Ep 4. Episode 4

In Benidorm season 9 episode 4, the guests and staff of the Solana resort are back at it again with their comical antics. The episode features a mix of plotlines that see the various characters go through their everyday activities, while also dealing with a range of issues.

Firstly, we see the arrival of the Garvey family, who are ostensibly coming to pay a visit to Madge's (Sheila Reid) granddaughter. However, when they realise that she is not at the resort, they quickly set out to make the most of their time at the Solana. Joyce Temple-Savage (Sherrie Hewson) isn't too pleased with their boisterous behavior, but she puts on a front of politeness in order to keep them happy.

Elsewhere, Kenneth (Tony Maudsley) is planning a special birthday surprise for Liam (Adam Gillen). This leads to all sorts of shenanigans involving the local drag queen, Crystal (Amanda Barrie), who Kenneth enlists to help him with his plan. Crystal, of course, is more than happy to oblige, and the pair of them embark on a mission that leads them into some unexpected situations.

Another major plotline of the episode revolves around Sam (Shelley Longworth) and Monty (John Challis). The pair are still trying to keep their affair a secret, but it's proving to be increasingly difficult. When Monty's wife, Pauline (Selina Griffiths), arrives at the resort unexpectedly, Sam has to think on her feet to avoid giving the game away.

Meanwhile, Mateo (Jake Canuso) is trying to keep his new relationship with Chloe (Toni Stelfox) a secret from Les/Lesley (Tim Healy), who is still under the impression that he and Mateo are an item. Mateo's attempts to keep things quiet are further complicated when Les finds out about the relationship and confronts Mateo about it.

Overall, the episode is a classic instalment of Benidorm, full of laughter and light-hearted drama. The show's brilliant cast are clearly having a lot of fun with their roles, and this enthusiasm is contagious. From the Garveys' raucous antics to Kenneth's over-the-top birthday surprise, there's never a dull moment in the resort, and the audience is sure to be thoroughly entertained from start to finish.

One of the things that makes Benidorm such a beloved show is its ability to balance comedy and drama in a way that feels natural. The characters may be over-the-top and exaggerated, but they're also relatable in their own way. Whether it's the awkwardness of Sam and Monty's affair or the tension between Mateo and Les, there's a real sense of emotional depth to the show that keeps it from feeling like a one-note comedy.

In this episode, we also see some great performances from the show's more seasoned actors. John Challis, in particular, gives a standout performance as Monty, portraying his struggle to balance his marriage with his feelings for Sam with a great deal of nuance and subtlety. Likewise, Sherrie Hewson continues to deliver pitch-perfect comedic timing as Joyce, who is forced to put up with all manner of ridiculousness from the resort's guests.

All in all, Benidorm season 9 episode 4 is a strong entry in the show's long-running series. It's full of laughs, drama, and heart, and is sure to leave viewers eagerly anticipating what's next for the Solana resort and its quirky cast of characters.