Ep 4. Episode 4

Connell and Marianne's relationship continues to evolve in Episode 4 of Normal People. As Marianne starts to push back against Connell's attempts to keep their relationship a secret, tensions begin to rise between the two.

At school, Connell is forced to confront the fact that his classmates are all aware of his relationship with Marianne. Despite his discomfort with the attention, he finds himself wanting to be more open about their relationship. Marianne, on the other hand, is unapologetic about their connection and is tired of feeling like she has to hide it from the world.

Meanwhile, Marianne's home life becomes increasingly complicated. Her brother Alan comes home from university and immediately starts to bully her. Marianne also reveals to Connell that her father has passed away, and the details of his death are somewhat murky. As Marianne withdraws into herself, Connell is left to grapple with how to support her.

The episode also explores the wider dynamics at play in their relationship. Marianne, who has always been the more assertive of the two, begins to take control in the bedroom, leaving Connell feeling out of his depth. As they navigate this new territory, both of them start to realize how fraught their relationship really is.

In one of the episode's most emotionally charged scenes, Marianne reveals to Connell that she has been seeing someone else. While the news is devastating for him, it also forces him to confront his own feelings for her. As they try to navigate the aftermath of the revelation, they both come to the realization that they have feelings for each other that go beyond just physical attraction.

Throughout the episode, the tension between them is palpable. While their relationship is far from perfect, it is clear that they are deeply connected to each other in a way that neither of them fully understands. As they navigate the ups and downs of their relationship, they both start to realize that the past is never far away and that sometimes the people closest to us are the hardest to understand.

Overall, Episode 4 of Normal People is a powerful exploration of the complexities of love and human connection. With powerful performances from its leads and a deft hand at storytelling, the show continues to captivate audiences with its raw and honest portrayal of relationships.