Ep 3. Episode 3

In Unforgiven season 1 episode 3, viewers are taken deeper into the hidden lives of Ruth Slater and her estranged younger sister Kate. Directed by David Evans and written by Sally Wainwright, the episode picks up from where the previous one left off. After being released from prison, Ruth had gone in pursuit of her sister Kate who had taken her own life years before her sentence. The show brings to the surface the tensions and issues that tear apart families and sibling bonds, as Ruth digs up the murky past to unravel the mysteries surrounding Kate's suicide.

The episode takes a turn when Ruth is informed by Kate's former neighbor and a family friend, Michael, that Kate had a daughter called Lucy (Maisy Slevin) whom Ruth didn't know about. Ruth is thrown into confusion about what caused her sister to take her own life and if there was any way she could have helped her. With the revelation of Lucy, Ruth is now committed to finding out more about Kate's life before her death. The revelation motivates her search, and Ruth goes through the painful process of locating Lucy and making contact with her. Along with the heart-warming reunion between the two, it also unlocks a deep resentment under the surface.

Throughout the episode, the contrast between Grace and Ruth's personalities is painted beautifully. Grace is the opposite of Ruth, living a life of comfort, money, and privilege. Ruth, on the other hand, has suffered tremendously, carrying the stigma of being a murderer and the burden of enough secrets to destroy herself and others. But this episode explores Ruth's vulnerability and the complexity of her predicament. Described as an anti-hero, Ruth's character, unlike most shows, is not written to be conventionally likable. Her actions and lack of contrition are intended to expose how society often assumes redemption can be easily achieved, and moral complexities can be oversimplified.

As Ruth deepens her search in the episode, we see her go through the arduous task of tracking down friends and colleagues Kate was involved with before she died. The hunt leads Ruth to Hazelwood Academy, a school Kate had worked in, and to a woman named Nell (Jemima Rooper), whom Kate had a romantic relationship with. From this angle, the episode shifts its focus to the tense relationship between Nell and Ruth. Ruth, who was unaware of Kate's sexual orientation, initially struggles to come to terms with the revelations. The tension between the two characters, however, is nuanced and understated. The interplay between them is captured in small moments filled with tension and hidden hostility, where one can't help but wonder if the pair will ever see eye to eye.

Unforgiven season 1 episode 3 is a brilliantly crafted episode. It is not only beautifully written but also cleverly textured. Its themes of hope, forgiveness, and redemption are interwoven with how we humans deal with suffering and trauma. The show does an excellent job of placing the viewer on Ruth's journey, allowing us to empathize with its difficulty, struggle, and tension. From the cold, metallic feel of prison in episode one, to the sunshine and brightness of Hazelwood Academy, the episode reflects the journey Ruth is on. The pacing is slow, steeped in regrets, and consequences. The show refuses to gloss over or rush the process, highlighting that redemption is often a slow, painful, and undulating experience.

Unforgiven is a show that prides itself on its detailed characters and complex storyline, and episode three is no different. The episode brilliantly sets up its character arcs, forcing viewers to think about the difficulties and motivations that drive human behavior. It is rare for a show to craft its narrative style so carefully and execute it so finely. The result is a deeply engaging and thought-provoking episode that leaves viewers excited for the next one. In a world where crime dramas can feel formulaic, Unforgiven offers a refreshing look at the genre, creating something equally tense and poignant.