Ep 3. Episode 3

Marianne and Connell have now started their university education. Marianne has started to adapt and has established herself quite quickly whereas Connell is still adjusting and finds it difficult to fit in. Connell is embarrassed by his new surroundings and doesn't really assimilate with the people around him. Marianne's more open and outgoing personality has better adaptability to college life. Connell feels like he doesn't belong and doesn't want anyone to know that he comes from a working-class background.

At a party, Marianne gets into an argument with another girl for talking to Connell, which leaves everyone surprised by Marianne's behavior towards him. Connell intervenes and tells Marianne that he needs to study and leaves, and she stays at the party. Connell goes to the library to study and meets another girl that he has a connection with. They talk about their similar interests and are attracted to one another. However, when he gets back to his room, Marianne is there waiting for him. She apologizes for how she acted earlier and they reconcile.

Connell and Marianne start a secret relationship and keep it hidden because of the fear of people knowing they are together. As their relationship starts to grow, so does Marianne's interest in BDSM, which disturbs Connell at first but eventually they start to explore it together. They both have different preferences and they struggle to communicate to find a common ground.

Meanwhile, Connell's mother asks him to look after the young boy she's babysitting. The relationship between Connell and the boy grows, but when he leaves him unattended for a brief period, the boy falls and hits his head. The incident affects Connell deeply, causing him to have nightmares and anxiety. He starts to question his ability to take care of himself let alone anyone else.

Marianne's older boyfriend, Jamie, comes back into the picture, and it causes tension between her and Connell. She reveals that she was only with Jamie for the money and wasn't emotionally invested in their relationship. Connell is surprised and upset by this but eventually forgives her. Marianne becomes emotional and vulnerable, revealing a desire to be wanted and appreciated.

The episode ends with Connell's internal monologue as he struggles with his feelings of inadequacy and anxiety.