Season 6, Episode 51: "Instinct" (original air date: January 16, 2004)

An unsolved murder mystery dating back nearly 20 years divides a town and turns life upside down for the locals of Bassett in an action-packed new season of MERCY PEAK, starting Friday January 16 at 8.30pm on TV One.

In the midst of the action are Nicky and local Senior Constable Ken Wilder, both pitted against a common adversary - lone wolf Anton Devcich.

When a body was uncovered under the floorboards of William's rental property last season, imaginations ran wild. Dismayed when Morecross detectives downgraded the case, Ken has become hell-bent on solving the murder. Anton stoked the flames of speculation when he told Nicky on local radio that he used to live in the house. But Anton's favourite pastime of goading the doctor and the cop is about to backfire.

Tonight, Ken is delighted to find an excuse to investigate Anton, when a feud explodes between neighbours. A chance glimpse of an automatic weapon leads him to search the Devcich house. But when the search reveals nothing, Ken gives in to frustration and exceeds his police powers.

"It's become a personal crusade for Ken," says actor Tim Balme. "He bought the house where the body was found from William, so it's a daily reminder. And Anton is a thorn in his side, who is not just a troublemaker but an affront to everything Ken believes in."

Anton isn't slow to lay an official complaint against Ken. After all, he has done the same to Nicky. Anton holds her personally responsible for the death of his friend and mentor. And he knows his complaint has cut Nicky to the quick.

"Nicky's whole identity is tied up with not just being a doctor, but being the best doctor she can be," says Sara Wiseman. "A patient died because she ignored her own instincts to keep the peace between her and Kieran, and she can't move past it. Self-doubt is overwhelming her."

And on Friday night she receives news that has her wondering if Anton is right.

This season also features an unsanctioned drug trial; evidence of alien life in Bassett; a proposal and a wedding; and an attack which leaves one of the medical team facing death. The 80s come back to haunt some Bassett residents; Nicky suspects Kieran and Amanda have a secret; and Alistair finally makes his bid for Nicky.