the police academy at the end of series five, having been part of the organised crime group.

Ryan had killed John Corbett. He also appeared in series one, as a teenager, and was interviewed by DS Ian Buckells [Nigel Boyle] – leading fans to theorise that the pair of them are in league with one another.

‘So Superintendent Buckles interviewed Ryan in season 1, so surely he would’ve noticed him as a Police Officer now? Yet I think Buckles is a massive red herring, it’s almost TOO obvious!’ someone penned.

Another added: ‘Hang on…. Buckles interviewed Ryan in Series 1? Surely he knows? Buckles is bent too!’

Will Kate and Jo hook up? 

Finally, fans appeared to be championing a romance between DI Kate Fleming [Vicky McClure] and Jo, with some predicting Kate might be using Jo for information.

‘I am very ready for this Kate Fleming and Jo Davidson dalliance!’ one person enthused.

Another penned: ‘KATE AND JO PLSSSSS!’

‘Look, if you’re gonna lock up Jo at least do it after her and Kate sleep together pls!’ another wrote.

The episode also saw Steve being temporarily promoted, continuing to battle with his injuries and strike up a potential romance with John Corbett’s widow Steph [Amy De Bhrún].

Elsewhere, AC-12 were authorised to take over Operation Lighthouse to investigate corruption.

Line Of Duty continues on Sundays at 9PM on BBC One.