In the wake of Tommy Lee Royce’s rampage from the courtroom, Ryan’s ever-growing relationship with his crime father, and Faisal’s murderous turn of events, Happy Valley fans have debated the ending of the epic drama.
As the BBC series reaches its penultimate episode, viewers will tune in to see Tommy on the run in what author Sally Wainwright has revealed will lead to a final showdown between the killer and local police heroine Catherine will.
While some theories circulated throughout the series, others were added after the fourth episode aired as fans questioned the reason for Alison Garr’s return and whether Rob Hepworth would be blamed for his wife’s murder.
Ends: Happy Valley viewers have been speculating about what will happen in the final two episodes while sharing their wild theories
This week, viewers have surmised that many characters have murder in mind, including Ryan, who they believe is approaching his father to avenge his mother’s death.
Sunday’s episode will pick up where it left off and viewers are all asking the same thing – who will survive?
Here’s a look at this week’s top six theories:
1. Catherine will die and not retire
It hasn’t escaped viewers that Sargent Cawood’s impending retirement has been mentioned more than once in previous episodes.
Her retirement has also been noted more than once, as has the pot of money raised for her gift, which currently totals more than £2,000.
And they’re concerned that the repeated mention of her happy ending means she’s definitely not getting the well-deserved rest she deserves.
On no! It hasn’t escaped viewers that Sargent Cawood’s impending retirement has been mentioned more than once in previous episodes
With convicted murderer Tommy at large after being arrested by Catherine, there’s no chance he’ll let her very checkered past lie.
Show bosses have already teased the showdown of all showdowns when the series wraps up, and there’s no doubt that Tommy and Catherine will be involved.
Viewers only hope that Catherine will survive 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 Let’s call it now… This retirement collection pot will be used at her funeral. She and Tommy both get killed in the final episode,” the viewer decided.
2. Alison Garrs will kill Tommy
Alison has appeared a few times in Series 3 following her release from prison for the manslaughter of her son Daryl.
The crime of passion occurred when she learned her son was responsible for the deaths of Tommy Lee Royce’s mother and several other local sex workers.
Alison fatally shot her son in the head, fearing that once Catherine found out about his crimes he would not be able to survive prison.
murder in mind? Alison has appeared a few times in Series 3 following her release from prison for the manslaughter of her son Daryl
However, fans have now speculated that her return in the new series must be significant, with some suggesting she will be the one to take Tommy’s life.
One person speculated: “Maybe Tommy Lee Royce comes after Catherine and Catherine fights back but gets overpowered.
“Alison saves the day by shooting Tommy Lee Royce like she did her son in Series 2.”
Another viewer shared: “I’m just leaving a tweet here to say that I think Alison will play a big part in this story.
3. Ryan plans to kill Tommy
Viewers have watched in horror as Ryan’s relationship with his villainous father blossoms thanks to prison visits helped by his Aunt Clare’s boyfriend, Neil.
In episode four, Ryan even left school to watch Tommy stand trial for the murder of Gary Gogoski, discovered in episode one.
Fans have surmised that now that he’s freed from his prison shackles, Tommy will go get Ryan and take him with him, willingly or unwillingly.
Clues in previous episodes have suggested that Tommy is on his way to Spain after he was seen listening to the Learn Spanish in 7 Days DVD.
However, it has now been implied that Ryan’s closeness to his father has nothing to do with getting to know him and has everything to do with seeking revenge.
Hard observation: Viewers have watched in horror as Ryan’s relationship with his villainous father blossoms thanks to prison visits helped by 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 and says, ‘Revenge is a dish best served cold .’
Another said: “C’mon Ryan if revenge is a dish best served cold you gotta save your grandma from him. You are his only weakness.”
Many others suspected that Ryan would be the one who would rescue Catherine if and when Tommy went for her.
4. Richard’s investigation into the Knezevices means trouble
Local journalist Richard has investigated the gang casting a dark shadow across 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 the dock.
Richard managed to stop Ryan before he could follow his father, but with his fingers stuck in many crime pies, that spells trouble for Richard.
Be careful! Local journalist Richard has investigated the gang casting a dark shadow across the valley during the show’s third season
No doubt the Knezevices won’t take kindly to Richard sticking his nose into their business, and Tommy won’t be happy that he’s trying to keep Ryan away from him.
After getting on the radar of some of Yorkshire’s meanest criminals, Richard can only find himself in trouble.
One person said, “Tommy will kill or at least hurt Richard if he escapes with Ryan, right?”
5. Neil is Tommy’s father
Early in the series, it was discovered that Clare’s friend Neil was responsible for Ryan’s prison visits to his father Tommy in prison.
Viewers scratched their heads as to why he would take Ryan to visit Tommy, whose crimes include murder, rape and kidnapping.
When questioned by Catherine, Neil explained that he put Ryan in Sheffield Prison because he thought Ryan would have left anyway.
What’s wrong? Some have suggested Neil was planted in the family by Tommy so he could get close to Ryan in prison
Family connection: They have even gone so far as to claim that the strong bond between the two stems from the fact that Neil is Tommy’s father and that this is the only viable reason he is putting Ryan at risk by allowing him to visit Sheffield -prison brings
However, fans insist there is more to it than Neil is admitting.
Some have suggested Neil was planted in the family by Tommy so he could get close to Ryan in prison.
They’ve even gone so far as to claim that the strong bond between the two stems from the fact that Neil is Tommy’s father and that’s the only viable reason he’s putting Ryan at risk by allowing him to visit Sheffield Prison brings.
But will the link be revealed in the final two episodes of the show?
6. Faisal will frame Tommy for killing Joanne
Joanne Hepworth’s lifeless body was horribly discovered in a suitcase by her husband Rob in their garage during Sunday’s episode.
She was murdered by pill dealer Faisal Bhatti when she threatened to expose his secret drug trade.
To the rest of the community, Joanne is currently listed as “missing” after her parents reported her absence to the police.
Having appeared completely unperturbed by her absence, Rob later discovered his wife’s body in a suitcase after a visit from two officers.
Omg! Joanne Hepworth’s lifeless body was horribly discovered in a suitcase by her husband Rob in their garage during Sunday’s episode
It’s unclear how Rob will handle the discovery because while he’s not a murderer, he’s proven to be an abusive bully – and all fingers will surely point to him.
Faisal may have committed the perfect crime by leaving Joanne in her own home with her husband, whose abuse was noticed by Catherine.
But will he end up being charged with murder?
Prime Suspect: It’s unclear how Rob will handle the discovery because while he’s not a murderer, he’s proven to be an abusive bully – and all fingers will surely point to him
Read MORE about Happy Valley
Happy Valley continues on BBC One on Sunday at 9pm.