The Best Episodes of The Bill Season 18

Superintendent Tom Chandler reads out the names of the dead and injured whilst trying to maintain dignity in the face of the public and the press. Sergeants June Ackland, Matt Boyden and Craig Gilmore are left discussing the unenviable task of speaking to the families and loved ones of their fellow officers. The boys make their excuses and a grief stricken June is left with to make the calls on her own. DC Danny Glaze convinces himself that if he'd spoken out against DS Vik Singh's indiscretions in the first place, none of this would have spiraled out of control like it has. He's determined to track down their prime suspect Jeff Simpson and enlists DC Duncan Lennox, saying he's determined to prove him guilty with or without Duncan's help. They search but Simpson knows they can't pin anything on him and arrogantly waits for them on the bonnet of Duncan's car. Meanwhile DC Mickey Webb's grief becomes unbearable. Superintendent Tom Chandler quietly suggests to DCI Jack Meadows that Mickey

Director: Declan O'Dwyer

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The operation appears to be in jeopardy again when Petrit declares that he is going in search of his missing sister. Following a lead from a girl at a café, he and Carver visit a pool hall, but have no joy with the doorman. Page meets up with Cullen to give him an update, and tells him that she is convinced that they are being set up for extortion by Berisha. Her suspicions are later confirmed when Berisha presents Quinnan with a bill for excess staff. Initially, he refuses to pay, until Berisha starts to strangle him, watched by a helpless Webb and Lennox. A determined Petrit plans to return as a punter to the pool hall where his sister may be, which is identified as a brothel.

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Des Taviner and Reg Hollis are in the Area Car enjoying the warm weather when Sergeant Craig Gilmore surprises them. He is unimpressed with their excuses and orders them to remove their sunglasses and get back to work. As they drive around, Hollis reveals that he is planning to propose to his girlfriend Helen. Unfortunately they are not currently on the best of terms having rowed after Hollis declined Helen's invitation to join her at a conference in Southend. Taviner announces that they are going to Southend and forces Reg to pretend that the car has broken down. Meanwhile Special Constable Terry Knowles and PC Nick Klein have arrested petty thief Derek Daly. As they head back for the station Knowles spots an attractive blonde in a car and persuades Klein to pull her over when she jumps a red light. Confident that he can get her phone number (like his hero Taviner would), Knowles approaches the blonde with a smile. Flirting outrageously he tries to get a date but with little success.

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Taviner and Hollis deal with a number of disturbances involving two local youths, but aren't lucky enough to catch either of them. Monroe organises a fund for Conway, and while Chandler makes a very charitable donation, Taviner is forced to write an IOU. With no way of contributing to the pot, Taviner believes he has hit the big time when he catches up with one of the youths and confiscates £200 from him. Managing to rescue his reputation amongst the relief, he is soon left in deep trouble as unbeknownst to him, the money is fake. Stamp and Page find a number of petrol bombs and fireworks near Simpson's bookshop, but it is Azim Khan who finds himself being arrested for stealing petrol. Meanwhile, a devastated Ackland attends Conway's funeral with Carver.

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As the team hold a respectful minute's silence for those lost in the blaze DS Debbie McAllister is busy 'finding' evidence against a known safecracker, Peter Grace. He smugly waits in reception with his weasely lawyer, knowing full well (like many other suspects in the area) that the one piece of evidence against him has perished in the fire. He underestimates Debbie's resources. Back at the hospital, PCs Cass Rickman and Des Taviner hold a bedside vigil, watchful for signs of life from PC Sam Harker. They are interrupted by Superintendent Tom Chandler asking Des to speak to the press who want a 'hero' to emerge from the explosion. His concern doesn't wash with Des who knows hypocrisy when he sees it. He walks out commenting that 'something has turned his stomach'. But while tragedy has struck at Sun Hill nick, crime hasn't stopped on the streets. Matthew Boyden is hastily appointed Acting Inspector, he immediately rules the roost and Sergeant Craig Gilmore is more than a little miffed

