Ep 4. The Melty Man Cometh

The Melty Man Cometh is the fourth episode of season two of Coupling, a British sitcom that follows a group of six friends as they navigate the ups and downs of relationships and dating in their thirties.

In this episode, Steve (played by Jack Davenport) is excited about the upcoming date he has planned with Jane (played by Gina Bellman). However, his enthusiasm quickly turns to panic when he realizes that he has unwittingly made plans to see the movie The Melty Man, a cheesy, low-budget horror film that Jane is obsessed with. Steve hates horror movies, and is convinced that he won't be able to handle watching The Melty Man.

Meanwhile, Susan (played by Sarah Alexander) is trying to plan a romantic weekend away with her boyfriend Patrick (played by Ben Miles). However, her attempts to surprise him with flights to Paris are complicated when she discovers that he has a fear of flying.

As the gang prepares for their respective dates, misunderstandings and miscommunications abound. Sally (played by Kate Isitt) tries to convince Steve to be honest with Jane about his feelings towards horror movies, while Jane misunderstands Steve's reluctance to see The Melty Man as a sign that he doesn't like her. Meanwhile, Patrick misunderstands Susan's intentions for the weekend away, leading to a near-catastrophic fight between the couple.

Throughout the episode, the characters' insecurities and neuroses are on full display, as they struggle to communicate with one another and make sense of their own emotions. At one point, Sally tries to convince Steve that it's okay to have different preferences than his partner - a lesson that Steve struggles to internalize.

Despite the various misunderstandings and mishaps, the episode ultimately ends on a positive note. Susan and Patrick work through their issues and plan a more low-key trip within the UK, while Steve and Jane come to an understanding about their differing taste in movies. As always, the characters are both exasperating and endearing, with plenty of witty banter and comedic misunderstandings to keep the audience entertained.

Overall, The Melty Man Cometh is a strong episode of Coupling that showcases the series' strengths - namely, its sharp writing, strong ensemble cast, and honest portrayal of the ups and downs of modern relationships. With plenty of laughs and relatable moments, it's a must-watch for fans of the show.