Oh what a tangled web we weave…

When there are so many people practicing to deceive… Cobel’s cult-like worship of Lumon’s founder is revealed in the opening moments of this week’s episode as we learn what her motivation is – and it’ll send a chill down your spine.

Nevertheless, there seems to be quite a hopeful message in this instalment: nothing can keep down the human spirit, nor can a person’s fundamental personality be subjugated, even by a surgically severed memory. Despite the mental incarceration that ‘innies’ must endure, friendships are forged and deepened, plots thicken and reintegration – both of teams and minds – seems inevitable. Mark’s kindness and compassion are qualities shown by both his ‘innie’ and ‘outie’ in different but increasingly obvious ways and for me, this is the beating heart of the drama.

Once again, the subtleties of the performances are a strength of this show, and as Mark develops a backbone, the treatment he’s subjected to will shock and bring a tear to your eye, as it almost does his. I’d be surprised if award nominations don’t follow.

On the darker side of human nature, there’s something strange going on with Devon’s ‘maternity camp’ friend, and it strikes me that it would be both easier and harder to conduct an extra-marital affair in a ‘severed’ world… another level of intrigue as the pace seems to pick up a little and Cobel’s nemesis sets up a meeting I can’t wait to see.

Verdict: A new player enters the game as we’re poised to find out more about reintegration. 8/10

Claire Smith