Trigger Point fans love a huge explosion, but probably not the bomb that appeared to kill new recruit Rich Manning at the end of episode 3. Instead, it left viewers reeling and “keeping everything crossed” that he survives.
Charismatic Rich joined the hit ITV drama at the start of Trigger Point season 3 as something of a joker. However, his world was rocked when he almost drowned trying to save a woman. Moreover, the incident caused Rich to suffer post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). But Mark Rowley’s Rich has been desperate to hide his anguish from the team.
In last night’s episode (Sunday November 2), Lana and her crew continued the search for the Coldmarsh bomber, who viewers know is Steven Wyles.
Wyles took the people he blamed for the asbestos poisoning hostage and chained them to devices in Greenwich.
***Warning: spoilers from Trigger Point episode three ahead***
Fans react to Rich’s bomb in Trigger Point episode 3
The tension built in the final scenes of the third episode as the team started snipping wires to release the victims. But viewers could see that Rich wasn’t coping. He tells himself to “get a grip”. Rich did manage to free the final victim but only by heroically switching places and putting himself on the pressure sensitive bomb.
Rich then tragically cut the wrong wire and the bomb went off.
One fan wrote on X: “On my god. That ending on tonight’s new Trigger Point. The bomb went off, hope he isn’t dead. Brilliant stuff from Mark Rowley.”
Another said: “I am keeping everything crossed that he isn’t dead after that ending in tonight’s Trigger Point. Wasn’t expecting that bomb to go off”.
A third added: “Tonight’s episode of Trigger Point was absolutely incredible and incredible cast members.”
The current series has largely been drawing praise from fans although not everyone is happy. “What’s happened to Trigger Point? It’s all over the place and the overly dramatic sound track is terrible,” commented a disgruntled viewer.
Is Lana to blame?
Some fans have drawn attention to Lana’s role. Vicky McClure’s character has been battling her own demons. We have seen her popping pills as she tries to cope. But her refusal to admit she has problems meant that she couldn’t spot that Rich needed help.
Rich should have had therapy after nearly drowning but Lana did nothing. One viewer strongly criticised Lana for not “realising something was up with Rich”. Viewers in the past have also blasted Lana for not looking after her team.
New character Wren had spotted Rich was suffering. But she hasn’t felt able to speak up. If Rich is dead, which looks very likely given the size of the blast, Lana surely has to take some of the blame!?
Trigger Point: What next for Lana after Rich and the bomb?
Trigger Point continues tonight (Monday, November 3) with episode 4 on ITV1 at 9 pm. The instalment will see Lana have to deal with the aftermath of the explosion while seeking the bomber.
The bomber still has one hostage. He wants the victim to confess to their part in the corporate cover-up at Coldmarsh which saw buildings riddled with asbestos being demolished.
He broadcasts a live stream of the hostage. Lana knows she must finding the location of the hostage before it’s too late.
It’s all building up to a terrific Trigger Point season 3 ending. Can Lana get to the bomber before anymore lives are lost? And is there any hope for Rich?
