One trope they keep using is to have people wearing different clothes when the same scene is being shown from a different perspective. I know that at the beginning of season 1, Alison's waitress uniform was shorter when the episode was from Noah's perspective, and sometimes clothing is sexy from one character's viewpoint but not another's, but most of the time it just feels weird to have the same person wearing something different when reenacting more or less the same scene. I suppose it's an aid to the viewer, but it brings in a touch of unreality.
I find it ridiculous that Noah admitted the crime of killing Scotty so that Helen wouldn't what? get a suspended sentence for driving drunk again? And that he's found guilty of murder not manslaughter and has a pretty long sentence. And that everyone keeps screeching at him that he's a murderer when in reality people would be talking about manslaughter and a wasted guy on the road he hit who might have gotten in the road through their own fault. And that neither Helen or Allison tell anyone especially Noah's kids that it was not Noah's fault. Why neither woman told at least a lawyer. I hope this go round Alison is using birth control. It's like a soap opera where people do ridiculous things and the fact that no one acts like real people act (someone somewhere would tell it was not Noah driving) more confusion and drama go round and round. My guess is the last episode will feature finally someone blurting out the truth. In the meantime the conceit of the program that two different views are happening still does not work. There is no way that two different people would have surreally different views of what happened unless they were deranged.
3
It IS a soap opera! And not a very good one.
Highly unlikely a 2nd DWI resulting in death would end with suspended sentence. Definite likelihood of significant jail or prison time for vehicular homicide there.
Didn't like that Helen sent the children away from the dinner table before they were finished eating. Understood her need for a moment alone - but is the Solloway household so fussy that the children can't eat in their rooms? Nice dishes.
1
This worried me also until I looked at the plates, which were pretty empty. I think everybody was done or nearly so.
It is like watching a train wreck or trying to build a mousetrap car for a high school physics class. You keep watching because you feel like you need to see the end of it. But it is getting to the point that that I will look in another direction and throw away the mousetrap and give up. The story line is ridiculous. The only characters who make sense are the ones who seem to be painfully aware of how stupid Helen is to feel anything but revulsion for Noah and see Noah for the narcissistic womanizing pathetic loser that he is. I may stay on to see the end of this season, but if it is more of the same, I am finished with this show. Don't even get me started with the reconciliation of Helen's parents.
5
I'm only still watching to find out if Helen and Alison will both come clean about the accident, to the authorities and their families.
When Noah has sex with Helen, does this mean he's cheating on Allison? At this point, a minor technicality, I suppose. The introduction of the Gunther side plot comes across as an unfortunate attempt to inject some drama.
2
I thought it was just me who was getting bored and frustrated with this show. They took an interesting approach to story telling with a compelling story to tell and now are dredging along with unlikable characters, too many different characters to the point that I do not care what any of them do. Even the opening song has become overly annoying. Was hoping this would be the last season. Now will be stuck with watching a show only because I have already invested too much of my time to not see how it ends.
5
The takeaways here are many. For one, I am happy to learn that chivalry is not dead; Furkat defends his lover Whitney against her father for, I'm assuming, inflicting psychic damage on her. You know you've hit bottom when Furkat, the "boss lover" (or was it "lover boss"?) commands the high moral ground.
Then again, high moral ground has departed for good, in the form of Vic, who refuses to prescribe Vicodin to an obvious addict. Let's hope he's also had enough of Helen's dismissive treatment of him. I also gather that we're supposed to grok Helen's behavior toward Vic as the sum of her own compromises. It's Helen who should be visiting Gunther's shop in search of a new moral compass, for hers surely is off-kilter. Tossing Vic in favor of caretaking Noah on her own, despite his derangement, isn't her best idea. Nor is acquiring painkillers for him and then seducing him--did anyone think that move would end well?
I'm a fan of Maura Tierney in this role but we're going to have to see more self-reflection from Helen. Doesn't she have any girlfriends? Brooklyn is swarming with Women Offering Sage Advice.
Again, Noah pulls at our sympathies while being repellent on so many levels. I'm with you, Mike. A frustrating episode, with too many unnecessary moves in the dark and insufficient light on the darker aspects of our Person of Interest. What's the haps, writers?
Then again, high moral ground has departed for good, in the form of Vic, who refuses to prescribe Vicodin to an obvious addict. Let's hope he's also had enough of Helen's dismissive treatment of him. I also gather that we're supposed to grok Helen's behavior toward Vic as the sum of her own compromises. It's Helen who should be visiting Gunther's shop in search of a new moral compass, for hers surely is off-kilter. Tossing Vic in favor of caretaking Noah on her own, despite his derangement, isn't her best idea. Nor is acquiring painkillers for him and then seducing him--did anyone think that move would end well?
