Why is every scene with Maura Tierney ten times better than any scene without her?
3
If the three of them come clean to the authorities, do they all go to jail for one reason or another? Does Noah get sent back to jail for perjury?
I loved the first season. I wish the show had ended with just one season...
I really don't follow the sense of anything now. The characters aren't true to themselves in any way; the plot twists are ridiculous....the "conflicts with the law" segments should never have been written...First season...first season only. I really think most viewers are ashamed of themselves for continuing to watch. My God, I hate to imagine a season 4. It's the money grubbing!
I really don't follow the sense of anything now. The characters aren't true to themselves in any way; the plot twists are ridiculous....the "conflicts with the law" segments should never have been written...First season...first season only. I really think most viewers are ashamed of themselves for continuing to watch. My God, I hate to imagine a season 4. It's the money grubbing!
4
We just decided that, after watching this show for what, 5, 10 years, that we'll simply read these recaps. Much more entertaining.
5
A friend of mine in Boston who also watches The Affair each week likes to flirt with the idea that we are all watching an adaptation of one of Noah's father-in-law's novels, which, as you may remember, his wife claims that she really wrote. What we started out with a few season's ago was Noah, a man about to explode (beneath the surface at least). He had a demanding and dishonest wife (notice, for example, how Helen lies compulsively in her business dealings) whose parents supported them, he had nasty children (Whitney is the prime example, but remember what his son did to him in the first episode), and he was frustrated as a writer. Hey, Noah, you have a full-time teaching job, a pile of emotionally needy kids, a demanding wife, sarcastic in-laws who belittle you all the time, so why haven't you found the tranquility and energy to write the Great American Novel? So he implodes, has an affair and writes Fifty Shades of Sollaway. My problem is that this basic premise worked fine for one season and maybe two, but somehow cohesiveness (that might have been a novel plot) has been lost and the show has become both dull and frustrating to watch. I hang around for the wonderful acting (the four principals especially), but the plot doesn't make a lot of sense. Is it really relevant that Noah helped his mother commit suicide and that he got stabbed in the neck in some grungy room? The Scotty subplot was great, but the Gunther one is uninteresting. Can this show be saved?
2
There was reference in one of these comments to the "erotic sizzle" of the first 2 seasons, and similar sentiments have been expressed by others. This did not register. I did not and do not want to watch or imagine these people having sex. Ever. Nothing erotic there. Now, I must admit, my bar might be set rather high due to a misspent youth viewing "Golden Girls" reruns.
4
Agree with many of the commenters who say that many of the characters have completely changed personalities! At least with Noah we might believe his three years in jail made him psychotic. But Oscar as Mr. Nice Guy!!? The idea that he and Cole are now buddies strains all credulity.
7
I didn't know psychiatric institutions hired people as counselors who had no training as counselors and who had been inpatients at the institution 6 months prior to being hired to counsel distraught individuals.
America -- what a country.
America -- what a country.
9
My wife and I are stunned by how much this show has inspired deep and meaningful conversations between us. Just last night I mentioned that if she ever does have an affair - whether he looks like McNulty or not - , I would probably only be able to keep on keepin' on by maintaining hope that she might stop by my workplace years later with an offering of a bag full of donuts. We both acknowledged that this would most certainly cause mysterious impulses from my brain, tongue and loins to converge in a happy place, cause me to reflect on just about everything that matters - in a black vs white kind of way -, and think that maybe all can be right in this world again after all.
Others here mention "good writing" on this show. Really? So I take it that "good writing" for TV means strings of words that, when spoken, inspire otherwise reasonable, intelligent people to yell at their TV?
It is the hilariously BAD writing that makes this show so good. For us masochists.
Others here mention "good writing" on this show. Really? So I take it that "good writing" for TV means strings of words that, when spoken, inspire otherwise reasonable, intelligent people to yell at their TV?
It is the hilariously BAD writing that makes this show so good. For us masochists.
8
Alison's convenient encounter with Helen in the bar, only serves to reinforce just how masterful she is at manipulation. Apart from the sexual assignations she had with Noah during their tryst in Montauk, in most of her recollections of Noah, he is anything but the charming, go getting and capable man she describes to Helen. In fact, he is predatory, aggressive and consumed with himself. His change in confidence only comes after the success of his sleazy novel, which brings out the worst in him. Alison's attention panders to his delusions of grandeur and encourages his smug hubris.. Perhaps we are meant to deduce from this exchange that Noah's descent comes as a result of Helen's low opinion of him, and that she is to blame for everything. So what was it? An Affair in a good marriage, because after all 'true love' cannot be denied? An Affair in a marriage of convenience, because he was only using her to escape his miserable past? An Affair by a damaged sociopath unable to control his actions and emotions? In light of all the other shenanigans, we can only conclude that this is just a very unfortunate collection of people, without a modicum of self mastery, moral fortitude or common decency. It's a deeply sad view of the human condition, and a pessimistic look at therapy. Thousands of dollars on therapists, yet the characters act out the same behaviour ad nauseum. After his penultimate breakdown Noah is off to Paris where Affairs are de rigueur, it's enough already.
