Line of Duty hits record ratings as ‘H’ actor defends ‘pathetic’ ending
LINE of Duty may have pulled in the biggest TV drama audience for 20 years but many fans were left underwhelmed by the show’s finale.
The much-hyped last episode of series six was viewed by an average of 12.8 million people and a peak of 13.1 million – making it the most watched drama in two decades.
The previous highest draw was 13.2 million for an instalment of ITV’s Heartbeat in February 2001.
But some branded the ending “disappointing”, “underwhelming” and “pathetic” on Twitter after bumbling DSI Ian Buckells was unmasked as the criminal mastermind dubbed “H”.
One wrote: “Pathetic and unbelievable that an idiot was revealed as H. Wasted years of my life!”
Another quoted the police thriller’s anti-corruption chief Supt Ted Hastings, quipping: “Mother of God, let that be the end of Line of Duty.”
Tattoos
But Martin Compston, who played DCI Steve Arnott, is so happy with hitting 12 million viewers that he and co-stars Adrian Dunbar and Vicky McClure may get tattoos – along with show creator Jed Mercurio.
He tweeted: “Myself, Vicky, Adrian and Jed made an agreement in the inconceivable, ridiculous scenario we ever got 12 million viewers we would get ‘AC12million’ tattoos. We’ll see who’s good to their word.”
He accepted the mixed response to the drama’s climax and said: “Fully understand it wasn’t the ‘urgent exit’ type ending some anticipated but we appreciate you sticking with us.”
Most TV reviewers gave the episode a lukewarm three stars and pointed to plot holes or a lack of shocks or deaths at the show’s conclusion.
But Nigel Boyle, who played DSI Buckells, said it would have been impossible to keep everyone happy.
He added: “Sometimes the subtler message is more important.”
The 41-year-old was told he was going to be H during the first lockdown. He said on Breakfast TV: “I’ve been sitting on it for a long time. The only person I told was my wife.”
Key stars Martin, 36, and Vicky, 37, gave the impression it was the end of the line for the drama before it aired.
Martin tweeted: “Been a wild few weeks and mental 10 years.A job of a lifetime only made possible by the fans tuning in series after series.”
While Vicky said: “Please excuse the over-emotional post but it’s been a surreal time! Let’s wrap this up.”
Yet there is still a clamour for the show, which started in 2012, to carry on. BBC bosses are due to meet writer Jed to persuade him to continue the blockbuster or create a spin-off series. Chief content officer Charlotte Moore said: “Jed Mercurio is a master of his craft and I would like to congratulate him and the entire cast and crew.
“I’m looking forward to having a conversation with the team about where we go next and what the future of the series might be.”