Ep 4. Monsters

Ray Shoesmith is the enigmatic main character of the show Mr Inbetween. He is a “fixer,” a hired gun who takes on jobs for his criminal associates, but also cares for his daughter Brittney, his brother Bruce, and his friend Gary. The show balances suspenseful action and hilarious moments of dark humor, and is always anchored by the stoic and charismatic performance of Scott Ryan as Ray.

The fourth episode of season 2 of Mr Inbetween is titled “Monsters.” The episode opens with Ray and his crew carrying out a hit on a man who has stolen from one of their associates. Ray’s no-nonsense attitude and quick thinking are on full display during the operation, and he dispatches the target and his accomplice with brutal efficiency.

The main plot of the episode kicks off when Bruce receives a surprising visit from a high school friend, Clarence. Clarence is now a successful music producer, but he was also a notorious bully when he and Bruce were younger. Bruce is initially skeptical about reconnecting with Clarence, but Ray encourages him to give the guy a chance. It quickly becomes clear that Clarence has some ulterior motives for hanging out with Bruce, and the tension between the two former friends begins to rise.

Meanwhile, Ray is dealing with some unresolved issues from his past. He has a strained relationship with his father, who has been in prison for most of Ray’s life. Ray takes Brittney to visit his dad, and the resulting conversation is tense and emotional. In particular, Ray is upset that his dad never tried to contact him or Brittney while he was in prison. The scene showcases Ryan’s acting chops, as he delivers a speech that is at once angry, sad, and vulnerable.

Back in present day, Ray is also having a complicated time with his ex-girlfriend Ally. Ally is still trying to come to terms with the fact that Ray is a hitman, and she is also facing her own struggles with addiction. Ray is sympathetic and caring toward Ally, but he is also struggling to figure out how to balance his responsibilities to her with his dangerous lifestyle.

As the episode progresses, the various plotlines begin to converge. Bruce’s reunion with Clarence takes a dark turn, and it’s not clear whether Ray will be able to intervene in time. Ray’s relationship with his father also comes to a head, and it’s left uncertain whether the two men will ever be able to reconcile.

Overall, “Monsters” is a tense and emotionally rich episode that showcases the show’s ability to balance different tones and themes. The episode is anchored by the strong performances of its cast, particularly Ryan, who continues to be a compelling lead. Fans of the show will be excited to see how the various plotlines develop over the course of the rest of the season.