4
In these shows the characters are improbably and boring, and the plots are boring and improbable. My stepmother was an actor in soap operas for many years, and I started watching them but couldn't take it for too long. I'm surprised I lasted as long as I did, even though offscreen the actors were mostly nice people who were quite talented.
2
I think Alison will end up with Vic, and the french lady will fall in love with Helen, who I really can't stand ---- even after she owned her archetype. Furkat will end up with Noah's youngest son; those two will open a shop in Paris, paid for with Helen's mothers money. Cole will find satisfaction with Luisa, even after her sister has their baby ---- which will turn out to be Oscar's child, as evidenced by red hair, albeit a Spanish accent. Noah -- he will go nuts, after all of his fantasizing of Gunther, and he will end up in the loony bin for sure. How can they pack this all in? Why, it's TV --- they can do anything.
4
Are you saying Furkat is a pedophile, and that viewers should endorse this?
3
By the time Season 3 is over, I'm not sure I'll like any of the characters enough to sit through a Season 4. Never thought I'd say a Dominic West character is almost unwatchable (though sexy West's acting is superb), but after two rapes, I'm beginning to think Noah's imprisonment wasn't long enough.
For now, I'll watch "The Hour," a BBC America gem in which West's character is (naturally) a charmingly irresistible cad without the violence streak.
For now, I'll watch "The Hour," a BBC America gem in which West's character is (naturally) a charmingly irresistible cad without the violence streak.
5
Sometimes the recaps are more entertaining than the show.
Do I just keep watching to justify the $ spent on Showtime?
Do I just keep watching to justify the $ spent on Showtime?
4
famdoc: I try to make it clear, or at least telegraph it, when I think the show is outright ridiculous. That said, it's a strange beast -- scene by scene, the writing can be quite good, and the central cast is among the best on TV. It's that high-and-low combination, I think, that makes people get addicted.
JR: I didn't mean to be dismissive about Alison's ultimatum, although I did think it was kind of hilarious that the writers managed to engineer five meetings between Alison and Cole in two days. (How do they get anything else done?) Regarding Alison's forcefulness in that scene, I'd keep in mind that it was a Cole chapter, and one of the striking things about the episode was that he appeared to her as being stronger than she saw herself. But maybe what read as strength to you and me was meant (by the writer and director) to come across as willful and selfish, in line with what Cole was saying about her.
gep: Yes, great glasses on Helen. I regret not mentioning them. A more important point I meant to make and completely forgot to include: No Gunther! Thank goodness.
JR: I didn't mean to be dismissive about Alison's ultimatum, although I did think it was kind of hilarious that the writers managed to engineer five meetings between Alison and Cole in two days. (How do they get anything else done?) Regarding Alison's forcefulness in that scene, I'd keep in mind that it was a Cole chapter, and one of the striking things about the episode was that he appeared to her as being stronger than she saw herself. But maybe what read as strength to you and me was meant (by the writer and director) to come across as willful and selfish, in line with what Cole was saying about her.
gep: Yes, great glasses on Helen. I regret not mentioning them. A more important point I meant to make and completely forgot to include: No Gunther! Thank goodness.
11
Thank you for responding. The show is alternately grimly fascinating and infuriating, compounded by the multiple points of view and the sometimes strained logistics (a four-hour drive takes five minutes! Cole and Alison can't keep out of each other's way!).
Any idea whether this has been renewed for another season? I almost hope that it will end after episode 10 and put me out of my misery! We can start to see the pieces falling into place -- but maybe the show runners will fool us.
Any idea whether this has been renewed for another season? I almost hope that it will end after episode 10 and put me out of my misery! We can start to see the pieces falling into place -- but maybe the show runners will fool us.
1
You never talk about Alison's pout, the pout that won't die. And how she always pouts with her mouth open. Does Alison have a chronic sinus infection? Like Carl's hat on The Walking Dead, the pout is a character in itself.
7
Yes, Showtime announced last week that Season 4 has been commissioned. It was too late for the Episode 7 recap but I snuck it into a comment.
Have been reading these NYT recaps and the comments since the Affair started - always highly entertaining and well-put! Having said that though...I'm a little baffled that this group of commenters has been so dissatisfied with the show as of late. 'Don't recognize the characters anymore...etc' To me the strength of the show is that the writers didn't go the easy route. In most conventional series, Noah and Alison would have had their affair and would probably still be together and we'd get a lot of what this continued to do to Helen/Cole and so on. But instead, they've quickly moved on and shown us other possibilities for these troubled people. I love the complex way they've left the Alison/Cole relationship - he made his hard choice; does not look happy but hey, that's how life can be. I still find the acting and writing to be superb and wish there weren't so many whiners ;)
Even the Gunther plot is interesting to me - ok, yes, you could take it as a sort of paen to 80s 'slasher' flicks as someone mentioned...but to me, it's an unusual way to demonstrate just how far Noah has fallen. Think of the person who was on the book tour, on top of the world, wining, dining, having sex etc etc. What the heck happened to him in prison? We still haven't seen the end of it I think. I know I'm in the minority, but I am looking forward to Season 4 even if it's the last as I think the writers have indicated.
