“DON’T you want to know the secret?”
“I’ll tell you…”
There’s a riot in Fenchurch Prison in Ashes To Ashes final series episode six.
Written by James Payne, this is a dark, brooding and increasingly disturbing hour as we tumble towards the final two episodes.
Including a tantalising glimpse of a scene from episode eight and more clues about what it all may mean.
Gene Hunt (Philip Glenister) leads the first police charge into the prison but walks into an ambush.
Leaving members of his team at serious risk from riot leader Jason Sacks, played by Stanley Townsend.
This week’s Ashes includes what looks to be a potentially pivotal scene between Gene and Jim Keats (Daniel Mays).
A possible explanation for those stars.
And a major discovery for Alex (Keeley Hawes) in the final frames.
In amongst it all, I spotted the exact same make of typewriter as the one I used in a Fleet Street newspaper office way back in 1983.
There is something in this episode which did not sit well with me when I first watched it.
But I warmed to it more on repeated viewings.
There’s also a sadness at the knowledge that we are moving ever closer to saying goodbye to these characters.
The story heading towards its end like sand in an hourglass.
This is a powerful, sobering visit to Fenchurch East, with more shade than light.
Paving the way for those final two episodes.
Fans of a certain element of Ashes To Ashes should also pay full attention to the end titles teaser trail for next week.
Things to look out for in episode six include:
1. Another toy vehicle.
2. Bubbles.
3. A roll.
4. Spades.
5. A parcel.
6. Matey.
7. A box.
8. A message.
9. Immortal.
10. Tears.
*Ashes To Ashes final series episode six is on BBC1 at 9pm on Friday.
Music tracks this week include:
Mars Meets Ashes: Keeley Hawes
Ashes To Ashes: Philip Glenister Extras
Philip Glenister Official Site
The Railway Arms Ashes and Mars Fansite
Follow Keeley Hawes on Twitter
Follow Dean Andrews on Twitter
Follow Matthew Graham on Twitter

