“Hostage” Rounds Out a Bumpy Season of ‘Patience’

After a bit of a rocky start, we’ve made it to the end of Patience Season 2. Despite my love for Jessica Hynes, DI “Call me Frankie” Monroe ruffled my feathers quite a bit in the beginning. It’s a credit to the writing and acting that I’ve come around to enjoying the character. Bringing the conflict between Patience and Monroe to a head in Episode 6 and letting them work it out onscreen was a good move, and has made the team solidarity of the final two episodes even more rewarding.

As the capper to an uneven but ultimately fulfilling season, finale episode “Hostage” starts strong and ends with a story reveal that really shouldn’t be a surprise to anyone. With the personality clashes resolved, it’s time for Monroe’s past in Manchester to resurface in the form of her old boss and nemesis. He’s a crooked, cocky prat with a grudge and a high-ranking position, poised to get Monroe fired after she’s held hostage and the suspect evades capture.

Featuring yet another instance of Monroe tackling a suspect, it’s also no surprise that this time there are consequences – especially when they foreshadow it hard with Monroe giving her bulletproof vest to Patience. Though Monroe does take a bullet at point-blank range, it’s the quick-healing kind: she’s back at work with her arm in a sling in a matter of weeks. Sorry haters, you can’t get rid of her that easily.