Even the Gunther plot is interesting to me - ok, yes, you could take it as a sort of paen to 80s 'slasher' flicks as someone mentioned...but to me, it's an unusual way to demonstrate just how far Noah has fallen. Think of the person who was on the book tour, on top of the world, wining, dining, having sex etc etc. What the heck happened to him in prison? We still haven't seen the end of it I think. I know I'm in the minority, but I am looking forward to Season 4 even if it's the last as I think the writers have indicated.
13
Can we fast-forward ten years to when Joanie is a snarling, moody teenager who locks herself in her room; and tells Allison to take her 'I'll go whichever way the wind blows' approach to life and go stuff it? 'I want to live with Daddy and Luisa! She's more of a mother to me that you ever were! I can COUNT on her!' Our failings come back to haunt us through our children. That would be an episode worth watching.
8
If Helen finds out that Alison was part of what killed Scotty she will assume that Noah lied to protect Alison not her. And all of Helen's really nasty stuff will come back out. And she will stop protecting Noah.
13
Excellent!
2
Maybe, but Helen was still behind the wheel. She would be culpable in any case, and Noah saved her from a conviction, even if he potentially saved Alison at the same time.
4
Many truths in a show full of lies:
When you marry don't fool yourself into believing that you will never again find other people attractive. It is likely that there will always be someone as/more attractive, interesting, or sexy etc than your spouse. Your choice frees you because you are emotionally unavailable. You understand that enduring love, in a liquid society that stands on shifting sands is the surest means to happiness and meaning.
Take responsibility for your actions. Blaming others will only make you bitter, and angry and you will learn nothing from your mistakes.
Lead by example. Words are powerful. If your children grow up with profanity they will not know how to disagree or express frustration and still be respectful.
Talk about money. True wealth lies in the things it can't purchase. If you marry into it, protect one another from its contamination even as you spend it.
Grief, or a painful past doesn't give you a free pass, it should give you more empathy towards others.
Cultivate a spiritual practice in your daily life. If you only pay attention to pleasure and material gain, you may find yourself struggling a crises of spirit.
Stand in your truth, and live an authentic life. Using someone degrades you more than it does them.
Meaning and purpose come from valuing something, grace is generated from within.
Be grateful and take nothing for granted.
Don't waste time on painful memories or resentments. Today could be your last day. Make it a good day.
When you marry don't fool yourself into believing that you will never again find other people attractive. It is likely that there will always be someone as/more attractive, interesting, or sexy etc than your spouse. Your choice frees you because you are emotionally unavailable. You understand that enduring love, in a liquid society that stands on shifting sands is the surest means to happiness and meaning.
Take responsibility for your actions. Blaming others will only make you bitter, and angry and you will learn nothing from your mistakes.
Lead by example. Words are powerful. If your children grow up with profanity they will not know how to disagree or express frustration and still be respectful.
Talk about money. True wealth lies in the things it can't purchase. If you marry into it, protect one another from its contamination even as you spend it.
Grief, or a painful past doesn't give you a free pass, it should give you more empathy towards others.
Cultivate a spiritual practice in your daily life. If you only pay attention to pleasure and material gain, you may find yourself struggling a crises of spirit.
Stand in your truth, and live an authentic life. Using someone degrades you more than it does them.
Meaning and purpose come from valuing something, grace is generated from within.
Be grateful and take nothing for granted.
Don't waste time on painful memories or resentments. Today could be your last day. Make it a good day.
17
Wow! All that inspired by THIS show?? Sheesh! My takeaway is more like: Be suspicious of people with upside down mouths. And turn off the idiot box.
8
if you have two nickles, rub them together
be careful to wish for what you don't want
look ahead to see if you're gaining on him
be careful to wish for what you don't want
look ahead to see if you're gaining on him
4
Don't know about the connection to the show, but these are sentiments worth expressing.
3
I can live with the opening music, with Noah's hallucinations, with Juliette's dissertations on medieval love practices, with Allison and Noah sleeping together on Block Island, even Helen seducing Max, but Allison happy to take Cole back, Cole telling Oscar he cheated on Luisa, and Cole attacking a police officer for a crime he didn't commit? Nothing would save this show more than an episode characterized by subtlety and nuance. But since that's not going to happen...
I hope Furkat beats everyone up next episode.
I hope Furkat beats everyone up next episode.
