Line of Duty series 6 episode 1 recap: Who is the real DCI Joanne Davidson? All the questions surrounding Kelly Macdonald’s enigmatic arrival

*Warning: The article contains huge spoilers from Line of Duty series 6 episode 1, obviously. 

Line of Duty slapped harder than a scorned Peggy Mitchell tonight, as Jed Mercurio introduced us to AC-12’s most ‘enigmatic adversary’ yet in Kelly Macdonald’s DCI Joanne Davidson. 

Two years have passed since Ted Hastings (Adrian Dunbar) swerved being framed as the elusive H, which turned out to be not one but four bent coopers – one of which is yet to be uncovered. 

In that time, the landscape has changed entirely and over the course of the next six episodes, it’s no doubt going to become clear plenty has happened between the fractured golden trio – Hastings, Steve Arnott (Martin Compston) and now former AC-12 DS Kate Flemming (Vicky McClure). 

A year after the murder of journalist Gaila Vella, new information has come to light pointing at her killer with a familiar suspect number one in Terry Boyles. On the surface, Davidson is determined to seek justice but can we be so sure? 

‘You have no idea what she’s capable of,’ her heartbroken ex-girlfriend Farida warned a concerned Arnott, unknowingly paving the way for AC-12 to be reunited. 

So, is Joanne the most dangerous enemy AC-12 has come across yet? Or is Farida out for revenge? Joanne’s arrival has raised many questions, but will we be able to predict the answers?

Could Joanne be the final piece to puzzle ’H’?

Actually, one episode down and we’re no wiser to the identity of the final ‘H’. There was absolutely no mention of the mystery which has been bubbling since series three, which was surprisingly refreshing.

At this point, her arrival doesn’t even feel like a red herring but an entirely new chapter for Line of Duty. We’ve been promised answers by the cast and Mercurio, but to what remains to be seen. 

What are Farida’s motives to expose Joanne?

At the beginning of tonight’s nail-biter, after Joanne deterred officers from heading straight to Terry Boyle’s flat, Farida warned AC-12 she’s a force to be reckoned with and behind Kate’s softly spoken new boss is an unimaginable threat.

But Farida’s desperation to salvage her relationship with Joanne was undeniable – she’s broken, lost, and madly in love. For better or worse, Farida is going to be a big player in series six but the odds she’ll make it out of this chapter alive seem unlikely. 

What is going on between Joanne and Kate? 

Farida wasn’t shy admitting she had concerns about Kate and Joanne’s relationship, which until the final moments seemed strictly professional. Kate has split from her partner, who seems to have custody of their little boy and she appears to be newly single; Joanna has clearly moved on from Farida, and that last look towards Kate in tonight’s final moments either suggests there’s an office romance in store – or it’s already been going on. 

Why the Bank of England vault level of locking?

As Kate returned home after collecting her things from Farida, it turned out she’s basically living in a vault and is clearly hiding something extraordinary, damning or both. But who is she hiding from? 

Line of Duty continues Sunday at 9pm on BBC One. 

Got a story?

If you’ve got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the Metro.co.uk entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@metro.co.uk, calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we’d love to hear from you.