The penultimate episode traverses to a time when Niall and Ruben have called a truce. Niall is dating a woman named Eva and working on his next book. The couple visits Ruben and Mona frequently, displaying a portrait of normalcy. But under the surface, the same adversarial tensions bubble as each brother chases a false sense of manhood.
In this proverbial race, Ruben has been winning. Despite Niall’s recent success, he owes Ruben £30,000. Niall agrees to become his housekeeper to pay it back. At the same time, Niall discovers Eva is expecting. The fairly new couple is hesitant at first, but Niall becomes all-in with fatherhood; not for the reason one would think.
With more time at the Pallister household, Niall grows closer to Mona. He discovers she’s a caged bird in Ruben’s primitive idea of marriage. Niall uses this to his advantage, getting a secret from his brother’s wife: Ruben’s infertile. In a moment of ridicule at his expense, Niall let’s this slip, sending Ruben into a rage. Fortunately, Niall talks him off the ledge before doing something he’d regret.
While Ruben is away for work, Niall attempts to comfort Mona. The two reminisce of their younger years, and in a moment of vulnerability, sleep together. When Mona’s lack of concern leaves Niall dejected, he spirals. The descent affects his relationship with Eva. After an outburst, she gives Niall an ultimatum.
Niall projects his fear and guilt into action. Unable to reach his brother via text, he drives to Ruben’s company only to find another secret: Ruben lost his job a year ago. Stealing Peter to pay Paul, Ruben has acquired his own debt, which is why he requested Niall’s loan back. Unable to provide financially has left Ruben lost in the world. He begs Niall not to tell.
Thinking he’s gotten off the hook, Niall is surprised when Ruben pays him a visit that night. After seeing Niall’s text messages from the previous day, Ruben deduces that something urgent occurred. Niall’s omission of the truth and other context clues lead Ruben to believe Mona cheated with a former acquaintance. Niall, again, tries his best to stop the storm, but he’s too late. Niall stands in horror as he has a case of deja vu: Ruben face-stomping an innocent man to a bloodied pulp. Niall passes out knowing it should be him kissing pavement.
The episode ends with the two brothers locking themselves in the barn, setting us for the beginning of the end.
Episode five showcases the painful bruises these two men sustain in pursuit of being a “man.” Niall lives in perpetual shame of his sexuality, unable to allow himself an inch of freedom. He sees it as a punishment, only engaging in carnal desires when he’s at his lowest. On the other hand, Ruben has defined his entire existence around his ability to produce. But material gain is nothing if loving kindness is not also included. Two halves of a whole struggling in this thing called life.
Rating: 10/10