Director: Declan O'Dwyer

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Despite the discovery of the Saab car used in the murder, progress on the case is slow. The owner is identified as Paul King but when the police break into his flat they find King dead from a gunshot wound. Neighbours remember that a blonde woman was a frequent visitor. Trawling through statements after the TV appeal, DC Danny Glaze notices the name Kathy Milligan. Meanwhile PC Des Taviner is annoyed that CID will not share information on the case with Uniform and decides to do a little detection of his own. He has a hunch that petty thief Derek Smith, who witnessed the murder, knows more than he's letting on. Taviner, PCs Nick Klein and Reg Hollis pump him for information until he reveals that the manager of a local night club, Arty Shanks, was selling a Saab for silly money. Back at Sun Hill Sergeant Craig Gilmore wants to tell CID but Taviner is reluctant and pays Arty a visit. At last there is a breakthrough when, as Glaze researches Milligan on the station computer, Arty names Kin

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Come back Reggie Babe. All is forgiven! Des has been jumping at shadows since Simpson's threats began to include his beloved partner Reg. He's nigh on running out of excuses to stay within the confines of the station, but the pair are sent to search a deserted warehouse at night. The slam of a door, the roar of an engine, and nothing but empty space where Reg once stood. Where is he, and who's got him? DS Phil Hunter corners Eva, assuming it's her fault their star witness is discredited over a flashing incident. Unfortunately he hasn't reckoned on Inspector Gina Gold demanding his nuts in a jar. Or, for that matter, a simple apology. When PC Luke Ashton is called to a domestic he's surprised to find Craig Gilmore and his ex-boyfriend the unlikely perpetrators. It's a difficult moment but surely Craig could at least look Luke in the eye... When a little old lady claims Sergeant June Ackland has conned her out of precious jewels, there's definitely a mystery to be solved. For a start sho

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Frustrated PC Luke Ashton is desperate to prove himself but Sgt Craig Gilmore seems determined to hold him back. However, when Craig goes to investigate a homophobic assault he takes Luke to accompany him. But does Luke have the aptitude needed for such a sensitive issue? Later Inspector Gina Gold is furious to hear of their feeble progress so barges in with a more forceful approach - but are her actions too extreme? PC Cass Rickman impresses Sgt June Ackland when she gets involved in a bitter father/daughter row. Cass is determined to protect the girl from Shane, her sinister boyfriend, but will the girl see sense and drop the matter before taking her father to court?. Meanwhile PC Tony Stamp and PC Gary Best catch Lee Dwyer robbing a newsagent but rather than make an arrest Tony decides to help him. Is Tony acting beyond the call of duty?. When PC Des Taviner receives a disturbing letter he takes the risk of visiting the sender and is shocked at the revelation. [Source: www.thebill.c

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Bradford and Taviner investigate when an ice cream van is held to ransom by a gunman who has a penchant for Clint Eastwood quotes. The raid is soon linked to a series of thefts from jewellers and the theft of a suit from a tailors attended by Hollis and Stamp, thanks to a mother bringing her teenage daughter in to put her on the straight and narrow. Taviner discovers that a ring of three students from Canley Tech are responsible for the robberies, but when they are released, they steal the keys to his brand new sports car from the front desk, taking it on a joyride.

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Inspector Gina Gold faces spot of bother when a solicitor complains against her rather unorthodox policing methods. That is, if you call kneeing a thug in the balls unorthodox. Luke is dragged into the Superintendent's office as the witness, with Gina's hopes pinned on his answer. Meanwhile Sgt Gilmore 's received an official complaint against the young PC but he feels compelled to help. After using his charm on a scared resident of a run down apartment block DC Ken Drummond makes headway into an arson investigation. Though while she describes a local criminal as the culprit the bigger picture looks like her greedy landlord is trying to smoke her out. The arson aspect makes Danny's work even more personal. Superintendent Chandler gets his chance show off the new CSU when a journalist offers to spend a day following a case. He decides TDC Brandon Kane's case of a father assaulting his teenage daughter's boyfriend is the one to follow. Brandon warns him off suggesting he follow another i