21
I almost cried laughing at the thought of Furkat in a brawl with the whole cast. Thanks!
I thought Alison had a pretty good episode - aside from getting stuck with the tab for Helen's Long Island Iced Tea.
8
Glad someone noticed Alison got stuck with the tab.
6
helen definitely threw some money down on the bar.
4
The longer the show goes on, the more I think this show should have been some kind of limited series- the first season, that's it. We're too far afield from the central plot point of the show, i.e., the Affair between Noah, family man with four kids, and Alison, wounded mother of a deceased child. They've each moved on to new problems that are pretty distant and attenuated from the affair itself, it just isn't that compelling.
3
The storytelling may have dragged on too long, but all the loose threads from the first season are beginning to come together, finally. Characters are acknowledging their weaknesses and pain -- Noah and his mother's death, Helen's role in the failure of her marriage, Alison launching an affair to numb her grief, Cole and Alison's unbroken attachment to each other. Some are discovering new strengths as well, which is what made this episode a bit of a turning point for Alison, from narcissistic grief to compassion for another sufferer. I prefer this kind of internal development to the sex-driven episodes by far.
16
This is absolutely true. Not only are they not compelling, they are for the most part ludicrous. Also, what's the big deal at this point that Allison & Noah had an affair? Allison cheated on Noah, Cole cheated on Luisa, Helen cheated on Vic... Everything Cole said to Allison this episode really doesn't make sense given that HE'S had an affair. "I'm not Noah Solloway"? You mean, you'll just have the affair and not leave your wife? How noble.
8
Better to go out while you have everybody screaming for more than to drag it out and have people talking about how it failed in the end, like it was the fault of the people that created it.
Yes finally a sex free episode and a good one at that. I much prefer the story lines when they center around Cole and Allison. Noah and Helen seem so needy and Noah's story is bordering on tedium.
8
I'm beginning to think this show has just jumped the proverbial shark. It's just become too much. Gratefully the season is almost over.
7
I just want to thank the authors of the article and the comments for the numerous times I laughed while reading their entertaining analyses - very funny!
14
Here's my question: after Luisa covered for Cole the first time the cops questioned him, she asked him where he *really* was. He gave her a look that seemed to say--I was exactly where you thought I was. And she looked annoyed. What was that about? Where had she been thinking he was that night?
3
I see boring people. Alyson is just sleep-inducing now, Noah is completely obnoxious. Only Cole and Helen keep me watching. But I may be losing Cole now too....the show probably should have ended after Season 2
4
The most interesting and memorable thing about this episode? Helen's very chic glasses.
That's all I've got.
That's all I've got.
16
I think they're Maura's own specs. She wore a very similar pair when accepting her Golden Globe award for her brilliant performance last season.
5
Any Episode without Noah is inherently better on The Affair
6
Although Hale writes dismissively about Alison and her "ultimatum" to Cole, for me this episode painted her as more sympathetic and worthy of respect than any before it. The narcissism of her grief has transformed into compassion for others in pain. She seems stronger and more self-possessed; her conversations with Cole have the ring of truth, not force. This is, in fact, his choice to make, and having gone through this herself, she doesn't envy him. Cole may see it as being a "good man," but staying with Luisa when he doesn't love her is a form of benign deceit (if such a thing can be said to exist), and it will come out in the end.
22
Alison being sympathetic ? Luisa cuts her the big break and in return Alison gives Cole her self interested advice "be a happy arshole or an unhappy hero I'm here for you" Thanks Luisa for your support in court but I'll screw your marriage up before making my next impulsive stupid decision. I finally admitted to Cole that I saw Noah but left out the sex romp on Block Island. Hope he doesn't find that out as he already says he can't trust me.
So Alison is the real bitch here and for Cole to trust the fickle liar Alison over a loyal honest Luisa will be his big mistake as he become the unhappy arsehole.
So Alison is the real bitch here and for Cole to trust the fickle liar Alison over a loyal honest Luisa will be his big mistake as he become the unhappy arsehole.
4
I agree! I was glad she was so straightforward and blunt with Cole. May be the first time on this show and very realistic. I don't agree with Cole going back to Luisa but i also think it is just to appear strong and his unwillingness to accept that Alison may in fact be right.
One more thing, the previews for next week clear up any confusion as to why Helen was in that particular bar. It shows her with her mother.....and she lives in Montauk.
One more thing, the previews for next week clear up any confusion as to why Helen was in that particular bar. It shows her with her mother.....and she lives in Montauk.
Noah is too crazy to be believable. Allison's self-centeredness is totally clear now. I don't know if we have the same writers but, if so, they are tired compared to the excellent first 2 seasons. I hope this gets better/more believable before this season ends.
4
Thanks for the recap. What a mess. Incomprehensible that this show was renewed.
Oscar, always the good friend to family Lockhart, and just the guy from whom one wants advice (though his summary of life at home with baby was stupendous).
