Gibson and Burns are hauled over the coals by the police ombudsman and the policing executive for their conduct and handling of the case. When Spector's name is released to the press as the arrested suspect in the Belfast Strangler case, his wife and family are forced to deal with the consequences. Katie, enraged at not being allowed to see Spector and at the media's treatment of him, decides to take matters into her own hands.

All the while nurse Kiera Sheridan and the medical team continue to fight to keep Spector alive. But even if he survives, will he ever be fit enough to stand trial? And do Gibson and her team have enough evidence?

Gibson comes face to face with the depths of Sally-Ann's desperation, while Burns has to confront his guilt at pursuing Sally-Ann as a conspirator rather than a witness. Gibson and Dr Larson clash over their different view of Spector - patient or prisoner? Meanwhile, Anderson and Ferrington are dispatched to London to discover if Spector can be linked to an old murder there.