Wire in the Blood

The Dead Land (1) (6x7)

: 24, 2008

In The Dead Land, the fourth and last episode in series six of this compelling crime drama, forensic clinical psychologist Dr Tony Hill (Robson Green) is brought in by Inspector Alex Fielding (Simone Lahbib) to uncover the identity of a killer who is murdering homeless men in a ritualistic fashion. The nature of the murders is unusual. The killer is feeding, bathing and wrapping the victims in paper and salt, stabbing them through the heart, and then dumping their bodies around the financial district of Bradfield. When Alex is called away to the funeral of her mother, she is replaced by a fast-tracked SIO with a degree in psychology from Oxbridge. Tony is at first resentful of this young gun, but as they work together on the killer's motive he finds he is impressed. Mentor and pupil agree that the careful way in which each body has been treated suggests a ritual element in the deaths. When Tony goes out for dinner at a Sushi eatery he finally makes the connection - the ritual killings have a Japanese inspiration. An unusual witness then posthumously leads the team to a suspect who seems like the killer in every way - but a final twist reveals the true identity of the murderer. Meanwhile, Tony becomes aware that someone is stalking him. Could it be the psychopathic cannibal psychiatrist Michael, who Tony helped convict and who has recently escaped from prison? Tony is placed under police protection, but insists on continuing with his police work. Tony is unaware that his own life is about to take a plunge into violence. Michael is not finished with him yet...