Cracker

Following the break-up of his home life, Fitz discovers that a young woman he knew has been viciously murdered. A blood-spattered man is found beside the railway tracks and becomes the prime suspect.

Kelly (Adrian Dunbar) is released into Fitz's care after a lack of evidence. But after another murdered woman is found, Kelly is arrested and DCI Bilborough order Fitz off the case. Fitz and DS Penhaligon collude to find out the truth, while their relationship becomes more personal.

Problems between Fitz and his wife Judith continue. Fitz is arrested for breech of the peace outside his in-laws' house and is taken to the station, where he meets Sean and his partner Tina. After stealing a car, the pair embark on a spree of violence.

Whilst on their spree of violence, Tina and Sean murder DS Briggs. After a visit with his wife to see her counselor, Graham, Fitz turns down DS Penhaligon's offer of a bed for the night and soon finds himself approached by Tina who asks him to accompany her to her flat. But only time will tell if Fitz is in control of the situation!

Fitz interrogates Tina and realizes that her psychological problems stem from her relationship with her family, finding expression through provoking Sean. It soon dawns on Fitz that the next victim will be the family that blighted Tina's life.

A 14-year-old boy, Tim, is found hanging from a tree--murder or suicide? Fitz find out from the boy's brother that Tim was gay and with the main suspect being Tim's teacher, Cassidy, DS Beck and Fitz embark on extracating a confession. But is it real or are they just responding to the demands of DCI Bilborough and the public?

Fitz realizes that Cassidy's confession is flawed but he will not retract his statement. DS Bilborough needs to be seen to make an arrest, and when he does, incurs the wrath of Fitz. But will Fitz play the role of hero? And with DS Penhaligon's proposition of a holiday together, will Fitz's desire for justice be enough?