The Explosive Love/Hate 'Week 8' Finale: 5 Shocking Moments And The Cast's Life 10 Years Later

The term 'Love/Hate Week 8' is an immediate trigger for fans of the iconic Irish crime drama, referencing the series' most talked-about and bloody conclusion: the Season 5 Finale, Episode 6. Originally airing in 2014, this episode delivered a seismic shockwave that effectively ended the reign of Dublin's most notorious crime boss, Nidge, and capped off one of the most successful and critically acclaimed shows in Irish television history. As of December 17, 2025, the episode is still widely discussed for its brutal finality, with recent retrospectives celebrating its enduring legacy and the incredible careers it launched for its core cast.

The finale, which is often considered the true "Week 8" of the show's intense final run, was a masterclass in tension, delivering a shocking and inevitable end to the violence that had defined the series since its debut. While the show itself concluded after this season, the explosive plot points—particularly the fate of its main characters—continue to be analyzed, with fresh news about the cast's major international success keeping the show's spirit alive a decade later.

The Dublin Underworld: Key Players in the Series Finale

The series finale, which is the focus of the "Week 8" conversation, brought the arcs of several key characters to a violent, definitive close. The show was an ensemble piece, but the final season revolved around the increasingly desperate situation of its leader, Nidge, and the relentless forces closing in on him.

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• Nidge (Tom Vaughan-Lawlor): The diminutive, yet ruthless, crime boss who ascended to the top of the Dublin criminal underworld. His story ends in the finale with a shocking assassination.
• Siobhan (Charlie Murphy): Nidge's niece and a key figure in the final season's tension. She was secretly working with Detective Inspector Moynihan, driven by a desire for revenge after the death of her boyfriend, Pauley.
• Fran (Peter Coonan): A rival gangster and former associate of Nidge. His capture and brutal prison ordeal were a major plotline, leading to a desperate attempt to exact revenge.
• Patrick (John Connors): The Traveller bomb-maker whose calculated, cold-blooded revenge for the death of his family member, Dean, provided the final, fatal blow to Nidge's reign.
• Terence (Aidan Gillen): The Spanish-based crime lord who represented the higher echelons of the international drug trade, demanding a terrible price for his continued support of Nidge.
• Tommy (Killian Scott): Nidge's former right-hand man, whose brain injury left him in a catatonic state for much of the final season, symbolizing the devastating cost of the gang life.

5 Shocking Moments That Defined the 'Week 8' Finale (Season 5, Episode 6)

The *Love/Hate* finale was not just an episode; it was a cultural event that drew over a million viewers and is remembered as one of the most explosive endings in television history.

1. Nidge’s Fateful Trip to Spain and Terence’s Price

The episode begins with Nidge being summoned back to Spain by the mysterious crime boss Terence. Nidge, increasingly paranoid and isolated, is forced to confront the powerful international forces his local gang war has disturbed. Terence demands a "terrible price" for his continued support, forcing Nidge into an impossible position that further tightens the noose around him. This meeting confirms that Nidge's problems are far beyond Dublin's walls.

2. Siobhan’s Double-Cross and Confrontation

Siobhan, having witnessed the destruction caused by Nidge's actions, is revealed to be working with the Gardaí (Irish police). Her internal conflict is a central theme of the finale. The tension peaks when she confronts Nidge, a moment of raw, familial betrayal that sets the stage for the final act. Her actions, driven by grief and a thirst for justice for Pauley, are the catalyst for the ultimate downfall.

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3. Fran’s Desperate Bid for Revenge

While Nidge is dealing with Terence, Fran, who suffered a brutal attack in prison, is consumed by a desire for revenge against Nidge. Fran orchestrates his own violent bid for freedom and retribution. Though he doesn't deliver the final blow to Nidge, his actions contribute to the chaos and distraction that allows the true assassin to strike, highlighting the multi-front war Nidge was fighting.

4. The Chilling, Calculated Assassination by Patrick

The most shocking and iconic moment of the finale is Nidge's death. As he is enjoying a rare moment of domestic peace with his family, the Traveller bomb-maker Patrick, who has been silently plotting his revenge for the murder of his relative Dean, approaches Nidge's house on a bicycle. Patrick pulls a shotgun and blasts Nidge in the chest, delivering a sudden, brutal, and completely unforgiving end to the crime lord's life. The scene is noted for its clinical execution and the sense of poetic justice it delivered.

5. The Ambiguous Fate of Siobhan

The episode leaves the fate of Siobhan ambiguous and highly debated among fans. After her confrontation and involvement with the Gardaí, Siobhan is last seen in a precarious situation, with her future uncertain. While Nidge's death was definitive, Siobhan's fate left a lingering question mark, leading to years of speculation about a potential continuation of her story or a spin-off series.

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The Enduring Legacy: Where the Love/Hate Cast Is Now (2024 Updates)

The true "fresh" update on the *Love/Hate* phenomenon is the massive success of its cast a decade after the finale. The show served as a launchpad for its stars, who have since become major figures in global film and television, cementing the show's status as a powerhouse of Irish talent.

Tom Vaughan-Lawlor (Nidge)

After his iconic role as Nidge, Tom Vaughan-Lawlor successfully transitioned to major international films. He gained global recognition for his role as the villain Ebony Maw in the Marvel Cinematic Universe films Avengers: Infinity War and Avengers: Endgame, demonstrating his versatility far beyond the Dublin streets.

Killian Scott (Tommy)

Killian Scott, who played the troubled Tommy, has enjoyed significant success in the US and UK. He starred in the Amazon series Dublin Murders and the BBC drama Strike. Most recently, in 2024, he was featured in the major new Netflix series Kaos, showcasing his continued rise in high-profile productions.

Charlie Murphy (Siobhan)

Charlie Murphy has become a prominent figure in British television and film. She is highly acclaimed for her roles in the BAFTA-winning series Happy Valley and the historical drama Peaky Blinders, proving her ability to excel in diverse, complex roles after her intense performance as Siobhan.

Robert Sheehan (Darren Treacy)

Although his character Darren was killed off earlier in the series, Robert Sheehan remains one of the show's most recognizable faces. He went on to star in the hit Netflix series The Umbrella Academy, bringing his unique, eccentric energy to a global audience and solidifying his status as an international star.

The "Week 8" finale remains the definitive end to a brutal, compelling story. Its legacy is not just the shocking death of Nidge, but the way it catapulted a generation of Irish actors onto the international stage, ensuring that the show’s influence is still felt years after its final, bloody scene.