Totally plausible meeting of Helen with Alison-at the very bar where they both must have such great memories. Just too bad they didn't discuss Noah's length and girth.
HIPAA violation at Woodlawn. Allison, the you're nuts-so-you'd-make-a-great-counselor-to-nuts poster child. What a monumental insult to mental health professionals.
Louisa has insight, is reasonable. Right up to the moment that she fails to hit Cole over the head with the frying pan.
As usual here, real time and impending damage to innocent children. Impossible not to despise these characters.
Oscar, always the good friend to family Lockhart, and just the guy from whom one wants advice (though his summary of life at home with baby was stupendous).
Totally plausible meeting of Helen with Alison-at the very bar where they both must have such great memories. Just too bad they didn't discuss Noah's length and girth.
HIPAA violation at Woodlawn. Allison, the you're nuts-so-you'd-make-a-great-counselor-to-nuts poster child. What a monumental insult to mental health professionals.
Louisa has insight, is reasonable. Right up to the moment that she fails to hit Cole over the head with the frying pan.
As usual here, real time and impending damage to innocent children. Impossible not to despise these characters.
14
Gotta love the "reformed" Oscar. He's become a better man but he still is, after all, Oscar.
3
It's not just the HIPAA violations of both patients' privacy, but it's the typical TV fantasy version of therapists and therapy, that really sits on my last nerve - where there are no rules or boundaries, every need is met, and anything goes. The doctor calls the fragile, recently released, depressed, formerly suicidal, always impulsive, narcissistic patient, in the middle of her own multiple crises, to come out immediately and play ad hoc therapist with another patient of her doctor's? And the doctor hugs Allison too? And offers her a job and a career in another state, just when she's supposed to be getting custody of her child back? Really? Is the doctor as narcissistic as Allison, or was she trained by Allison's mother?
And I won't even ask who paid for Allison's hugely expensive 6 month hospital stay, Helen's mother? We really all get a chance to have our own pet peeves with this show.
And I won't even ask who paid for Allison's hugely expensive 6 month hospital stay, Helen's mother? We really all get a chance to have our own pet peeves with this show.
9
Alison said she pooled all the money she had from the Lobster Roll to pay for it.
And although I agreed with you completely I'd just like top point out that she has been out of the institution for a year at this stage.
And although I agreed with you completely I'd just like top point out that she has been out of the institution for a year at this stage.
For the past few episodes it's been plain that the erotic sizzle of the first seasons has long been spent. What sex there is seems mostly pro forma, or, in the case of Noah's (hallucinated?) tryst with Helen last week, downright grim. Voyeuristic thrills have given way, particularly in the Noah episodes, to frissons straight out of '80s slash flicks. If that beautiful French medievalist doesn't manage to rescue Noah from his dungeon of horrors, Dominic West may find himself typecast for the rest of his career as one of the undead. He's certainly been looking the part of late. I suppose before he can get it on with the Frenchwoman he needs to find closure with that Allegheny nemesis of his. All that, I guess, is for next season, if Showtime keeps the pot boiling. Anyway, I found last night's Alyson-Cole-Helen episode a welcome intermezzo. Well written and acted, authentic, sometimes affecting. Or was that just by comparison with Homeland?
14
It's hard to keep track of The Affair's central conceit, impossible to identify even the vaguest aspects of a buldingsroman of any kind. This third season seems to have turned the previous two on their heads. The fact that Noah's affair did not befall the loving but imperfect marriage we were originally presented with but in fact came out of a marriage of convenience makes, Noah's betrayal look like an inevitability rather than a life altering choice. In the little vignette in the ba in this episode , we have it confirmed that it was only the adoring Alison who was able to see how perfectly charming Noah truly was whilst poor Helen could only see his flaws. So it was all Helen's fault in the end, and Noah is nothing like the weak, spineless man she who used and discarded her. I do believe The Affair would make a perfect daily soap. It has all the twists and ludicrous turns of any self respecting soap opera, and all we'd need is our fifteen minute fix to catch up on the characters. Alison could take up a position as head of Woodlands Clinic. Perhaps Helen will be admitted since a nervous breakdown from her treatment in Noah's charming hands seems imminent.. Cole will soon be blackmailed by Oscar who returns to his old ways. Luisa comes upon Noah at the Lobster Bar. She is wearing a very short, and tight yellow dress. Noah feels a stirring in his loins, as Luisa places her hand on his shoulder. Etc, etc, etc.
11
How do these people get back and forth - Montauk to Brooklyn to New Jersey, even to Pennsylvania - so quickly and effortlessly? And still have time, and energy, for all the arguments and sex they keep having?? Had Helen really just dropped into the Montauk bar for some takeout?
I'm finding the He Said-She Said device, which had initially been so interesting, now kind of limiting. You know, after the first half-hour, that you're not going to get much plot in the second half-hour. Maybe more character insight -- though since they're different versions of the same events, how much reliable insight are we getting anyway?
