Happy Valley: Six theories before the penultimate episode

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

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

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

Coming to an end: Happy Valley viewers have been speculating about what will happen in the last two episodes as they share their wild theories.

This week, viewers have surmised that many of the characters have murder on their minds, including Ryan, who they believe is reaching out to his father to avenge his mother’s death.

Sunday’s episode will pick up where it left off and all viewers are 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 not retire

It has not gone unnoticed by viewers that Sargent Cawood’s impending retirement has been mentioned more than once in previous episodes.

His retirement has also been mentioned more than once, as well as the amount of money that has been raised for his present, which currently stands at over £2,000.

And they worry that the repeated mention of their happy ending means that they definitely not be having the well-deserved rest you deserve.

In no!  It has not gone unnoticed by viewers that Sargent Cawood's impending retirement has been mentioned more than once in previous episodes.

In no! It has not gone unnoticed by viewers that Sargent Cawood’s impending retirement has been mentioned more than once in previous episodes.

With convicted murderer Tommy on the loose after Catherine busted him, there’s no chance he’s letting his eventful past lie.

Show bosses have already teased the matchup of all matchups as the series draws to a close, and there’s no doubt it will involve Tommy and Catherine.

Viewers are hopeful that Catherine can make it out of the fight unscathed.

“If bad things happen to Catherine at the end of this series, I’m not sure I can forgive Sally Wainwright and company.” tweeted author JoJo Moyes.

‘#Happyvalley Calling him now… That retirement collection pot will be used at his funeral. She and Tommy were killed in the last episode,’ the viewer decided.

2. Alison Garrs will kill Tommy

Alison appeared 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 he learned that his 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 out of fear that he might not survive prison once Catherine found out about his crimes.

Murder on her mind?  Alison appeared in series 3 on a couple of occasions after her release from her prison, following the manslaughter of her son Daryl.

Murder on her mind? Alison appeared in series 3 on a couple of occasions after her release from her prison, following the manslaughter of her son Daryl.

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

One person has speculated: “Maybe Tommy Lee Royce comes after Catherine and Catherine fight back, but gets beaten.”

“Alison saves the day by photographing Tommy Lee Royce, just like she did with her son in series 2.”

Another viewer shared: ‘I’m just leaving a tweet here to say that I think Alison will have a big role in this story.

1674898588 703 Happy Valley Six theories before the penultimate episode

1674898589 433 Happy Valley Six theories before the penultimate episode

1674898591 974 Happy Valley Six theories before the penultimate episode

3. Ryan is plotting to kill Tommy

Viewers have watched in horror as Ryan’s relationship with his evil father blossoms thanks to visits to the prison with the help of his Aunt Clare’s boyfriend, Neil.

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

Fans have guessed that now that he’s free of the prison shackles, Tommy will come for Ryan and take him away, willingly or not.

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

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

Hard Watch: Viewers have watched in horror as Ryan's relationship with his villainous father blossoms thanks to visits to the prison with the help of his Aunt Clare's boyfriend, Neil.

Hard Watch: Viewers have watched in horror as Ryan’s relationship with his villainous father blossoms thanks to visits to the prison with the help of his Aunt Clare’s boyfriend, Neil.

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

Another said: ‘Come on Ryan, if revenge is a dish served cold, you have to save your grandmother from it. You are his only weakness.

Many others assumed that Ryan would be the one to save Catherine when Tommy came for her.

1674898604 270 Happy Valley Six theories before the penultimate episode

1674898607 14 Happy Valley Six theories before the penultimate episode

1674898613 297 Happy Valley Six theories before the penultimate episode

4. Richard’s investigation into the Knezevices brings trouble

Local journalist Richard has been investigating the gang casting a dark shadow over the valley during the show’s third season.

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

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

Be careful!  Local journalist Richard has been investigating the gang casting a dark shadow over the valley throughout the show's third season.

Be careful! Local journalist Richard has been investigating the gang casting a dark shadow over the valley throughout the show’s third season.

There’s no doubt the Knezevices won’t take kindly to Richard poking his nose into their business deals and Tommy won’t be happy that he’s trying to keep Ryan away from him.

Having been put on the radar of some of Yorkshire’s nastiest criminals, it can only spell trouble for Richard.

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

1674898621 757 Happy Valley Six theories before the penultimate episode

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 from his father Tommy in prison.

Viewers were left wondering why he would take Ryan to visit Tommy, whose crimes include murder, rape and kidnapping.

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

What's going on?  Some have suggested that Neil was planted in the family by Tommy so that he could get closer to Ryan while he was in prison.

What’s going on? Some have suggested that Neil was planted in the family by Tommy so that he could get closer to Ryan while he was in prison.

Family bond: They have even gone so far as to suggest that the strong bond between the couple stems from the fact that Neil is Tommy's father and that is the only viable reason why he is putting Ryan at risk by taking him to Sheffield prison for visits.

Family bond: They have even gone so far as to suggest that the strong bond between the couple stems from the fact that Neil is Tommy’s father and that is the only viable reason why he is putting Ryan at risk by taking him to Sheffield prison for visits.

However, fans insist there must be more to it than Neil is letting on.

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

They have even gone so far as to suggest that the strong bond between the pair stems from the fact that Neil is Tommy’s father and that this is the only viable reason for him to put Ryan at risk by taking him to Sheffield prison for visits.

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

1674898626 147 Happy Valley Six theories before the penultimate episode

1674898628 843 Happy Valley Six theories before the penultimate episode

1674898629 101 Happy Valley Six theories before the penultimate episode

1674898630 769 Happy Valley Six theories before the penultimate episode

6. Faisal will frame Tommy for Joanne’s murder

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

She had been killed by pharmacist Faisal Bhatti, who sold pills, when he threatened to expose his secret drug trade.

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

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

OMG!  Joanne Hepworth's lifeless body was discovered horribly stuffed in a suitcase by her husband Rob in her garage during Sunday's episode.

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

It’s unclear how Rob will handle the discovery, as while he’s not a murderer, he’s proven to be an abusive bully, and all fingers will certainly point to him.

Faisal may have committed the perfect crime by leaving Joanne in her own home with her husband, whose abuse Catherine has watched.

But will he ultimately be charged with murder?

Prime Suspect: It's unclear how Rob will handle the discovery, as while he's not a murderer, he's proven to be an abusive bully, and all fingers will certainly point to him.

Prime Suspect: It’s unclear how Rob will handle the discovery, as while he’s not a murderer, he’s proven to be an abusive bully, and all fingers will certainly point to him.

Read MORE about Happy Valley

Happy Valley continues Sunday at 9pm on BBC One.