Ep 4. Episode 4

Anna's efforts to reintegrate into society after serving a sentence for murder continue in Back to Life season 1 episode 4, titled simply "Episode 4." This time, she faces the prospect of having to work for a living, as she starts her new job at a fast food restaurant in her hometown of Hythe.

The episode begins with Anna's first day on the job at Burger Rave, where she nervously tries to follow the instructions of her boss, Sharon (Leila Hoffman), while juggling the demands of the customers. She struggles to keep up with the frenetic pace of the kitchen, and her nerves get the best of her when she messes up an order, earning the scorn of Sharon and the rest of the staff.

Meanwhile, Anna's parents, Marion (Geraldine James) and Bill (Richard Durden), are grappling with their own issues. Marion is still struggling to accept that her daughter has returned home after such a long absence, and she's having a hard time letting go of her old resentments. Bill, on the other hand, seems to be enjoying the newfound attention from Anna, but he's also struggling with his own guilt over his role in her incarceration.

As Anna tries to make sense of her new job, she also has to contend with some unwanted attention from a neighbor, Neil (Liam Williams), who seems to take a creepy interest in her. Meanwhile, she reconnects with her former best friend, Alison (Christine Bottomley), who is now a successful businesswoman with a young son. Anna is happy to see her old friend, but she can't help feeling like an outsider, especially when Alison introduces her to some of her new friends.

Throughout the episode, Anna is plagued by feelings of anxiety and insecurity, wondering if she'll ever be able to fully reintegrate into society. She starts to question whether she's made the right decision in coming back to Hythe, and whether she'll ever be able to get past her past.

As with previous episodes of the show, "Episode 4" is a poignant and insightful look at the challenges of reintegration, and the toll it can take on those who have been incarcerated. The writing is sharp and nuanced, with plenty of humor and heart to balance out the darker moments. The performances are uniformly excellent, with Daisy Haggard once again delivering a nuanced and heartfelt turn as Anna, and the supporting cast doing an excellent job of fleshing out the world around her.

Overall, "Episode 4" is a strong installment of a series that continues to impress with its thoughtful, nuanced approach to some challenging subject matter. Whether you're already a fan of the show or just discovering it now, this episode is well worth watching.