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Out on a pub crawl to celebrate a new PC's engagement the relief are suddenly overjoyed when Reg's winning line comes up on the lottery. While the syndicate members spend the millions over and over in their heads, Mickey heads off to tell the superintendent where he can stick his job. Inspector Gold, meanwhile, notes that Reg is acting quite out of character and avoiding the others. He wouldn't be planning to skip the country with the money, would he? When designer jackets go missing from a local department store and turn up on the local estate CID decide ex-con Joe Nash must be back up to his old tricks. But no-one can explain the mystery of the self-editing security tape. Sun Hill's romances are up and down. Jim's positivity about their relationship rubs off on June and they share a kiss while the other side of the coin sees Superintendent Tom Chandler dropping DS Debbie McAllister off at the abortion clinic leaving her to go through with the operation alone. And Lee Dwyer's parents

Director: John Howard Davies

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Carver and Ackland investigate a series of burglaries, where all of the homeowners have booked holidays with a particular travel agent. Carver is aware of the criminal history of one of the employees, and immediately suspects that he may be responsible. When the robberies are linked to the man's girlfriend, Carver goes undercover at a dog kennel in an attempt to set a trap for the thief, but his lack of knowledge sees his cover blown.

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When the cocky new DS reports for duty he wastes no time bringing in arrests. He flirts with wives of suspects and doesn't play by any of the rules. He's clocked as a difficult one to handle but if he's toting up the convictions who's to complain? Even if his probing turns up an unwelcome visitor for Nick and Cass. Cass is in trouble at every turn when PC Kerry Young discovers the rumour spreading that led to her engagement break up originated from Cass. Higher on Cass and Nick's priorities is dodging accusations of drug taking when DS Phil Hunter brings in their dealer. PC Jim Carver is still tasked with the unpleasant duty of being PC Tony Stamp's Family Liaison Officer. He assures the family that despite PC Stamp being 'one of his' they will continue a full and thorough investigation into the abuse accusation. Tony begins to doubt Jim's belief in his innocence and a covert meeting with DC Danny Glaze does nothing to improve his position. DI Alex Cullen is left fuming when the brutal

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Sergeant Craig Gilmore addresses the congregation at Knowles' funeral and mentions the dead man's habit of chatting up girls which causes a bit of a stir. After the service Superintendent Tom Chandler tries to comfort Knowles' mother but is dragged away by her daughter Tina who blames the police for her brother's death. Meanwhile at Sun Hill DS Vik Singh and DCI Jack Meadows are liaising with Jay Ramsay who is planning to direct a reconstruction of the murder for a TV programme. Meadows is angry when the Director comments about Knowles flirting with the murderer before his death. Outside the chapel PC Nick Klein is helping a young woman with a pushchair and is shocked when she introduces herself as Dani Knowles, Knowles' widow. When she asks about Knowles' death, Klein tells her not to believe the press reports. As the drink flows at the wake the tensions rise between arch enemies Taviner and Gilmore resulting in a full-blown punch up. [Source: www.thebill.com]

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Webb and Spears pursue a stolen car across the Jasmine Allen Estate and discover guns under the seat. The car is traced to recently released convict, Michael Bowker. When questioned, Bowker claims to have no knowledge of the weapons. Webb photographs Bowker handing over large wads of cash to a blonde woman, whom Meadows recognises as Angie Weller, wife of imprisoned super-grass Jimmy Weller.