I'm a fan of Maura Tierney in this role but we're going to have to see more self-reflection from Helen. Doesn't she have any girlfriends? Brooklyn is swarming with Women Offering Sage Advice.
Again, Noah pulls at our sympathies while being repellent on so many levels. I'm with you, Mike. A frustrating episode, with too many unnecessary moves in the dark and insufficient light on the darker aspects of our Person of Interest. What's the haps, writers?
4
Vic...Vic-odin.... That's what Greg House, MD, was addicted to, too. Not our Dr. Vic!
I watched this episode with English subtitles. In the final scene, when Noah covers Helens mouth, she is subtitled as saying "Wait, wait...Noah...enough." On re-watching this isn't really audible but I think she does say it, and he continues.
2
Part 2: Furkat
1
Next episode -Helen and Allison go for STD checks.
4
Can't be sure what's gone in the creators minds for wrapping up season 3 but I'm guessing the Cole / Allison story is about to mirror the Helen / Noah.
Just as Helen makes excuses for Noah she keeps ignoring and forgiving the obvious longing to have him back time and time again
Seems Cole is about to play the Helen roll more intensely now as he also has trouble getting Alison out of his head after her back and forth behaviours.
Pity that this seems to be the way the writers intend it to go. Everyone's life has to be a disaster.
Just as Helen makes excuses for Noah she keeps ignoring and forgiving the obvious longing to have him back time and time again
Seems Cole is about to play the Helen roll more intensely now as he also has trouble getting Alison out of his head after her back and forth behaviours.
Pity that this seems to be the way the writers intend it to go. Everyone's life has to be a disaster.
1
It's true. Helen doesn't know him because Noah doesn't know himself. That monster that torments him is his own alter ego. It's the deep ugliness that he fears exists inside of him. His grand confession to save Alison backfired, and he came out of prison even more damaged than before. He still blames Helen for everything. Even his drug addiction he lays at her door. He paints her as a siren intent on seducing him. And just as we now know he kept all that bitterness and deception hidden during their marriage, he assaults her in an act of horrific rage and hatred instead of telling her how he truly feels..He continues to keep Alison's involvement from her, all the better to make her suffer. Send your 'heart' to Paris Ms Treem. The further he is away from his ex family the better they will all be. Let Helen write a book now about the monster she allowed to abuse her for all those years. It shouldn't be too hard to outdo the smutty, sentimental drivel Noah had published. Her dad has all the right connections. Happiness and success will be the best revenge.
6
Episode 7 was too much. The show is becoming ridiculous. Pull it back together writers. Stop with the extreme plots and focus on the character development. That's what people came to this show in the beginning.
3
I'm not quite sure why I'm still watching the show. It certainly isn't because the characters are interesting or compelling. Definitely no season 4 for me. I'd rather spend my time ironing shirts.
2
Watching TV is the perfect way to get through an ironing job!
1
The only reason I still watch this shamble of a series is because I love these Monday commentaries.
12
Me too, Bob! What are we going to do in February?
What if Gunther really was in the basement?
2
Is it only me picking this up but Just four or five days before Helen hides Noah in her basement we saw Noah happily singing and hopping around like a jack rabbit on Block Island. Suddenly he's an addict in constant unbearable pain popping ten Vicodin a day ?
In both Helen and Noah perspectives she shows herself as a stupid control freak.
So what now?
The creators have made Noah, Helen and Allison totally unlikable dysfunctional characters.
The story really needed a hero and I thought it would be Cole who with Luisa were the most stable and sensible people in the series but no they're about to blow that up too.
The preview of episode eight shows a Helen Allison encounter so perhaps they'll realise they have enough in common to start a Lesbian affair.
At least that would get the show back on topic.
Don't think I'll stick around for any fourth season.
In both Helen and Noah perspectives she shows herself as a stupid control freak.
So what now?
The creators have made Noah, Helen and Allison totally unlikable dysfunctional characters.
The story really needed a hero and I thought it would be Cole who with Luisa were the most stable and sensible people in the series but no they're about to blow that up too.
The preview of episode eight shows a Helen Allison encounter so perhaps they'll realise they have enough in common to start a Lesbian affair.
At least that would get the show back on topic.
Don't think I'll stick around for any fourth season.
4
So Seinfeld.
They keep up this story line and I'll be tempted to stab these characters myself.
This show has gone totally off of the rails and insists on maintaining the worst opening song on any TV series. Ever.
Last season ended with Noah taking responsibility for a death caused in part by his current and former wives. I thought this would set up interesting story lines which would explore each person's post trauma response. But that really hasn't happened. Instead, this season has focused on an abusive prison guard who is written and portrayed as a comic book villain. The guard detracts and distracts the story from where it should have headed and I find myself wishing they would bring in and integrate new characters or further flesh out some of the current ones.
