The Blame: ITV Viewers React to ‘Odd’ Ex-Cop Detail in Michelle Keegan’s Crime Drama
Michelle Keegan’s ITV crime drama The Blame has kept viewers hooked with its murder investigation, hidden connections and increasingly complicated web of secrets. But during the fourth episode, one unusual detail briefly pulled some viewers out of the story.
The episode aired on ITV1 on Monday, September 28, as DI Emma Crane and DI Tom Radley continued their investigation into the murder of Sophie Madsen in the fictional town of Wakestead.
While the episode introduced a potentially important new lead, viewers were also distracted by the sight of an ex-police officer hiding in the bushes outside Tom’s home.
Viewers Question the Mysterious Figure
The man is a former police officer who left the force under a cloud of misconduct. His appearance outside Tom’s house immediately caught the attention of viewers, with several questioning why the character was secretly watching from the bushes.
One viewer wrote on X: “#TheBlame yer man hiding in the bushes. It’s like a panto.”
Another questioned the character’s motives, asking: “Didn’t expect that ex copper to be lurking in the bushes outside Tom’s… whose side is he on? Is the Chief the murderer or is he covering for someone or is there a group of them?”
A third viewer simply described the development as “Really odd the ex cop is hiding outside.”
The reactions suggest that, while viewers remain invested in the mystery, the unusual scene raised more questions than it answered.
Emma and Tom’s Investigation Takes Another Turn
The fourth episode continued to build on the central murder investigation as Emma discovered a possible lead to Sophie Madsen’s killer.
A connection to another victim emerged, potentially giving the detectives a new direction to pursue.
At the beginning of the episode, Emma and DC Lewis Brimah, played by Nathan Mensah, visited Tom as the investigation continued to develop.
The wider story follows Emma and Tom as they attempt to uncover the truth behind Sophie’s murder. Their investigation gradually exposes a network of lies, institutional cover-ups and moral compromises, forcing Emma to reconsider who she can trust.
The series’ official synopsis describes The Blame as both a fast-moving mystery and a love story, while also examining broader questions surrounding policing and trust.
Despite the Confusion, Viewers Are Praising the Drama
The reaction to the ex-cop scene was far from representative of the overall response to the series.
Many viewers have continued to praise The Blame, with several saying they had watched the drama in full on ITVX.
One viewer wrote after binge-watching the series: “What a f****** series!!”
Another, while watching the final episode, described it as an “absolutely cracking crime drama.”
A third viewer simply called it a “brilliant series.”
Other reactions were even more enthusiastic.
One viewer described The Blame as one of the best suspense dramas they had seen and praised both Michelle Keegan and Douglas Booth for their performances, adding that the drama deserved BAFTA recognition.
Another viewer said the series had opened their eyes to “the misogyny women have to endure” and expressed hope that it would return for a second series.
Michelle Keegan Leads a Strong Cast
Keegan stars as DI Emma Crane, with Douglas Booth playing DI Tom Radley.
The drama also features Ian Hart as DCI Kenneth Walker, Nigel Boyle as Neil Shergill, Joe Armstrong as Coach Kyle Frasier and Matilda Freeman as murder victim Sophie Madsen.
The main cast is rounded out by Josh Bolt as DC Douglas James, Gavin Spokes as DC Joel Stevens and Ceallach Spellman as PC Callum Drummond.
As the investigation continues to uncover new connections, the series keeps its focus on the question at the heart of the story: who can Emma and Tom actually trust?
For some viewers, the mysterious ex-cop lurking outside Tom’s house only added another layer to that question. For others, it was simply an unusual moment in an otherwise gripping crime drama.
The Blame is available to stream in full on ITVX.