Because The A.V. Club knows that TV shows keep going even if we’re not writing at length about them, we’re experimenting with discussion posts. For certain shows, one of our TV writers will publish some brief thoughts about the latest episode, and open the comments for readers to share theirs.
- This episode especially seems like a parade of various bad behavior by men. Adultery, menacing violence, groveling, lying, cruelty to family, harassment on social media… it’s almost exhausting. Even Mark is headed off on his own obsessive trip away from his family.
- Paul’s crush on Beth does not seem to have abated one bit.
- The second rape victim was almost as effective as the first. It was easy to understand why she would be so reluctant to come forward. “Short skirt. Nice top. Makeup. You think I don’t know what they’re do to me?” As always, Hardy and Miller are unmatched (especially by anyone else on this show, except for maybe Beth and Paul) in their compassion and support.
- “Which beach?” “The one next to the sea.” Man, I hate sexual predator guy, although he seems too detached from the rest of the characters to be a viable suspect. But then why is he lying?
- With the men running off all over the place this week, it would be nice if the women were there for each other. But even that narrow window is closed with Cath and Trish at odds after Trish tells Cath that she slept with her husband. Cath’s response is almost unbelievable cruel: “Of all the women at that party, why would somebody rape you?” Trish has suffered enough, although Cath is admittedly stuck in a horrible situation with asshole and now somewhat murderous Jim.
- Hardy conveyed effective devastation over Daisy’s reveal on why she’s been having such a hard time in Broadchurch, and her resentment over his always putting his work ahead of her. Miller’s response: “That’s parenting. It’s like a constant slap around the head.” Also, it’s always fun to see Hardy and Miller do some smart detective work together, tracing the time and places of the assaults. With three more episodes to go, we can use all the clues we can get.
- Guiltiest suspect this week: That smarmy Leo of the twine place. Has his girlfriend do three favors for him, including lying to the police. Also has access to the sock/gag.
- Next week: The return of Joe, ugh. Have not missed him at all this season, and there’s nothing he can say that’s ever going to make Mark, or anyone, feel better about Danny’s death.
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