I have also been reading on another that Miranda Raison is leaving. This may just be speculation and since Series 3 there has been quite a turnover in the cast but my gut feeling is that, if she did, it might be just one step too far with only Harry and possibly Lucas left and the BBC might decide it was time to end the Series.

having just seen Episode 3 I am almost numb with both grief and shock. How on earth did they keep this quiet? Just cannot believe it. I really think they have already decided this is the last series and are already tidying everything up.

I'll miss Jo.

never thought she'd die like THAT!

There are now only two field officers in Section D.. surely we need more??

Ros taking control of Nina's gun to shoot Finn mirrors last week's ep, where Jo was in the same dilemna, and took control of BiBi's gun to shoot Thumper. Not with such a terrible outcome though.

this was an excellent send-off for Jo. The most emphathetic and emotional of the field officers making a tough, clear-headed operational decision that she clearly knows will end with her death. The moment shows the enormous growth of her character -- sacrificing herself to save everyone else in the room. Much the same kind of decision that Danny made in 3.10.

On the issue of Ros and leaving: it is possible that the actors involved know something about the fate of the show already and maybe it is the last season. They might just not be telling anyone. If you look at the "confirmation" of Ros' departure by Kudos people, it rings more as "we refuse to confirm or deny". We may have already seen the two departures we're getting. And the season seems to be heading for a Harry/Ruth conclusion. Do we actually know that the possible Lucas/Harry trapped in the explosion thing is a cliffhanger for the season?