This show has gone totally off of the rails and insists on maintaining the worst opening song on any TV series. Ever.
Last season ended with Noah taking responsibility for a death caused in part by his current and former wives. I thought this would set up interesting story lines which would explore each person's post trauma response. But that really hasn't happened. Instead, this season has focused on an abusive prison guard who is written and portrayed as a comic book villain. The guard detracts and distracts the story from where it should have headed and I find myself wishing they would bring in and integrate new characters or further flesh out some of the current ones.
21
I love the song.
5
I love the opening song. Don't like how they changed the accompanying video this season, with shots of all the major cast members underwater.
2
Hate the song. I fast forward through it....
10
Does anyone else think that maybe Noah had an incestuous relationship with his mother? It would explain many things: additional incentive for him to "help" his mother die; his irrational and driving need to punish himself; his father being sympathetic to him despite Noah having ignored him for so long; his sister leaving home as soon as she could, and the depth of her guilt over having left Noah behind; the rage-filled sex with Helen at the end of episode 7. One contradiction of that theory though was his reaction to Helen's saying that she forgives him - he seemed incredulous and my first thought was that he'd be thinking that HE is in a position to forgive HER; typically narcissistic of him not to remember that his affair with Allison triggered the family's downward spiral.
For all of Helen's narcissism I do think she deeply loves Noah; unfortunately it is probably impossible now to untangle the love from the guilt she feels about his having gone to jail. Helen's behavior indicates her arrested development in my view...still trying to be good and loved by her supremely narcissistic parents, for some reason Noah's love is still the one she desires and seems to need the most.
SIGH...I'm addicted to this show!
For all of Helen's narcissism I do think she deeply loves Noah; unfortunately it is probably impossible now to untangle the love from the guilt she feels about his having gone to jail. Helen's behavior indicates her arrested development in my view...still trying to be good and loved by her supremely narcissistic parents, for some reason Noah's love is still the one she desires and seems to need the most.
SIGH...I'm addicted to this show!
3
Not really enjoying this season. All Noah ALL the time. Gunther was not there that night nor was he there when Noah was stabbed (self inflicted IMHO). Helen is crazy for letting Vic go.
More Allison and Cole please. Noah is bordering on the ridiculous.
More Allison and Cole please. Noah is bordering on the ridiculous.
1
I have been becoming annoyed with the show this season, but I was riveted to this episode, even though I can't stand Noah and I am disappointed in Helen. I'm not giving up on it yet. But I think the whole same-events-from-different-points-of-view schtick is getting old.
6
Please, please will the screen writers get rid of Noah. Don't care how. It's so obvious he stabbed himself and he is now the single least likable TV character. Or have the 30 mins of Noah a blank screen
This is making me rethink Vinyl as the worst TV show ever....
This is making me rethink Vinyl as the worst TV show ever....
5
Why is anybody still watching this sex show "with some story in between" ? It feels as an attempt to create some kind of high brow porn with the writers finding it harder and harder to come up with some story to justify the characters having sex ...Enjoy this review though: trying to find something worth to comment about this show must not be easy...
3
If Nina's attack on Helen is anything to go by, then Noah has always been a consummate liar. Little wonder then that his POV is usually the least convincing. Even before they rewrote him as a demented, drug addled sociopath his perception of life was a curious mix of entitlement, resentment and self loathing. His unnecessary confession served to exacerbate the court outcome, and only appeared to be self sacrificing but Noah always has a hidden agenda. There is very little he takes responsibility for. Even his addiction is now Helen's fault. It's their first real contact since his parole yet he views her as the enabler. As the series progresses Helen is increasingly cast as a controlling shrew, and yet if you look closer you will see that it was always Noah in control. That is why his in laws monetary influence was as frustrating as it was useful. Helen took charge of the little things but Noah held sway. It was the generous freedom that she allowed him that made his affair possible in the first place. Any other father of four on vacation with his family would at least be home for dinner. And when Helen resolved to return home early he convinced her otherwise, thus sealing their fate. Helen is beginning to look like an abuse victim. Perhaps we've yet to see what really went on in the Solloway household for all those years. This episode was sickening. I fast forwarded Noah. The Writer's pit have come up with some really ugly stuff for their favourite character this season.
9
I found this episode disturbing and repugnant, leaving me a little nauseated. And by the way, let's just say that was consensual sex that degraded into rough sex with rapier overtones by the end. A girl would need a neck brace after that romp!
7
Honestly, this is getting boring.
