The gripping series Grace concluded its fifth season on April 27, 2025, with a complex narrative that left viewers on the edge of their seats. The final episode, titled "Find Them Dead," featured the notorious drug lord Terrence Maxwell, also known as 'The Merchant,' portrayed by Shaun Dooley, who is finally facing justice for his crimes. Detectives Roy Grace (John Simm) and Glenn Branson (Richie Campbell) are resolute in their mission to see Maxwell convicted, but their efforts are complicated when a crucial witness fails to appear in court. Grace suspects that The Merchant is attempting to sabotage the case from afar.
In his determination to bring down the merciless drug kingpin, Grace takes some questionable risks, with Branson keeping him in check. Meanwhile, both detectives' personal lives come into focus. Branson supports his nurse wife Air (Rebecca Sroggs) as she grapples with issues at work, while Cleo Morey (Zoë Tapper) expresses a desire to spend more time with her partner Bruno (Finn Guegan), but Grace harbors doubts about her decision. Adding to the drama is a double homicide in a park and an unexpected encounter involving DC Vee Wilde (Juliette Motamed). Just when it seems like matters have been settled, Grace finds himself burdened with a secret following an unwelcome conversation.
Georgina Rich stars as Meg Magellan, a mother called to jury duty after her daughter embarks on a gap year to South America. However, her jury duty quickly becomes complicated when she’s faced with a terrible dilemma. Rich is perhaps best known for her role as Jane Spring in Netflix’s Heartstopper, where she plays the mother of Joe Locke’s lead character, Charlie Spring. Newcomer Iona Anderson takes on the role of Meg's daughter Laura Magellan, having previously appeared in Six Four and The Long Call.
Sule Rimi, known for his roles in The Day of the Jackal, Andor, and Cleddau, steps into the character of Stephen Wolf in Grace. Danny Mac will be seen as Hugo Pink, an actor familiar to audiences from his roles in Hollyoaks and as a finalist in the 2016 series of Strictly Come Dancing. Actress Lynn Farleigh takes on the role of Alma Starr, following performances in Pride and Prejudice, Silent Witness, EastEnders, and Casualty.
Connie Jenkins-Greig features as Sally, a rising star known for her portrayal of a young Violet Ledger in Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story. Andonis Anthony portrays Brendan Drewett, having previously starred in Emmerdale and The Archers. Howard Saddler plays Sam Makerson, with past roles in EastEnders, The Office, and Family Affairs. Jackie Clune, known for her role as Mrs. Lamb in Motherland, appears as Primrose Morley. Paul Clayton assumes the role of Judge Clark, following appearances in The Full Monty, EastEnders, Wolf Hall, and Brian and Maggie.
Julie Barclay will be seen as Maisy Waller in Grace, while Bill Blackwood portrays Harold Trout. Mikhael DeVille takes on the role of Deepak Singh, and Karen Ascoe plays Janet Smythson. The ensemble cast also includes Paul Marlon as Derren Skinner, Laura Hanna as Ali, Ashley Hope Allen as Kirsty Mackay, Mark Flitton as PC Dave Cripps, Luke Azille as Richard Bailey, Paul Hickey as Chaplain, Paul Blair as Colin Mackay, and Rebecca Crankshaw.
As the episode unfolds, viewers are reminded of the stakes involved in the case against Maxwell. The tension escalates as Grace grapples with his own personal dilemmas while trying to secure a conviction against a dangerous criminal. The season finale not only wraps up existing plot lines but also sets the stage for future developments. The series has already been renewed for a sixth season, promising more intense drama as Grace continues his fight against crime.
In a dramatic twist during the finale, Grace visited Cassian Pewe in prison, where Cassian revealed that Roy's wife Sandy's death was not a suicide, as previously believed. Instead, it was orchestrated by the gang to which both Cassian and Sandy were indebted, known as Benchdale. The gang staged her death to look like a suicide after an earlier assassination attempt in Munich. Cassian warned Grace that they were aware of his and Sandy's son, Bruno, and were out for blood, implying that Bruno could be their next target.
This shocking revelation leaves fans eagerly anticipating how these new threads will play out in the next season. John Simm, who plays Roy Grace, expressed excitement about the show's future, stating, "We’re about to start series six so clearly it has struck a chord with a lot of people." He hinted that the cliffhanger from the season five finale would be picked up in the next season, ensuring that viewers remain engaged with the unfolding drama.
Peter James, the author of the Grace novels, praised the show's success, noting that it has been a dream come true since its debut. He expressed gratitude for the outstanding cast and crew, as well as the dedicated fans who have embraced the characters both on the page and on screen. With over 21 million copies of his books sold and translations into 38 languages, James's work continues to resonate with audiences worldwide.
As fans prepare for the next chapter in Grace's story, they can catch up on seasons one through five, which are available for streaming on ITVX. The anticipation for season six is palpable, and with the stakes higher than ever, viewers are left wondering how Grace will navigate the challenges ahead.
