Blurred Line’s test of nerves

LINE Of Duty is now so tense I briefly considered joining the bomb squad for light relief.

We don’t know if Kate Fleming is dead. But we do know that, after more twists than a Curly Wurly, the pieces of this complex jigsaw puzzle are finally coming together.

The OCG – organised crime gang – make the Krays look like rank amateurs. No mob has exercised this much influence over the cops since the Penguin ran Gotham City.

They have got fingers in so many pies it’s a wonder they haven’t got a former prime minister lobbying for them.

They kill, rob, kidnap, deal drugs, run sex slaves and can rustle up a posse of armed thugs at the drop of a hat; often in uniform. Bent Old Bill on their payroll include Chief Constable

Philip Osborne and retired DCI Marcus Thurwell. Reluctant wrong ’un Jo Davidson turns out to be the daughter of dead kingpin Tommy Hunter and his own sister. Thanks to Lakewell’s tip, AC-12 know the rot began with the racially motivated murder of Lawrence Christopher (writer Jed Mercurio feeds off so many real crimes I’m expecting Harold Shipman to rock up next).

One of Christopher’s killers was Jo’s brother Darren Hunter.

Thurwell was chief investigating officer and his toxic team included Osborne, jailed DCI Buckells and paedo Patrick Fairbanks – in turn, the link to the Sands View Boys Home abuse ring.

It’s a big stinking mess. So no wonder top brass are out to shut down AC-12 and pension-off Ted.

The return of his nemesis Patricia “Bloody” Carmichael was just one unexpected joy.

The episode ended with Jo luring Kate to a deserted lorry park for a stand-off with rotten apple Ryan Pilkington. Two shots rang out. Gulp.

Tonight, we’ll know who copped it. If anyone…