13
Do compare Noah/solitary/life after prison to Daniel Holden (Rectify)/solitary/life after prison. Daniel emerges as a mensch; Noah, not so much. (Daniels creator suggests but does not claim outright that Daniel was not guilty of murder.) Why can't Noah be like Daniel?
Why? Because they're different -- fictional -- characters.
4
This just in:
http://variety.com/2017/tv/news/the-affair-renewed-season-4-showtime-120...
Start making your pitches for Season 4 story lines now!
http://variety.com/2017/tv/news/the-affair-renewed-season-4-showtime-120...
Start making your pitches for Season 4 story lines now!
4
Season 4 idea: The whole lot decide to keep pants on and sit silent - each alone - and watch Family Guy reruns.
Except the French woman. She watches Jerry Lewis movies. Dubbed in braille.
Except the French woman. She watches Jerry Lewis movies. Dubbed in braille.
10
And they ordered pizza and then had a threesome with the pizza delivery guy, and then went to the Hamptons and the landlady showed up and they had sex, and then the exes showed up....
2
You have ruined my day with this news!
2
Last night when I saw Helen wanting desperately to take care of Noah so badly it cost her her relationship with the doctor, I thought maybe it was Helen who stabbed him in a jealous rage so he'd have no choice but to accept her help, prior to that I was certain it was the French teacher...this was a very disturbing episode, this infected neck is getting a lot of air time hopefully it's healed by episode 8, lol.
5
I don't think I would like to have a beer with the writers of the show. They seem to have the most negative view of human nature and people's failings that I have ever seen, they make Colinda on the Good Wife seem like an extreme optimist.
6
Watching this on Sunday night was good preparation for a Monday that includes visits to the DMV and tax office. Things could be worse (for me... not for Noah and Helen....) Why does Helen reject Handsome Doctor Vic in favor of the messed-up ex-husband? Exactly how self-destructive, needy and vicious does a guy have to be to attract her? Meanwhile, all the weird sex vibes are accumulating to hint at deeper trauma in Noah's life. Maybe his sexual problems go back to his childhood? His range seems to be angry sex, really angry sex, and rape. Not healthy for anyone. Whitney and Furkat add the necessary note of farce to this dour hour. (Furkat.) Regarding the supper conversation, I found it a bit odd that a kid would talk about "genre," but then again that's an option for shuffle on music apps, so I guess it's a common word. And, anyway, this takes place in New York, where I think children learn about genre (and subtext) in kindergarten. Nice touch with the madwoman in the attic vs madman in the basement. Also a nod to Fall of the House of Usher... sound effects for the tale being told .... reveals the hidden horror in the basement. So Gothic! No wonder Helen was dressed in black.
15
I might have misheard but I think she asked him to stop. His rough sex with Alison in the previous season was him taking control. We saw a similar act with Cole in the first season which Alison seemed to enjoy. This assault was violent, and seemed driven by rage and even hatred. It was deeply disturbing and there's no way of coming back from that. His only option now is Paris...
2
Helen's choice (and we have to believe it was a conscious choice) for Noah over Vic implies that she has a very self-destructive streak of her own.
Although she might on the surface dismiss it as payback for his unfaithfulness, Helen must have profound guilt about Noah taking the murder rap for her. She might feel unworthy of a guy like Vic. Or she might just be drawn to darkness.
Although she might on the surface dismiss it as payback for his unfaithfulness, Helen must have profound guilt about Noah taking the murder rap for her. She might feel unworthy of a guy like Vic. Or she might just be drawn to darkness.
3
Alison didn't enjoy it. Cole raped her.
1
At perhaps considerable risk, I have to ask: what made the final scene (in Noah's point of view) a rape scene, as at least three commenters have characterized it? The roughness of the sex? The fact that Helen cried afterward? As I recall it, there was no indication of unwillingness on her part (the only thing she said was "We're OK"). Ironically, I'm writing this in a cafe where the Showtime press site is blocked because of a content filter, so I can't rewatch the scene, and would be happy to be corrected. But I think my memory is good enough. Is this about people's perceptions of the show, or is it about a shifting definition of rape?
8
I'm rewatching the last scene to add my thoughts. Now this scene is shown through Noah's point-of-view. He's been drinking and taking several pills. The music playing in the background is ominous. The sounds we hear from Helen are sounds of pain (to my ears); the music builds to a crescendo. I sense the scene is meant to convey actions that are out-of-control, scary. Helen looks like she has been terribly hurt, overpowered, violated. This is a show, not a trial, and we are seeing it through one of the character's eyes. So it is reasonable to step back and put it in that context. I would say that the scene is meant to convey violation and violence. Helen's repetition of "we're ok" comes across as disassociated, like she's just repeating the last thing she said, now being repeated as she panics.
