Ep 3. Touch

In The Haunting of Hill House season 1 episode 3, titled "Touch," viewers delve deeper into the past of the Crain family and their experiences in Hill House. The episode focuses on the character of Theo, who has a unique ability to sense things through touch.

The episode starts with a flashback to when the Crain children were younger and living in Hill House. Theo (played by McKenna Grace) is shown in the basement of the house, where she discovers a hidden door leading to a secret room. This room contains many mysterious objects, including a pair of gloves that belonged to a former resident of the house. Theo puts on the gloves and suddenly feels as if she can sense the emotions of those who have worn them before. This is the first time viewers see that Theo has a special ability, which will be explored later on in the episode.

In the present day, Theo (played by Kate Siegel) is a child psychologist who wears gloves to help her cope with her ability. She is also shown to be a bit of a party girl, drinking and hooking up with strangers. Theo is called to the morgue to examine the body of a young girl who has been murdered. As she touches the girl's hand, she is overwhelmed with visions of the girl's final moments. This is where it becomes clear that her ability is not just a gimmick but an actual supernatural power.

Theo's ability is put to the test when her sister, Shirley (played by Elizabeth Reaser), calls her in the middle of the night to help her with a client. Shirley owns a funeral home and one of her clients has died under mysterious circumstances. Theo arrives and starts to examine the body, but she is quickly overwhelmed by the emotions of the deceased. She can sense the fear and the pain, and it becomes too much for her to handle. She leaves the room and starts to break down, revealing more about her troubled past.

The episode then takes a sharp turn as it shows flashbacks of Theo's relationship with a previous lover, Trish. The flashbacks reveal a complicated and tumultuous relationship where Trish wanted more from Theo, but was never able to break through her emotional barriers. The tension of the flashback sequences is heightened by the fact that the show cuts between the two timelines. As Theo starts to confront her emotions, viewers are reminded of her past struggles with intimacy.

The haunting aspect of the episode comes into play when Shirley's client, who was believed to have died peacefully in her sleep, suddenly wakes up in the funeral home. The woman is dazed and confused, and when she touches Theo's hand, she becomes overwhelmed with fear. This is the first time viewers see that Theo's power can also be harmful. She is not just able to sense the emotions of the dead, but also the emotions of the living.

The episode ends with Theo seeking solace in her brother, Luke (played by Oliver Jackson-Cohen). Theo reflects on the fact that her power has made her feel like a monster. However, Luke consoles her by saying that her power is a gift, not a curse. This scene provides a sense of hope and catharsis, as viewers are reminded that despite all the horror and trauma associated with Hill House, there is still a sense of familial love that runs deep.

In conclusion, The Haunting of Hill House season 1 episode 3, "Touch," is an intense and emotionally charged episode that explores the character of Theo in-depth. The episode manages to balance horror and drama, creating a haunting and gripping experience. The writing is sharp and well-paced, and the acting is superb across the board. This episode is a standout moment in the series.