Frankly, I'm not in the Cole camp, as so many (mostly female) commenters are. But he was right. Did she commit to this long-distance commute while completely forgetting she just gained her hard-won custody of her daughter?
I'm finding the He Said-She Said device, which had initially been so interesting, now kind of limiting. You know, after the first half-hour, that you're not going to get much plot in the second half-hour. Maybe more character insight -- though since they're different versions of the same events, how much reliable insight are we getting anyway?
Frankly, I'm not in the Cole camp, as so many (mostly female) commenters are. But he was right. Did she commit to this long-distance commute while completely forgetting she just gained her hard-won custody of her daughter?
17
The idea of Allison working as a counselor and giving advice is ridiculous, given her impulsiveness and lack of self control.
3
if TV shows were true to traffic patterns Ray Donovan would never get out of Calabasas
18
Apparently, people in television shows have access to transport beams that enable them to cover long distances in remarkably short intervals of time. The worst example I have seen occurred in an episode of The Blacklist when the bad guy was able to open a door in a hospital in Anchorage, Alaska and appear in Georgetown (Washington DC) a few minutes later. Wish I could travel like that.
Since Cole sort of assaulted the New Jersey cop but in New York, they would have to file a complaint in the local New York town, leaving him in the local jail.
3
Has the possibility of Helen and Alison being half-sisters been brought up? (I haven't read all the previous comments.) There seems to be a lot of clues pointing that way
4
Interesting...I hadn't gotten there yet, but I have always mentally noted their resemblance, especially those weird, jutting puckered, ready-to-suck on a lemon mouths. There was a radio jock whose uncouth characterization of that look came to mind, but I will not share...really not nice, but accurate sorry to say.
What an interesting twist you propose; it would be a neat plot development.
What an interesting twist you propose; it would be a neat plot development.
2
You lost me!...How???
3
Presumably via Helen's chronically unfaithful father and Alison's sexy hippie mother.
2
It's kind of like watching a train wreck ( especially Noah's demise ) but I can't help myself. I too fast forward through the tortuous opening music.
29
I thought this episode was less than compelling, especially after the intensity of last week's episode. Luisa says she wants to be done with Allison, yet recommends joint custody. Surely everyone knows that joint custody requires more communication, on a more frequent basis, than dating? Cole and Luisa may as well marry Allison if they are going to do joint custody. (There's an idea. Add the hot tub and pizza delivery guy and you've got something.)
I'm with Cole on this one -- Allison is a flight risk. She still has no idea what she wants to do with her life or who she wants to be. I can picture her going to a genealogy site, discovering she's 1/16th Inuit, and packing up for Alaska.
I'm with Cole on this one -- Allison is a flight risk. She still has no idea what she wants to do with her life or who she wants to be. I can picture her going to a genealogy site, discovering she's 1/16th Inuit, and packing up for Alaska.
2
If it wasn't for Mike's recaps, I often don't know how I would be able to figure out what the hell I just watched, let alone all the nuances. Also, it sometimes seems that the dual perspective technique that the writers use is just a way to get around a story line that is confusing even to regular watchers of the show.
I liked Allison much better when she was the pretty, flirty, lighthearted waitress who charmed Noah in Season 1. Her neediness and selfishness have evolved to the point where Cole tells her "it's always all about you" when she comes to him with her news about her job offer. This is another thing I really have a problem with: Allison's many "careers"- waitress, nurse, possible doctor and now a grief counselor. If you're paying attention, it really boggles the mind.
Also astonishing was the meeting of Allison and Helen at the bar. While I enjoyed the ex-wives conversation and observations about that cad Noah, I wish the writers had made the event a bit more plausible in terms of the meet up.
Ii have never been a big fan of Cole and I find Luisa to be insufferable. This guy is about as shallow as they make 'em and I'd rather watch Noah have a violent hallucination than suffer through the Cole melodrama. If there's anyone in this show that should have been knocked off, it's him.
It looks like the truth about the accident is going to come out, but what then? Personally, I couldn't take another trial and jail sentence for Helen. Noah was enough.
I liked Allison much better when she was the pretty, flirty, lighthearted waitress who charmed Noah in Season 1. Her neediness and selfishness have evolved to the point where Cole tells her "it's always all about you" when she comes to him with her news about her job offer. This is another thing I really have a problem with: Allison's many "careers"- waitress, nurse, possible doctor and now a grief counselor. If you're paying attention, it really boggles the mind.
Also astonishing was the meeting of Allison and Helen at the bar. While I enjoyed the ex-wives conversation and observations about that cad Noah, I wish the writers had made the event a bit more plausible in terms of the meet up.
Ii have never been a big fan of Cole and I find Luisa to be insufferable. This guy is about as shallow as they make 'em and I'd rather watch Noah have a violent hallucination than suffer through the Cole melodrama. If there's anyone in this show that should have been knocked off, it's him.