7
It wasn't a rape. Helen cried because it was not what she intended it to be, i.e. a tender lovemaking session resurrecting their young love and lust for each other. Then again, this is Noah's version. SHE seduced HIM into bed.
3
I did not get the impression of rape as much as it seemed the sex got really rough at the end. It was hard to watch because it got almost gratuitously violent. Helen definitely wanted to get it on, no doubt about that, but if she was looking for a little tenderness and affection, it just wasn't that way at all.
Starting to think that Noah took up his agent's suggestion and wrote "Descent."
That would explain the over the top storyline and the lack of focus on characters outside of the protagonist's journey. (And if he's still with Alison, he might not be too keen to write much about her relationship with Cole.)
Last season he mentioned wanting his next book to be a biography of General Omar Bradley. He wanted to go to Paris to do research. So makes sense then that this season would end there.
That would explain the over the top storyline and the lack of focus on characters outside of the protagonist's journey. (And if he's still with Alison, he might not be too keen to write much about her relationship with Cole.)
Last season he mentioned wanting his next book to be a biography of General Omar Bradley. He wanted to go to Paris to do research. So makes sense then that this season would end there.
2
Oops mistake ... wasn't able to correct as of course he already wrote "Descent." I think this storyline is related to that novel.
The first half of this episode was tough going even with Helen, the strongest and most interesting character in the series; the second half was pretty much unwatchable. Brendan Fraser is very good as the sinister Gunther, but that whole subplot has derailed things in a ridiculous way. Looking forward to next week and getting back to the literal (though of course not figurative) sunshine of Montauk after the endless hour in that dark and depressing Brooklyn brownstone. Vic, good for you for getting the heck out of there.
23
I have to agree with this post - the prison guard subplot has derailed the show. I know 'prison' is a hot topic these days, but really, this show only borrows superficially and isn't really concerned with the issues of prison. It's more than annoying it's an insult to all the people who really are subjected to the injustices of the prison system to try to bring this storyline into "The Affair." The use of hallucinating characters and blurry video effects is not interesting! Get some real writers, please! These serial shows often start out this way - good, insightful writing in the first season, and then a steady decline as unreal plot lines and story turns replaces real dramatic writing. Don't scrimp on the writing - that's what it's all about. Even good actors cannot pull off a show with lazy writing.
4
The best episodes include Alison and her pretty dresses, and mystical shots of Long Island (or wherever its filmed). The last two episodes have been unwatchable.
11
If they were unwatchable why did you watch them?
5
"Unwatchable" is a figure of speech. Except in Wayne's World!
1
It's hard to know that something's unwatchable until you watch it.
5
I could not agree with the “hate Helen” meme of last week. She just seems obsessed with Noah and filled with guilt. As for “poor Dr. Vic’ he is the most unbelievable character in the show. He is an awful needy wimp for being a successful surgeon in NYC. He finally showed some manhood while bullying Noah. From a financial point of view – free housing food and sex in a spacious TH $3.5K/ x 3 years, it’s a tidy sum. Helen is used to using her money to have a honey. Good-bye Dr Vic! And take yo cactus with you!
The Noah is crazy angle is pretty boring. Hope something happens soon.
The Noah is crazy angle is pretty boring. Hope something happens soon.
12
That sad little cactus.
13
Never liked Alison's dresses. Thought the prints were ugly and the fabric polyester. Helen has much better fashion taste.
7
Helen has more money to spend on her clothes.
4
The basement apartment is like a living organism. When Helen and her mother threw Noah's things in the basement, it was just a storage/furnace room. When Vic moved in it grew a bed and bath. Suddenly it's a multi-room dwelling with a groundfloor entrance. By episode 10 we'll have a skylight and a two car garage.
43
Can I vomit now?
I know contracts are the devil to break, and actresses like Maura Tierney know that directors tend to think they're hovering over their sell-buy date, but it just baffles me that any self-respecting person can get through an episode of filming this without needing a shelf-ful of anti-emetics.
And according to your last week's recap, this show is the full flowering of women writers on top?
Dreck is dreck. An equal-opportunity affliction.
I know contracts are the devil to break, and actresses like Maura Tierney know that directors tend to think they're hovering over their sell-buy date, but it just baffles me that any self-respecting person can get through an episode of filming this without needing a shelf-ful of anti-emetics.
And according to your last week's recap, this show is the full flowering of women writers on top?
Dreck is dreck. An equal-opportunity affliction.
9
Actually, considering that The Wire, Sopranos, Breaking Bad, et al were written by men, there is no evidence that good or bad dramatic writing for TV is "equal opportunity". We have yet to witness anything from women writers that approaches this quality. Perhaps Tina Fey can redirect her considerable talents? There is certainly no hope for this crew!
