‘Stephen’ finale recap: What happened in Episode 3?

ITV’s follow-up to The Murder of Stephen Lawrence concluded tonight.

The original groundbreaking television movie was made in 1999, and the new three-part sequel portrays events from 2006, thirteen years after Stephen Lawrence’s death in 1993 in a racially motivated attack whilst waiting for a bus in southeast London.

Stephen has been directed by Paul Greengrass (The Bourne Ultimatum), and is executive produced by Line of Duty creator Jed Mercurio.

Sharlene Whyte (Small Axe) takes on the role of Doreen Lawrence, with Hugh Quarshie (Holby City) reprising his performance of Neville Lawrence.

Steve Coogan (Stan & Ollie) plays DCI Clive Driscoll, who led the investigation into the murder of the Lawrences’ beloved son, Stephen.

The cast also includes Richie Campbell (The Frankenstein Chronicles), Jordan Myrie (Dancing in the Dark), Sian Brooke (Sherlock), and Adil Ray (Citizen Khan).

Watch the trailer:

Here’s a plot recap for the third and final episode, which aired on ITV at 9pm on Monday 13th September 2021:

Gary Dobson and David Norris stand trial for Stephen’s murder.

The defence argue that potential cross contamination in the years since the murder makes forensic evidence unsafe.

The prosecution counter that the blood on Dobson’s jacket was wet when it soaked into the fabric, meaning the wearer must have been present at the attack.

During a nerve wracking wait for the jury to return, Doreen tells Clive that whatever the verdict, the fight for justice will go on.

The jury find Dobson and Norris guilty.

The judge commends Clive and says he expects him to pursue the remaining suspects. Instead, Clive is forced into retirement. Doreen is outraged.

Clive reminds her that justice is bigger than his investigation.