Blue Lights: Recap of Gerry Cliff's storyline and sad death in series 1 as character 'returns' in series 4 flashbacks
It's good to have him back, albeit temporarily...
Gerry Cliff is a Blue Lights icon who makes a welcome return to the crime drama in series 4 – so you might need a recap of what happened to him and why.
Even though the character was dramatically killed off in episode 5 of series 1, he remains ever present in the series. Gerry Cliff lives on in the hearts and minds of his former colleagues. And there’s a constant reminder of him in the entrance to the PSNI station, too.
On the wall, there’s a plaque reading: “In memory of Constable Gerry Cliff, 1969-2023, Police Service of Northern Ireland. Who dedicated his life to protect us.”
And now, in a special flashback episode in series 4, viewers will get to know the character a little better. Here’s a recap of who Gerry Cliff was in Blue Lights, what happened to him, and who killed him.
***Warning: spoilers from series 1 of Blue Lights in the Gerry Cliff recap ahead***
Gerry Cliff returns in Blue Lights in series 4
Richard Dormer’s Gerry Cliff is returning to the fourth series of the Belfast police drama. The six-part series will also see the return of Hannah McClean as now solicitor, Jen Robinson, a former copper who worked alongside Gerry – and was a witness to his death.
Jonathan Harden is also back as disgraced former Inspector Jonty in an episode that will “answer important questions from the past”. While episode 3 of Blue Lights series 4 focuses on the trial of Gerry’s killers, episode 4 is dedicated to the man himself – who he was, what made him such an exceptional police officer, and his marriage to Sandra.
Co-creators and co-writers Declan Lawn and Adam Patterson told us: “We’re very excited to bring this series of Blue Lights to audiences. It reveals a lot of dark secrets, examines what justice looks like in Belfast today, and ties together the past, present, and futures of Grace, Annie and Tommy in an action-packed story.”
Series 4 joins Constables Grace Ellis, Tommy Foster, and Annie Conlon three years into their jobs as response officers. They are operating at their limit, facing a new threat on the streets that the police can barely control. Meanwhile the murder trial of Gerry Cliff exposes a dangerous and long-buried secret that leads to chaos both inside the police, and across the criminal underworld…
As they grapple with big decisions about their future, Grace, Tommy and Annie must find the courage to face the greatest threat they have ever encountered: the truth.
‘Gerry’s return has been part of our plan’
Talking about Gerry Cliff’s return, Declan Lawn and Adam Patterson revealed that they had always wanted to being the character back.
Declan said: “When the BBC commissioned series three and four together during filming on series two, we were able to map out a four-season story. Gerry’s return has been part of that plan since then.”
Adam added: “It also made sense dramatically. Enough time has passed for the criminal case to reach its conclusion, and it felt important to give that story proper closure. Plus, it meant that people might stop shouting at us in the street for killing him off!”
Meanwhile, Andi Osho – who plays Gerry’s wife Sandra Cliff – said: “When the producers shared their plans to bring Gerry back I thought it was a brilliant idea. I can’t overstate what a popular character Gerry was. He still is and even now people ask why the writers killed him off. I think viewers feel unresolved around that and so bringing him back will hopefully give them some closure.”
Blue Lights series 4 will focus on Gerry and Sandra’s “origin story”. It will also reveal the significance the McIntyres played in Gerry’s past and their relevance to Sandra’s present situation.
Blue Lights recap: Who was Gerry Cliff?
Sergeant Gerry Cliff appeared in Blue Lights series 1, and was easily the most beloved character amidst a bunch of ridiculously likeable people. That was thanks largely to the twinkly-eyed actor Richard Dormer, who played him.
Veteran officer Gerry became a mentor to the show’s rookie officers at Blackthorn Station, especially Tommy (Nathan Braniff), and Jen Robinson (Hannah McClean). He was popular with his colleagues for being able to break the tension of their tough jobs with witty one-liners and charm.
He didn’t take life too seriously, and had seen it all. His relationship with Sandra made us feel gushy inside even before Grace and Stevie’s will-they-won’t-they romance.
But tragically, Gerry was not destined to survive the first series.
Did Gerry Cliff die in Blue Lights?
Tragically, Gerry died in the second half of the first series, in what started off as a routine investigation following a tip about Dublin registration plates in the area. Although nothing is ‘routine’ in Belfast.
However, unbeknownst to Gerry and Jen, they interrupted an illegal drug-for-arms deal involving the Mclntyre criminal gang. In a devastating turn, gang member Sully shot Gerry multiple times. The fan-favourite died of a gunshot wound shortly after. While several bullets hit his bullet-proof vest, one entered his neck, causing him to bleed out.
He died in the arms of his colleague Jen Robinson, who was left traumatised by the ordeal – and subsequently left the force.
