There’s no such thing as coincidence.

The way Shining Girls is slowly unfolding episode by episode is making more and more sense with each scene. This is a drama to persevere with, and you’ll be glad you did as more pieces of the puzzle are revealed, even if the way they slot together isn’t apparent yet.

It’s increasingly impressive that Kirby remains not just our key protagonist, revealing more about what it feels like to live in a constantly shifting reality, but she drives her own investigation forward, directing the more experienced (if a little jaded and weary) male lead. I was struck by the fact that I found this refreshing before I even realised why: Kirby is exercising a level of control over the direction of their research that isn’t usually afforded to women in such circumstances. Despite his obvious misgivings about her credibility – that Kirby herself voices – Dan listens and values her testimony rather than side-lining or gas-lighting her. Oh, to live in a world where life imitated this particular art.

Meanwhile, Harper’s sinister actions continue to be the most unsettling, even in the face of an unclear motive or timeline. There are some genuine lean-forward-on-the-sofa-and-hold-your-breath moments that I wasn’t expecting.

All this adds up to the fact that before the end of the episode I found myself eager to see the next. That’s a sure sign of clever, engaging writing.

Verdict: The pace and the stakes are raised as a macabre pattern is exposed. 8/10

Claire Smith