1
I dislike Helen with each additional episode that features her. I used to have sympathy for her but now she is just a wrecking ball to everyone's life including her own. And it doesn't matter if it's her viewpoint of the story or someone else's -- she is unappealing anyway you cut the story.
11
I feel the same way about Noah. I can feel sorry for him, but I never like him (or find him attractive)
1
i love the show.....and the theme song. I was hooked from the first episode and love trying to figure it out. I now believe that seasons 2 and 3 are Noah's books. I don't think the affair even happened.....we will see Helen and Noah in Paris, celebrating the success of his latest novel. He is now the person that Helen always thought he was.
7
Interesting theory. The narrative is certainly pulpy enough to qualify as Noah's writing, if the snippets from the first book were any indication.
2
When my wife wants to annoy me, she starts singing that gawdawful theme song.
When I wish to annoy my wife, I return the favor.
When I wish to annoy my wife, I return the favor.
29
Am I crazy, or was it edited to be less horrible this season? Muting, as is my practice with the theme to Orange is the New Black as well, was my only option in the first two seasons, or, have I somehow found tolerance? Thanks!
Definitely an episode (at least) too far. We get that Noah is hallucinating and Helen is indebted to him for his taking her place in prison, but this episode was a waste of time. The sex/rape scene at the end was unnecessary and rather painful to get through: I actually walked away from the TV. I found myself scouring the internet for recaps from earlier weeks to find answers to questions that have yet to be answered. There seems to be no real action as when the show first started, just several people wallowing in their own issues without really sorting anything out. Of course I'll watch the last three episodes, if only to find my way through all these cobwebs. Ugh.
5
I think Helen's version of events is closer to what actually happened. She wasn't acting like herself in Noah's version.
I was shocked when she told Noah she forgave him. I expected him to explode and he did, as they had sex and he raped her. The rape scene was dark and disturbing; however, I don't think he was raped. Ya'll have read too much prison fiction. Can't wait for next week when Allison attempts to tell Helen she pushed Scotty.
I was shocked when she told Noah she forgave him. I expected him to explode and he did, as they had sex and he raped her. The rape scene was dark and disturbing; however, I don't think he was raped. Ya'll have read too much prison fiction. Can't wait for next week when Allison attempts to tell Helen she pushed Scotty.
6
This is one of Hale's least snarky (read: best) recaps of "The Affair" ever.
Grueling episode. Infuriating final scene.
Helen's maternal instincts toward Noah (if that's what they are) may have been what drew her to him in the first place. Maybe, despite Nina's accusations, she sensed his pain from the beginning.
I keep wondering whether it is the show runners' intention to encourage or kill off the audience's sympathy for Noah as time goes on. (Maybe neither.) Although both the revelation about his role in his mother's death and the brutality he suffered in prison are horrifying, I'm finding it harder and harder to feel anything like pity for him.
Grueling episode. Infuriating final scene.
Helen's maternal instincts toward Noah (if that's what they are) may have been what drew her to him in the first place. Maybe, despite Nina's accusations, she sensed his pain from the beginning.
I keep wondering whether it is the show runners' intention to encourage or kill off the audience's sympathy for Noah as time goes on. (Maybe neither.) Although both the revelation about his role in his mother's death and the brutality he suffered in prison are horrifying, I'm finding it harder and harder to feel anything like pity for him.
14
"Noah Solloway hit rock bottom in Sunday night’s episode of “The Affair.” "
The Affair hit rock bottom in Sunday night's episode of "The Affair."
With Noah saying you don't know me, you don't know me at the end, I feel like a cheap writer's chick has been played. They had two seasons to tell us who he was and now they've just up and changed him. While I have little desire to watch a prison show, I could tolerate it a little more if his demons were focused on his time in prison, but not adding this bit about struggles before prison- struggles we never saw.
Anyway, it just seemed to plunge into complete darkness and was unpleasant to watch. Once upon a time, this was an interesting show when it followed the impact, emotional and practical, of a fairly typical affair.
The Affair hit rock bottom in Sunday night's episode of "The Affair."
With Noah saying you don't know me, you don't know me at the end, I feel like a cheap writer's chick has been played. They had two seasons to tell us who he was and now they've just up and changed him. While I have little desire to watch a prison show, I could tolerate it a little more if his demons were focused on his time in prison, but not adding this bit about struggles before prison- struggles we never saw.
Anyway, it just seemed to plunge into complete darkness and was unpleasant to watch. Once upon a time, this was an interesting show when it followed the impact, emotional and practical, of a fairly typical affair.
22
I think she was trying to convince him as well as herself that she "knows" him after what Nina said to her in the last episode. In addition, she assumed his self-destructive behavior was punishment for the pain he caused his family with the affair. She mistakenly believed that if she told him she forgave him he would let up on himself. She doesn't know him.
