DI Riya Ajunwa, frustrated with being assigned petty crimes, starts linking a seemingly solved missing persons case, a mysterious stag's obliteration, and eco-protestors at a fracking site.

As the town gathers at the Carvery to confront Eddie's return, Riya, Ali, and Nish investigate Katie's forest ordeal. Meanwhile, Lilly warns Jim of escalating protests, Katie and Mehmet's plan to move to Manchester hits a snag, and a stranger arrives to see the Tree of Good Hope.

As the town mourns Mehmet's tragedy, Katie and John’s engagement is threatened by shocking revelations. Jim fights to clear his name, while Riya focuses on her work until unexpected clues lead her to a major discovery.

Riya's conversation with Nina gets her in trouble with Linda, leading to a transfer. She seeks comfort at the pub with Jakub but faces temptation from Nick.

As Kane is interrogated by Riya, Linda diverts police efforts elsewhere. Ali and Nish uncover new mysteries while retracing Mehmet's steps. Nina’s confession shifts the investigation.

Riya loses faith in her investigation after a revelation about Jim's attack, but a bittersweet farewell leads to new evidence. The Best Kept Village judges arrive to find Chadder Vale in chaos.