It looks like the truth about the accident is going to come out, but what then? Personally, I couldn't take another trial and jail sentence for Helen. Noah was enough.
4
When was Alison ever "lighthearted"? Right from the start she was a grieving, troubled, secretive soul who engaged in self-harm and threw herself into an affair to distract herself from the loss of her son and the sadness at the heart of her marriage.
5
Why all the baggy clothes? Is Ruth W. pregnant?
10
The Alison and Cole versions of what happened are widely divergent. Alison in her story holds Cole at arms length. Cole has her suggesting they get back together. Hard for the viewer to decide who is telling truth. I suspect Alison's version is more likely. But who knows?
3
love you, love you not ad nauseum. this show used to have such good writing, now it's on the edge of a soap opera.
4
Thank you, Mr, Hale, for the excellent recap. I don"t know why I've continued to watch this season -- force of habit? -- now that the characters have spun out so far from who they were that their behavior makes no sense. Perhaps the show runners are more interested in gratuitous sex (Helen and Max? Juliette and anyone?) and surprising plot points (Cole in jail? Alison expecting to take Joanie to New Jersey after finally getting shared custody? Noah a maniac?) in order to keep viewers hooked, than creating logical storylines.
This problem of an illogical third season was exacerbated when they chose to jump three years ahead without providing an ample emotional context for the characters; who have they become after such a long absence from us? It's never clear, so we're left trying to connect dots that are unevenly placed. I hope this is the final season of a once compelling show that lost its way.
This problem of an illogical third season was exacerbated when they chose to jump three years ahead without providing an ample emotional context for the characters; who have they become after such a long absence from us? It's never clear, so we're left trying to connect dots that are unevenly placed. I hope this is the final season of a once compelling show that lost its way.
15
The idea of Alison as a counselor is terrifying.
37
Two questions: 1. Why was Helen in Montauk? You don't just casually make a three hour drive from Brooklyn to Montauk. (Looks like we may find out next week).
2. Why does ANYONE talk to Oscar about ANYTHING?
2. Why does ANYONE talk to Oscar about ANYTHING?
37
Still don't understand why he and Cole are BFF's this season. Weren't they sworn enemies last year? I don't believe their story line this year nor do I believe that they've buried the hatchet. Doesn't seem real.
2
Helen's parents live in Montauk, right?. That must be why she's there. It seemed as if this last episode was supposed to be taking place the day after she kicked Dr. Vic out of her house. Did she just want to get away from the mess in Brooklyn? Or talk to her mother? Or was she really looking for Alison, so that she could mention that she'd just slept with Noah again? I could see the last motive being a real one - you know...no one likes to be the loser...revenge is sweet, all that. I still think the underlying stories are compelling - Noah's upbringing, Helen's upbringing, how they got together and what started to tear them apart. I personally enjoyed the NYC-based episodes the best, with Noah finding success as a writer. Most of the stories this season are just so grim...if the stories dug a little deeper it might be just as interesting, but for some reason on these weekly nighttime 'soaps' the writers don't seem to think they can take the liberty to develop the character and the story lines. Every show has to have pop and fizzle and wrecks and betrayals, constantly. Why not delve into what it might really do for someone's writing career to have been in jail for several years. last comment - I really get tired of the weekly schedule of these nighttime soaps. I wish the networks would just make the shows available to watch as people want. I was especially annoyed that the network skipped the week of Christmas, as if we're all still living back in the 1950's.
2
Old people should not live in Montauk year-round. The nearest hospital is too far away -- and it sucks. They should have at least a pied a terre in Manhattan, preferably near First Avenue to be close to several hospitals with good reputations.
Or are Helen's parents UWS types? Would they have a place on Riverside Drive? The father is a writer, after all. Even though a schlocky one.
Or are Helen's parents UWS types? Would they have a place on Riverside Drive? The father is a writer, after all. Even though a schlocky one.
Watching Live With Kelly (EST) right now, Brendon Fraser is a guest. His parting words to the audience were "Those of you who are fans, keep watching". I guess I can get through two more episodes...
13
That just made my day! I always look forward to each episode but to have one of the stars (co-stars) tell you that it is worth the wait??? Right on!
I thought this episode was one of the best so far, as a lot in terms of plot development actually happened. I especially appreciated the scene between Helen & Alison. "People see what they want to see in other people" is also foreshadowing/a cautionary tale for what be inflicted upon the USA on Friday.
14
1. Where do these people (other than Helen) get all their money? They always seem to be living in a manner well above what their income-producing activities would allow. Especially Alison. At least Noah is living in a dumpy apartment, despite the fact that he is teaching and has book royalties. Alison may be living on the money she got from selling the house, I suppose.