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PC Tony Stamp organises a Sun Hill team to play a match against a group of young offenders. He's got his job cut out for him convincing Cass she's their secret star weapon and keeping Matt Boyden and Craig Gilmore from shedding blood on the pitch. While Matt's unrelenting homophobic comments cause the two sergeants to practically trade punches it's the young offenders that come under the spotlight during the game. After an old man is discovered dead in his council flat nasty rumours about his paedophilic past mean Danny and Eva have their work cut out getting the truth out of the kids. Meanwhile Danny's in a crisis. He's got an interview with the MIT team and Des's career hangs in the balance while he decides whether or not to corroborate his story. Should he say he heard Simpson confessing to blowing up Sun Hill and killing some of it's finest officers, does the end justify the means?. And CID doesn't get any calmer. With Danny in knots, Duncan still coping with his separation, Mickey

Director: Jim Goddard

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DC Ken Drummond turns up for his first day at Sun Hill. Fresh from Barton Street nick, he steps straight off a burger van, and into CID. With tensions rising between Debbie and Eva and DI Alex Cullen doing his utmost to contain it he'll wonder what kind of mad house he's lumbered with. Never mind, a fry up will sort all that out... After the horror of attending a suicide PC's Nick Klein and Cass Rickman go on to discover a couple of children playing in contaminated waste. It's just the tip of a toxic iceberg but Cass's mind is elsewhere. She's beside herself over the loss of her handbag. There was an 'e' loose in there, likely to be nestled right beside her warrant card. Inspector Gina Gold turns up for duty, (fag in hand) and takes no time to ruffle feathers. Not before stashing her bottle of whiskey and putting her ashtray in pride of place though. She makes it clear it's her show, she'll be running it, and anyone thinking differently had just better re-evaluate their position. Start

Director: Ian White

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Lee Dwyer arrives with his mother and step-dad at Sun Hill to press his very serious allegation against Tony Stamp. It's an accusation that sends the team reeling and divides their loyalties when all the evidence points to his guilt. PC Jim Carver's position at CSU puts him in the awkward position of being appointed Lee's Family Liaison Officer. It leaves Tony wondering if anyone really is on his side. As PC Des Taviner so delicately puts it, ""Where there's smoke there's fire"", and PC Cathy Bradford's charming observation that, ""Mud sticks"". Cathy's on a roll with her canteen gossip and makes a bee-line to new PC Kerry Young's fiancé. She tries on her best seduction routine but when he shows no interest Cathy deviously spills the beans on Nick and Kerry's one night liaison. Watch out Nick... When father of teenage temptress Liz Chambers reports his daughter missing Brandon and Cass make enquiries. They pay a visit to her older boyfriend's house where they discover her bed isn't even co

Director: John Howard Davies

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Once again Lee Dwyer is in trouble with the police for vandalising a local store. Is he just a born troublemaker or is it a final cry for help? Meanwhile TDC Brandon Kane, in his new role as Lee's Family Liaison Officer, visits Lee's father who seems to be showering him with gifts. Exactly the kind of ones he was trashing in the department store. Brandon smells a rat. DS Debbie McAllister visits the hospital for the first scan of her unborn child. She's glowing with pride on her return but the superintendent, (a more than unwilling partner), soon wipes the smile off her face. While CID move into their new premises, DS Phil Hunter finds himself stuck in the back of a van on an obbo. Danny's had a tip off from an informant, but then again so has Eva. Their info doesn't exactly match up and they may need back up. Phil calls in an outstanding favour from Nick Klein. Inspector Gold requests the pleasure of DC Eva Sharpe's company in gathering information on a serial flasher. Eva may think i

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Page and Quinnan pose as a married couple running a hotel, while Carver and Hollis, and immigration agent Petrit, pose as their employees. Stamp continues his undercover role as an HGV driver for the firm bringing in the illegals, while Webb, Lennox and McAllister maintain surveillance on the hotel. The hotel is busy preparing for its opening night, and when the temporary staff arrive, Quinnan seizes the opportunity to attract Berisha's attention by ringing the agency and complaining about them. Later, Stamp makes a delivery to the hotel – four refugees who are immediately set to work. He then picks up his boss Kerns and drives him to a lorry park, where he finds twenty scared refugees and a decomposing body.

