The third episode is Niall’s tense trek to freedom — from his mother, Ruben and the prison society’s locked him in. In the present, Niall and Alby debate how to avoid Ruben. Niall finally confesses the only way out is through. The happy couple parade through thrown rice as Ruben awaits at the end of the tunnel.
Flashback to three years after the attack. Niall has graduated with a pending interview to continue his studies at Oxford. The only thing in his way is an allegedly rehabilitated Ruben. Ruben has been working with kids at a nearby school, displaying a newfound sense of clarity. However, underneath the smile is the same conniving brother with another ask. Alby has filed official charges, with Ruben facing 10 years in prison. In complete fear of his fate, Ruben — with Lori and Maura’s support — wants Niall to testify that Alby groped him, justifying his attack. Because there’s nothing anybody hates more than a homosexual.
Fearing being outed, along with sympathy for Maura’s cancer diagnosis, Niall agrees to this ploy. That is until Joanna — Niall’s “girlfriend” — discovers the plan. Distraught that Niall would lie and risk his future for Ruben, Joanna visits Alby. She confronts Niall with the truth — his truth — offering her full support. Niall is overwhelmed.
The day of the trial, Niall proceeds with the lie: Alby groped Ruben. But when forced to demonize Alby — seated mere feet away from him — as a homosexual deviant, Niall reveals the truth. Ruben erupts, promising to murder Niall, as law enforcement drag him away.
Back at the wedding, Ruben introduces himself before proceeding to tell the captivated party guests all about Niall Kennedy.
Episode 3 is a masterclass in bottling tension and letting it pop at the very last second. Mitchell Robertson and Stuart Campbell spar on screen, delivering powerfully awe-stopping performances. Despite Ruben being in the wrong, the episode illustrates how both brothers are damaged by the patriarchal rule of society. The fact the gay-panic defense exists to justify homophobic violence twists masculinity into being one thing. An apparatus of violence, to be dispensed whenever one should feel threatened. It’s a sign of massive insecurity that many men carry because they refuse to let loose from the rigid binary definition of manhood.
Rating: 10/10