'Line of Duty' 6.03 review — reunions, romance and shock realizations

This post contains spoilers for Line of Duty.

Once again, Line of Duty Season 6 continues at a great pace, and this week we saw Jed Mercurio's genius plotting start to come together as events from as far back as Season 1 were mentioned. Who would have thought that when Tony Gates' bit of the side, Jackie Laverty, was killed by the OCG back in Season 1 we would still be talking about her all these years later! 

Here are five burning questions after Season 6 episode 3... 

Is Kate in danger? 

Kate Fleming (Vicky McClure) is well and truly on to Ryan Pilkington, we knew it wouldn't take her long to work out where she had seen him before, and thank goodness they didn't keep us waiting. 

Not only was it amazing seeing Kate and Steve Arnott (Martin Compston) working together again the night that Ryan tried to bump off Terry Boyle, but the nation did a collective sigh of relief when the pair quickly worked out that new recruit at Hillside Lane Station was the very same shifty character who tried to cut off Steve's fingers back in Season 1. 

But after Kate gave Ryan a grilling over the death of PC Lisa Patel, we can't help worry that she might be putting herself in danger. Ryan clearly knew that she didn't believe a word he was saying when she asked about the bruising on Lisa's neck or why his window in the patrol car happened to be open, but how long will Kate sit on what she has discovered and continue to work along side a member of the OCG? And if Ryan is capable of killing Lisa and attempting to kill Terry for his silence, can Kate stay safe? 

Has Ian Buckells been framed by Jo Davidson?

There is no denying that DCI Ian Buckells is one shady character... he has definitely got a few skeletons in his closet that he'd probably rather keep hidden. But is he corrupt through and through like AC-12 currently suspect? Was he really the one who brought Ryan to Hillside Lane? Was he really in possession of the Gail Vella missing files, or were they planted in his car by DCI Jo Davidson (Kelly Macdonald)? Kate managed to work out very quickly that he was the shifty one in the station after Jo practically handed her all the information on a plate... could she be setting up Buckells to take the spotlight off her? It certainly seems likely after she messaged 'All under control now' on her computer at the end of the episode. The plot thickens... 

Who was Jo Davidson messaging at the end of the episode? 

Speaking of Jo and her new pen pal, who exactly is 'unknown user'? Could it be whoever left her the burner phone in episode 2? Is it a member of the OCG? Or is it a corrupt officer? Perhaps the elusive fourth 'H'? Whoever it was, Jo looked about as happy to be in touch with them as she did with her new phone last week... who has got this hold over Jo? And what have they got against her that is making her frame Buckells? 

When will Steve get the results of his drugs test? 

He might have managed to escape the not-so-random drugs testing the first time round, but they got him eventually. However, now that he has been tested, what will Steve's results reveal? Did he take enough pain killers for them to show up on his test as something significant? Will this be the kick he needs to help help? Or will he just get even better at covering his tracks? 

Will Steph Corbett and Steve become an item? 

While donning blue forensic gloves and searching someone's house isn't really the best way to kick off a new relationship, could Steph Corbett and Steve have a future? While we're not sure John would be too happy about the whole thing, we can't help but like the pair of them together. However, there is now the slightly awkward fact that Steve has found Steph's secret stash of cash from Ted in the loft... perhaps not something you want to be discussing over your first date meal?! 

Line of Duty continues on Sunday nights at 9pm on BBC One. You can catch up on past seasons and missed episodes on BBC iPlayer.