2. This whole car accident thing is ridiculous. In real life, someone with no prior criminal record would be going to jail, much less for three years. NY has very, very narrow vehicular manslaughter (not homicide) laws. And data show that only 5% of drivers involved in fatal crashes are charged at all. He was drinking but because the police were not on the scene, there is no proof of BAC. There is not even proof that he left the scene of an accident. He and Helen could have gone with the "hit a deer" story.
3. I started to hate this show when it just happened that Scotty tried to rape Alison right by the side of the road and that Noah and Helen just happened to be driving right by that spot at exactly that time. That's lottery-jackpot stuff right there.
2. This whole car accident thing is ridiculous. In real life, someone with no prior criminal record would be going to jail, much less for three years. NY has very, very narrow vehicular manslaughter (not homicide) laws. And data show that only 5% of drivers involved in fatal crashes are charged at all. He was drinking but because the police were not on the scene, there is no proof of BAC. There is not even proof that he left the scene of an accident. He and Helen could have gone with the "hit a deer" story.
3. I started to hate this show when it just happened that Scotty tried to rape Alison right by the side of the road and that Noah and Helen just happened to be driving right by that spot at exactly that time. That's lottery-jackpot stuff right there.
14
"Presumably Whitney and Furkat are getting it on, but we've been spared the visual proof."
There's the best sentence I've read in a while. Thanks.
There's the best sentence I've read in a while. Thanks.
46
The jail scene requires serious suspended disbelief. It it possible that another person of interest in an attempted murder would be allowed into the county jail (not the visiting room) for a one-on-one in the middle of the night? I think not, but I'll keep watching.
1
Cole may have touched the detective and was arrested on that pretense to motivate him to tell the detectives where he actually was in NJ at the time Noah was stabbed to they could rule him in or out as a suspect.
1
Cole and Helen are in the same boat, they both still love the person that cheated and left them. They think that just because they love someone, it means they need to be with that person. They are wrong. Just because Cole still loves Alison doesn’t mean he is supposed to be with her. He doesn’t have to stop loving her, he just needs to stop being with her. Just because it is the hard decision, doesn’t mean it’s the wrong one. Usually the hardest ones are the right ones. Furthermore, he also needs to leave Luisa because he doesn’t lover her like she should. In this episode, he acts like he is doing Luisa a favor by choosing her. But if he truly cared for her more than he cares about himself, he would leave Luisa because she deserves to be with someone who loves her as much as he loves Alison.
12
Nothing Cole said about how he feels about Alison was a surprise. The only surprise is that he said it TO Alison. He basically already said it to Oscar in the scene before. What is a surprise is that she was immediately open to the idea of them getting back together. I expected her to be surprised by his disclosure and at least sleep on it. Instead, she said, “stop pretending” instantly when he told her he was pretending not to love her. And then when he explained he would be crazy to jeopardize what he has built with Luisa, the next thing out of her mouth was, “then Jesus, don’t walk away, no one is holding a gun to your head.” Rude. This goes to her compulsive behavior (her words) and not thinking through the consequences. Either way, this is the first we have learned that she wants Cole back (the sex scene doesn’t count because it was just sex. She didn’t get emotional or attached to him after that. If anything, she regretted it). It makes me question her motives all along for coming back to Montauk. If she wanted to get back with Cole, we should have seen that in some of her perspectives in previous episodes. Not once did we see or hear about her wanting him back. Didn’t she leave Noah so she could concentrate on Joanie? Now she is ready to ruin Cole’s life a second time?
5
Mike: are you getting tired of the soap opera, too? There's an element of exasperation and more than a little criticism of the writing here. As I've said before, I continue watching The Affair only through some sort of morbid curiosity about the outcome, not because of any dedication to quality television. Oh, and I watch it on demand so I can fast-forward through Fiona Apple's two minutes of auditory torture.
38
I agree with all that you write here.
I don't recognize these people, but still cannot look away: Cole is, by general appearances, a straight-laced Good Dad? Luisa is a mumsy shadow of her former confident and sensuous self? Alison seems, all at once, unhinged and solemnly introspective? Helen slums Montauk? And Noah? Well, he just needs a net thrown over him.
That there are two episodes left and one takes place in Paris blows my mind. I cannot imagine how they will tie it all together.
I don't recognize these people, but still cannot look away: Cole is, by general appearances, a straight-laced Good Dad? Luisa is a mumsy shadow of her former confident and sensuous self? Alison seems, all at once, unhinged and solemnly introspective? Helen slums Montauk? And Noah? Well, he just needs a net thrown over him.
That there are two episodes left and one takes place in Paris blows my mind. I cannot imagine how they will tie it all together.
7
I've resorted to using the mute button to avoid
hearing the opening "music".
hearing the opening "music".
36
Couldn't agree more. Only two episodes left and I'm not getting the impression that the story is building up to anything. Lately the characters seem to be spending most of their time just agonizing over their respective situations.
5