His death left a profound impact on the viewers and his fellow police officers alike. In the aftermath, his widow Sandra considered leaving the police station throughout series 2, but thankfully decided to stay.
Blue Lights recap: Who killed Gerry Cliff and why?
Gerry’s actual killer, Sully, worked for the McIntyre family. Officer Jen shot and killed the local gangster in retaliation. Gerry was never the intended target. He was just in the wrong place at the wrong time.
The leader of the McIntyre clan subsequently took the fall for Gerry’s death and is currently serving his sentence – even though he was not at the scene of the crime. Although James McIntyre (John Lynch) was a police informant, and therefore somewhat protected, nothing could save him after his son and accomplices killed Gerry.
In series 4, James’ son Mo faces his own trial for the “joint enterprise” murder of Gerry. Both he and thug Anto Donovan must face their day in court. But Mo’s mum Tina – who now runs the business will do anything she can to protect her son…
Joint enterprise is a legal doctrine in criminal law. It allows multiple people to be charged and convicted of the same crime, even if only one person physically carried out the harmful act. So even though Sully pulled the trigger, those present – or seen to be involved – can also be convicted.
Who are James and Mo McIntyre, and what’s the history of the family?
Blue Lights series 1 introduced rookie cops Annie, Tommy, and Grace. They were plunged into the deep end when they had to deal with the dangerous McIntyre criminal gang. The McIntyre’s were involved in various criminal activities, including paramilitary activity, drugs, arms, intimidation, and violence.
The police came up against the powerful and lawless McIntyre family, leading to a dangerous environment for the new constables. Poor Annie was subjected to death threats, which put her and her family at risk. She was forced to leave home for the safety of everyone.
The McIntyre family was led by patriarch James, with his son Mo acting as one of his henchmen. James’ wife Tina was in it up to her neck as well. And now runs the business in his absence.
However, Mo – and viewers – found out some shocking news about James McIntyre at the end of series 1. He was actually a “tout”, aka a police informant. He’d been working with the secret services since 1998, providing information to secure his family’s safety.
Who are the Ginleys in the BBC crime drama?
The Ginley family are a major crime multi-national organisation. Not just in Belfast, but globally. In Blue Lights series 1, the so-called “sneaky beakies” – undercover intelligence operatives – were following the McIntyre family. But they had bigger fish to fry. They were actually trying to close down the Ginley family, and were using the McIntyre family as bait.
The MI5 agents discovered that Mo was planning to do a deal with the Ginleys, trading guns for money and cocaine. MI5 agent Joseph (Nabil Elouahabi) had offered James McIntyre an “out” for his cooperation in letting the deal go ahead so they could track the gun, leading them to the “bigger prize” of the Ginleys.
Although, Joseph had promised James and Mo protection, they were eventually arrested for their part in Gerry’s murder. Mo was present with Gerry was murdered, and he and his dad James were charged with joint enterprise murder.
Tina subsequently took over her husband’s criminal empire, continuing as a police informant for as long as it suited her… This all came to a head in the ending of Blue Lights series 3.
***SPOILER WARNING: Do not continue reading if you haven’t watched Blue Lights series 4 episode 4***
The police protection of the McIntyre family ruined Gerry’s life
In Blue Lights series 4, a special episode gave viewers Gerry Cliff’s backstory, and it was utterly heartbreaking. In the devastating episode 3, viewers saw Mo McIntyre and Anto Donovan walk free after being complicit in Gerry’s death. Episode 4 followed, revealing just how much the McIntyre family had ruined Gerry’s career – and ultimately his life.
We saw how Gerry had been left a broken man after working for RUC Special Branch – a powerful intelligence gathering wing of the Royal Ulster Constabulary. They were most active during the conflict known as The Troubles in Northern Ireland.
Gerry told Sandra that during The Troubles, Special Branch ran agents, informers, and intelligence police. He said: “I was part of it. I was in my early 20s.” But his police career was not allowed to progress when he “wouldn’t do something”.
Special Branch started “running” James McIntyre – aka using him as an informant. But this meant turning a blind eye to all his criminal activities. Gerry revealed that when James was a teenager, he’d been involved in a car bomb attack that killed someone close to Gerry, the father of his friend. This was personal for Gerry. But when he warned his superiors that they shouldn’t be working with James, he was silenced. Gerry was told to resign or go back to response forever, which he did.
James McIntyre subsequently became more and more dangerous, rising through the ranks of the criminal underworld. He was involved in “kneecapping, drug dealing, and murder” but never arrested– until Gerry’s death.
The Belfast police protected James, and always had. He was too valuable as an asset to let go. James McIntyre not only ruined Gerry’s career, he ultimately ended his life. At the end of episode 4, viewers say Sandra look through Gerry’s file on James McIntyre. She saw that David ‘Jonty’ Johnson, and Nicola Robinson signed off on James McIntyre’s protection.
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