Director: Ian White

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Stamp and Rickman pursue a stolen Porsche to a lock-up, where they find a number of false plates being applied to stolen high-end vehicles. Stamp and Rickman are suspicious when one of the victims, an accountant, has not reported his car missing. When Rickman spots a duo hanging around outside his office, she recognises them as visitors to the lock-up

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Emotions run high at Sun Hill. Word is rife the bombing's confessor needs an escort to Barton Street nick and everyone wants a piece of him. Meanwhile DC Mickey Webb's whereabouts is a mystery to DI Alex Cullen, as is a straight answer to what he's working on. DS Debbie McAllister pays a cheeky visit to the superintendent's office but he plays it cool and explains their little liaison at the memorial service was just a one-off affair. He wants to concentrate on the station's reputation, and with the go ahead for a new Community Safety Unit his attention lies on police business. DC Danny Glaze and new recruit DC Eva Sharpe join forces to investigate a series of serious attacks on Eastern European taxi drivers. They have a solid piece of evidence against a suspect but he proves difficult to pin down. While PCs Jim Carver and Cathy Bradford think they can help with a lead but don't see eye to eye over policing ethics. Murder Investigation Team duo, Devlin and Hayes, want a written report

Director: Graeme Harper

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Craig starts the day filing a grievance procedure against Matt after last week's homophobic taunts but Sgt June Ackland warns him off. She quietly suggests that ""There's no better teacher than experience."" A nudge and a wink in Matt's direction raises an eyebrow or two, along with Matt's blood pressure. PC Tony Stamp takes young Gary out on the streets to track down a mysterious vigilante who's been beating up kids from the local Estates. His streetwise approach proves invaluable with the youngsters- but nothing he's got up his sleeve can prepare him for being stuck between DS Debbie McAllister and DC Eva Sharpe's game of one-upmanship. PCs Cass Rickman and Nick Klein head out for yet another night on the tiles but not before spying Harry Fullerton (Sun Hill's false confessor) gazing into his pint. Reg pays him a visit and offers some help but finds a sad old man who's moved on to regaling stories about the Falklands. Armed with an ecstasy pill in her handbag, Cass watches as Nick head

Director: Jim Goddard

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CID gets a shake up when new DS Samantha Nixon turns up and quickly proves her criminal profiling skills - no stone will be left unturned. She's methodical and highly ambitious so if Reg thinks he can protect the kidnapper who showed him kindness he'd better make his story rock solid. Poor Reg, he's left lying (literally) in his hospital bed under the watchful eye of a guilt ridden Des Taviner. Meanwhile maternal instincts kick in for DS Debbie McAllister when a woman makes a complaint against her neighbour who has been behaving threateningly towards her and her new born baby. It's cop killer Jeff Simpson's big day in court and PC Des Taviner find himself at wits end when DC Danny Glaze informs him he won't collaborate the evidence under oath. It's a situation that just might spell the end of Des's career at Sun Hill. And after snogging PC Luke Ashton the evening before Craig is all out of sorts when he sees him messing about with PC Kerry Young in the canteen. Inspector Gold uses her

Director: Jamie Payne

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The police receive a distressed call from a local almshouse where strange things have been happening in the night. The warden Joanna isn't sure how to pacify the rather eccentric residents, particularly a rather crotchety old man, Rueben and his distressed elderly friend, Tatsie. Reg and Tony quite happily pass the case over to CSU! PC Nick Klein and DS Phil Hunter are still sailing close to the wind whilst undercover at the club. The owner Mortimer seems to trust them but when Phil brings cocaine into the operation much to Nick's surprise it looks like Phil is still playing his own game. PC's Kerry Young and Luke Ashton turn up late for Sergeant Craig Gilmore's morning briefing - it is obvious they have spent the night together. Craig is furious but his anger belies the real issue and he confronts Luke, but to what reaction? And how much longer can Jim and June keep their relationship under wraps without the rest of the relief knowing. More importantly, how much longer can Jim bear fo

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