In addition, she has never really taken responsibility or even shown much remorse for killing Scotty and it's grating. She terribly self-centered. She's a monster, too.
In addition, she has never really taken responsibility or even shown much remorse for killing Scotty and it's grating. She terribly self-centered. She's a monster, too.
9
A cheap writer's trick, not chick.
3
I do not think Helen "treated her ex-husband like a child" she treated him like a wife, current not former.
6
We're led to think that Noah hallucinated and stabbed himself. But this is too easy and obvious. We need to understand what happened during Noah's childhood - why he fought with his dad. Also, how did Gunther from Noah's hometown wind up as his prison guard? And is Gunther somehow connected to the gang in Montauk?
1
Gunther isn't from his home town, but a neighbouring town. From what was discussed at the dinner with his old school friends Gunther went to a different school and no-one knew him, so maybe the only interaction they had was at swim meets.
1
Perhaps it's the demographic but I can't account for my ongoing fascination with this show. In fact, as a result I'm determined to watch less television, which will please my husband who cannot believe that I watch The Affair at all. He was just as amazed when I watched Loving back in the late 80's. I had four small children then so at least I had an excuse. This time it's just embarrassing. I read all the reviews. I comment! Even on Facebook, (along with countless illiterate millennials). O the shame...Even as the show sinks into a dark and implausible morass I find myself thinking about it. The 3rd season is perplexing, and I wonder what Hagai Levi would have to say. He grew up on a religious kibbutz where he would have learnt about Tikkun Olam. Mending the world...and in doing so ourselves and one another. I think he'd be appalled. With its lead narrator recast as a twisted and mentally unstable liar, everything we saw through his eyes in the past two seasons is a manipulative fabrication. Far from Helen controlling him, it is Noah who chose to have four children, and then cast them aside and it's as a result of her largesse that he was seldom home that fateful summer giving him enough rope to destroy all those lives. Helen's biggest failing was not to have realised from the start what 'a really bad person' he was. But I'm going on about it again. Maybe I need to start a support group!
27
Lover your comment. I sort of feel the same way about watching this show- a guilty pleasure for sure.
6
Another millennial hater? I don't find them to be illiterate at all. I much prefer them to miserable, old Get Off My Lawn people.
1
I've just had it with this show; can't believe it's deteriorated so badly. See ya.
16
What with only 3 episodes to go???? Hang in there. Then leave.
2
Thanks for another great recap. It truly amazes me how this show has evolved into such a dark melodrama considering how it began as a summer "fling."
Who would have thought that Noah would end up a strung out, wreck of a man- a junkie no less- getting the crap kicked out of him by a prison guard and then his daughter's daddy figure/artist/lover/boss? Or that poor Helen would not only forgive all his awful transgressions, but humiliate herself to the point where she grovels and begs the bastard to come back into her life and her bed. Not to mention how little she cares about losing poor Dr. Vic, the only sane and decent human being in her life. Hopefully he is serious about leaving and doesn't come back to this loony bin.
Speaking of humans, I find it very strange that given their beautiful and spacious brownstone, the Solloway family has no pets- not a cat or a dog to be seen. Could it be that they are all so self absorbed that there's no room in their lives for animal companionship? It would be so much easier and more rewarding for Helen if she just went to the nearest shelter and rescued a dog. At least she would have someone in her life who gave her the unconditional love that she craves.
I think by now we can predict where this is going. In fact, Noah told us when he was arguing with his publisher about how his book should end. Remember? it was something about three people sharing a horrible secret. My guess after last night would be Noah, Helen and Vic.
Who would have thought that Noah would end up a strung out, wreck of a man- a junkie no less- getting the crap kicked out of him by a prison guard and then his daughter's daddy figure/artist/lover/boss? Or that poor Helen would not only forgive all his awful transgressions, but humiliate herself to the point where she grovels and begs the bastard to come back into her life and her bed. Not to mention how little she cares about losing poor Dr. Vic, the only sane and decent human being in her life. Hopefully he is serious about leaving and doesn't come back to this loony bin.
Speaking of humans, I find it very strange that given their beautiful and spacious brownstone, the Solloway family has no pets- not a cat or a dog to be seen. Could it be that they are all so self absorbed that there's no room in their lives for animal companionship? It would be so much easier and more rewarding for Helen if she just went to the nearest shelter and rescued a dog. At least she would have someone in her life who gave her the unconditional love that she craves.
I think by now we can predict where this is going. In fact, Noah told us when he was arguing with his publisher about how his book should end. Remember? it was something about three people sharing a horrible secret. My guess after last night would be Noah, Helen and Vic.
