We’re off on a jolly this week as Harry and the Hawthornes take a break at Yellowstone National Park. Back in Patience, Mike faces the consequences of his one-night stand while Liv has her integrity questioned.

After flapping around doing soap-opera stuff last season, the Hawthorne parents are now properly embroiled in the plot as it’s now established they are both victims of alien abductions. While they have no conscious memories of their night-time sojourns it’s clearly having a traumatic effect on Kate. I’m sure it will turn out to have a happy ending but it’s no less upsetting to see what she’s going through. As hinted at last week Yellowstone seems to have a connection to the Greys, hence Harry inviting himself along.

She may have a reputation as a party girl but poor Judy has set herself up for heartbreak after pulling the just-dumped Sheriff Thompson. We get to see another side of her other than her just being there for a bit of light comedy. Plus we meet her mom, the tree from which the apple fell very, very closely. Good stuff especially as Jenna Lamia, as Judy, gets to do some proper drama for once which makes her character that little bit more real.

Some nice scenes too for Liv, who you’ll remember had taken part in a documentary regarding alien abductions. The consequences of this are felt this week, and again we get to learn a little more about her when we discover who’s been casting aspersions as to her suitability as a police officer. I really like Liv, she’s a character who helps ground this very silly show in reality and Elizabeth Bowen always gives a smashing performance.

A really enjoyable episode from Sarah Beckett, long-time staff writer and author of season 1’s excellent Love Language (the one with the real Harry’s estranged wife). Lots of properly funny moments, especially for Harry, in a script that zips along nicely. There’s also quite a few real emotional scenes this week and tears are shed but it all feels completely earned, there’s no syrup involved, just genuine reactions to events. Best episode in a long time I think.

Verdict: Although still early days these last two episodes indicate the show may well have got its mojo back, which pleases me no end. Keep it up. 8/10

Andy Smith