A lesson in the importance of self-belief.

With each new episode of Shining Girls, the inner strength that Kirby shows becomes more and more impressive. How realistic it would be for your average woman is more dubious, but to me she still represents a sort ideal soldier in the war against Harper.

There’s yet more to unwrap in terms of his actions, how and why – and when – they are connected. The time-jumping can be confusing at times, but by the end of the episode, it feels clearer. This is because a key scene is replayed from another point of view, and I’m a fan of this as a narrative tool, especially in the case of non-linear timelines and it works well here.

Dan’s respect for Kirby also seems to be growing after her bravery in allowing her story to be published and as the spotlight turns on him as its author. There’s a setback though and we saw it coming, but I’m invested enough to hope he can move past it, which he seems willing to do.

There’s still not enough known about what set Harper on this peculiar path of destruction and as we are now firmly in the second half of the series, it feels like it’s time for the lid to be lifted on him.

Verdict: Can Kirby maintain the courage of her convictions before it’s too late? 8/10

Claire Smith