ITV’s Grace season 6: A reminder of the Cassian case and what happened at the end of season 5

*Warning! Grace spoilers alert*

ITV’s hit Brighton-based detective drama, Grace, is returning for its sixth season — just under a year after the last series dropped. Based on the bestselling novels by Peter James and adapted for TV by critically acclaimed screenwriter Russell Lewis, it follows East Sussex Detective Roy Grace, who, after the disappearance of his wife six years ago, spends his time investigating cold cases. That is, until one difficult case changes everything.

For those settling down this evening to catch the new episodes, but didn’t have time to re-watch the last season, you’re likely searching for a little reminder about what happened. Here’s a recap of series five, plus an explanation of the Cassian case, which reached a major climax last season.

What is the Cassian case?

The Cassian Case is a major storyline in Grace that spans the seasons. It focuses on ACC Cassian Pewe, a corrupt superior officer who is Detective Roy Grace’s main antagonist. Aka, the ultimate bad guy of the show.

In a nutshell, alongside working in law enforcement, he also belongs to the Benchdale organised crime group, which framed Roy regarding his missing wife, Sandy. During the show, viewers learn that Cassian actually knew that Sandy was alive after she disappeared, because — plot twist — he helped her hide. With this intel, Cassian was able to frame Roy for her murder and act like the good guy. In season 5, Cassian got blood on his hands again after he murdered Hannah Belling, a psychiatrist who knew of his double life and was threatening to expose him.

But of course, it’s only a matter of time until the truth is revealed. At the end of season 5, Cassian’s crimes come to light, and he is arrested and imprisoned. However, even from inside, Cassian’s torment of Roy doesn’t stop. He tells him that Sandy was murdered by the Benchdale crime group because of a huge gambling debt. Not content with the damage already done, Cassian then tells Roy that the gang are also targeting his son, Bruno, and is threatening to kill him.

ITV

What happened at the end of season 5?

As mentioned above, at the end of season 5’s last episode, Cassian tells Roy from prison that Sandy’s death wasn’t a suicide (which is what the season 4 finale led viewers to believe), and that she was murdered. It’s revealed that the Benchdale gang were the ones who put her in the hospital in Munich — the car accident she was in wasn’t actually an accident, it was a hit on her life. However, Cassian revealed that the crime group made her death look as if she had taken her own life.

As for Bruno, Cassian tells Roy that, despite Sandy losing her life because of her debt, the gang still consider it unpaid. Therefore, the next person on their hit list is Bruno, which poses the question: Will Roy be able to save his son? Or is he set to lose another important person in his life?

The answers lie in season 6, we suppose.

Grace Season 6 begins tonight, Sunday 29 March, on ITV1 and ITVX at 8pm.

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