In episode 6 of ‘The Long Shadow‘, available on AMC+ and Sundance Now from Thursday April 18, the West Yorkshire Police launch a massive public appeal in an attempt to capture the Yorkshire Ripper, Peter Sutcliffe. This episode, which aired on April 18, 2024, also sees some detectives beginning to express doubts about the direction of the investigation and the reliability of their evidence.
The episode focuses on the increasing pressure on the police to apprehend Sutcliffe as the number of murders rises. A female police officer engages in dangerous undercover work, highlighting the constant danger faced by sex workers. The investigation spreads to Bradford following the murder of another young woman, indicating that the Rippers killing spree is expanding beyond Leeds.
The police revisit historic attacks, hoping to identify additional victims and gain new insights. They receive a letter from supposedly from The Ripper, which fuels their determination to bring him to justice. The appeal for information from the public reflects a sense of urgency and a willingness to explore all avenues to catch the killer.
The episode also delves into the impact of the media coverage on the investigation. The editor of ‘The Yorkshire Evening Post’ creates a headline describing Sutcliffe as “The Ripper” for the first time, shaping public perception of the case.
The previous episode ended with a focus on DCS Hoban, who was taken off the case. In episode 6, the narrative continues to explore the challenges faced by the police, including their struggles with witness testimony, their own biases, and the complexity of coordinating a massive manhunt.
The episode concludes with a sense of heightened tension as the net closes in on Sutcliffe, setting the stage for the final episode.
The Long Shadow Episode 6 airs on Sundance Now and AMC+ at 3:00 AM on Thursday, April 18, 2024.
