Happy Valley: Six theories ahead of the penultimate episode

Following Tommy Lee Royce’s wild escape from the courtroom, Ryan’s ever growing relationship with his criminal father and Faisal’s murderous turn, Happy Valley fans have been theorising about how the epic drama will conclude.

As the BBC series reaches its penultimate episode, viewers will tune in to watch Tommy on the run, which writer Sally Wainwright has revealed will mean one final showdown between the murderer and resident police hero Catherine.

While some theories have been running throughout the series, others have been added into the mix after episode four aired, as fans query the reason for Alison Garrs’ return and whether Rob Hepworth will be framed for his wife’s murder.

This week viewers have surmised that many of characters have murder in mind, including Ryan who they believe is getting close to his dad in order to avenge his mother’s death.

Sunday’s episode will pick up where it left off and viewers are all wondering the same thing – who will make it out alive? 

Here we take a look at this week’s top six theories:

1. Catherine will die and won’t make her retirement

It hasn’t gone unnoticed by viewers that Sargent Cawood’s impending retirement has been mentioned more than once throughout earlier episodes.

Her retirement do has also been noted more than once, as well as the pot of money that has been raised for her present, currently standing at more than £2,000. 

And they are worried the repeated mention of her happy ending means that she definitely won’t be getting the well earned rest she deserves.

With convicted killer Tommy on the loose after he was arrested by Catherine, there is no chance he will be letting their very chequered past lie.

Show bosses have already teased the showdown of all showdowns as the series comes to a conclusion, and there is no doubt it will involve Tommy and Catherine.

Viewers are just hopeful that Catherine will be able to walk away from the fight unscathed.

‘If bad things happen to Catherine at the end of this series I’m not sure I will be able to forgive Sally Wainwright and co.’ tweeted author JoJo Moyes. 

‘#Happyvalley Calling it now.. That retirement collection pot will be used at her funeral. Her and Tommy both getting killed off in the last episode,’ the viewer decided. 

2. Alison Garrs will kill Tommy

Alison has popped up in series 3 on a couple of occasions following her release from prison, following the manslaughter of her son Daryl.

The crime of passion took place when she learned that her son was responsible for the death of Tommy Lee Royce’s mother and several other local sex workers.

Alison fatally shot her son in the head over fears he would not be able to survive prison once Catherine learned of his crimes.

However fans have now speculated that her return in the new series must be significant, with some suggesting she will be the one to take Tommy’s life.

One person has speculated: ‘Perhaps Tommy Lee Royce comes after Catherine and Catherine fights back, but is overcome.

‘Alison saves the day by shooting Tommy Lee Royce, as she did her son in series 2.’

Another viewer shared: ‘Just leaving a tweet here to say I think Alison will have a big part in this story. 

3. Ryan is plotting to kill Tommy

Viewers have watched in horror has Ryan’s relationship with his villanous father blossoms thanks to prison visits aided by his aunt Clare’s boyfriend Neil.

Episode four even saw Ryan bunk off school to go and watch Tommy stand trial for the murder of Gary Gogoski, who was discovered during episode one.

Fans have guessed that now he is free from his prison shackles, Tommy will come for Ryan and take him away, willingly or unwillingly.

Clues in previous episodes have hinted that Tommy is headed for Spain, after he was seen listening to a Learn Spanish In 7 Days dvd.

However it has now been suggested that Ryan’s closeness with his father has nothing to do with getting to know him and everything to do with seeking revenge.

Noting his repeated catchphrase about revenge, one person said: ‘I predict the ending: After realising what happened between his mum and Tommy, Ryan kills Tommy saying ‘Revenge is a dish best served cold.’

Another said: ‘C’mon Ryan, if revenge is a dish best served cold, you have to save your gran from him. You’re his only weakness.’ 

Many others guessed that Ryan would be the one to save Catherine if and when Tommy comes for her. 

4. Richard’s research of the Knezevices spells trouble 

Local journalist Richard has been looking into the gang that casts a dark shadow over the valley throughout the third series of the show.

Catherine’s ex-husband has been investigating the criminal ring and was in the courtroom when Tommy escaped the dock.

Richard managed to stop Ryan before he could follow his father, but with his fingers stuck in many criminal pies, it spells trouble for Richard.

No doubt the Knezevices will not take kindly to Richard pushing his nose into their business and Tommy won’t be happy that he is trying to keep Ryan away from him.

After being put on the radar of some of the nastiest criminals in Yorkshire, it can only mean trouble for Richard.

One person said: ‘Tommy’s going to kill or at least hurt Richard when he escapes with Ryan, isn’t he?’ 

5. Neil is Tommy’s father 

It was discovered earlier in the series that Clare’s boyfriend Neil was to blame for Ryan’s prison visits to his father Tommy in prison.

Viewers were left scratching their heads over why he would take Ryan to visit Tommy, whose crimes include murder, rape and kidnap.

When quizzed by Catherine, Neil explained that he took Ryan to the Sheffield prison because he believed Ryan would have only gone anyway.

However fans are insistent that there must me more to it than Neil is letting on.

Some have suggested that Neil was planted in the family by Tommy so that he could get close to Ryan while in prison. 

They have even gone as far as to suggest that the strong link between the pair is due to the fact that Neil is Tommy’s father and that is the only viable reason for him putting Ryan at risk by taking him to Sheffield prison for visits.

But will the link be revealed during the finale two episodes of the show?

6. Faisal will frame Tommy for Joanne’s murder 

Joanne Hepworth’s lifeless body was horrifically discovered stuffed in a suitcase by her husband Rob in their garage during Sunday’s episode.

She had been murdered by pill-pushing pharmacist Faisal Bhatti when she threatened to expose his secret drug dealing.

To the rest of the community, Joanne is currently ‘missing’ after her parents reported her absence to the police.

After appearing totally unbothered by her absence, Rob later discovered his wife’s body in a suitcase following a visit from two officers. 

It is unclear how Rob will deal with the discovery, as while he isn’t a murder, he has proved an abusive bully – and all fingers will certainly point to him.

Faisal has perhaps committed the perfect crime by leaving Joanne in her own home with her husband, whose abuse has been noted by Catherine.

But will he ultimately be set up for murder? 

Read MORE about Happy Valley

Happy Valley continues on Sunday at 9pm on BBC One.