3
Isn't the horrible secret the truth about Scotty's death? And aren't the three people Noah, Helen, and Allison?
4
I don't think its cheap to hire an dog or cat actor!
2
Pity the neglected pet adopted into the Soloway household. Maybe the youngest child would care for it.
4
Noah. The gift that keeps on giving. Now he's destroyed Helen's relationship with Vic.
The Vicodin did not cause the hallucinations, because Noah was hallucinating Gunther following him before the attack.
The Vicodin did not cause the hallucinations, because Noah was hallucinating Gunther following him before the attack.
3
Noah was taking vicodin as soon as he got out of prison, maybe even in prison, because of the shoulder injury that Gunther administered. That said, I don't think vicodin causes hallucinations. It isn't LSD.
If I recall correctly, Noah was already popping pills in the first episode. I thought they were for his shoulder, not the neck wound.
3
I just checked. Vicodin abuse can cause fear, nausea and confusion. Constipation is also apparently a symptom which might explain why Noah is so full of it.
29
I'm afraid intelligent viewers simply want 1 answer: Who cares? This mess jumped the shark a long time ago. If not for the casting of Noah and Helen by actors who played McNutty and Liar, Liar wife (and other sympathetic characters), we'd all be begging for Big Bad Brendan to torture them both. To death.
10
I've liked Noah when he was a cad and a criminal. Or maybe I just like Dominic West and think he's sexy (no maybe about that). Noah went to prison for a noble reason. Because he was protecting them. Of course this occurred after he raped Alison.
Now he has attacked and raped Helen, too.
Maybe episode 7 is a bridge too far.
This Noah is ringing bells I don't need rung. Whether I watch the rest of Season 3 will depend on some serious reflection this week about whether a TV character reawakens pain in me or the strength to leave the pain behind.
Until Sunday, I'll stick with "The Hour" for my Dominic West fix. Noah isn't the only addict here.
Now he has attacked and raped Helen, too.
Maybe episode 7 is a bridge too far.
This Noah is ringing bells I don't need rung. Whether I watch the rest of Season 3 will depend on some serious reflection this week about whether a TV character reawakens pain in me or the strength to leave the pain behind.
Until Sunday, I'll stick with "The Hour" for my Dominic West fix. Noah isn't the only addict here.
1
These ladies seemed to have enjoyed Noah's "rape" as neither one cried or objected or even said no Remember when Helen used to go ho hum (so bored) in love scenes with Max? Longing for Noah.
1
Helen said "Wait, Noah Enough". I think that's an objection.
Wow, I find him odious and not attractive in the least. Maybe I could tolerate him a little better with his English accent. As it is, the idea of his touching me makes my skin crawl.
Easily the poorest episode of the series. The 2 perspective format is tired and no longer benefits the show but causes it to painfully crawl. We get it Noah was abused in prison, is addicted to painkillers and cannot distinguish reality. They'll keep us in this hell without the already tardy payoff we deserved 3 episodes. Let's please crack on with some other plot. "The Affair was galaxies more enjoyable when it was more about affairs.
22
Having a set number of episodes per series is why I prefer overseas television series. In the US, writers have to keep creating/stretching more plot lines to fill the episodes they get approved season by season. Unless it's a sitcom, viewers get taken on all these subplots that detract from the main plot. Having 20+ episodes ultimately dilutes the main plot and wastes viewers' time.
1
I still say that the abuse in prison included rape. Noah's version of sex with Helen became violent at the end- was he reenacting something he had gone through? Was he reasserting his masculinity by being the aggressor rather than the victim? Victims of rape often try to numb themselves- is that the real cause of his Vicodin and Ambien abuse?
16
Certainly it seems he was probably raped as the ultimate violation in prison, but think of all the other tortures that made his life miserable -- the broken (in three places) shoulder, at least one beating by guards with clubs and in riot gear, and also dehydration. Gunther was suggesting that he would not get much water for 90 days. And who prescribed the Vicodin? A prison doctor? Talk about hell on earth. And why? Since according to Sarah Theem, the season ends in Paris, are we heading towards Noah writing about his prison experiences and winning a prize of some sort? Or does he just flee the country with Juliette? Being practical (not necessarily the right way to look at this show), who will pay for Noah's rehab and other obvious medical bills? Will Helen ask her father? I guess Noah could sue...but that doesn't seem likely in this kind of show. And then, of course, we have the possible "coming clean" about what actually happened the night of the accident. Would that mean Helen goes to prison next? I hope not. I think we've all had enough of prison life on this show.
2
This show is getting so tedious. The writers need to get it back on track. There is never any joy or ease....just angst and more angst. Make it stop!
7
Spoiler. Not cool.
3