Ep 5. At Last

Patrick Melrose season 1 episode 5, "At Last," is an intense and emotional episode that continues to delve deep into the complex and troubled life of its titular character. The show follows Patrick Melrose, a wealthy and privileged man grappling with addiction, abuse, and trauma as he tries to come to terms with the legacy of his father's abuse and his own self-destructive tendencies.

In this episode, things come to a head for Patrick as he finally begins to confront some of the deepest and darkest aspects of his past. With his mother's memorial service approaching, Patrick is forced to confront the fact that his father's abuse has left him emotionally scarred and deeply damaged. He also begins to grapple with the fact that he may never fully be able to overcome the trauma he has experienced, no matter how hard he tries.

As Patrick tries to come to terms with his past, he is also forced to confront some difficult truths about his family. In particular, he must reckon with the fact that his mother may have been complicit in allowing his father's abuse to continue, which leaves him feeling angry and betrayed. All of this comes to a head in an incredibly emotional scene that showcases the incredible acting talent of the show's lead, Benedict Cumberbatch.

Despite the heavy subject matter, "At Last" is not without its lighter moments. The episode features some truly hilarious scenes, including some memorable moments between Patrick and his old friend Johnny, and some downright absurd moments involving Patrick's drug-induced hallucinations. However, these moments only serve to highlight the deep pain and suffering that Patrick is experiencing, making the emotional moments all the more impactful.

One of the standout aspects of "At Last" is the way that it manages to balance the show's bleak subject matter with moments of genuine humanity and compassion. Even as Patrick struggles with addiction and trauma, we see glimpses of the kind, caring person that he could be if he were able to fully heal. These moments serve as a reminder that even in the darkest of times, compassion and empathy can make all the difference.

All in all, "At Last" is an incredibly powerful and moving episode of Patrick Melrose. It offers an unflinching look at the brutal realities of addiction and trauma, while also showing us the resilience and strength of the human spirit. With incredible acting and writing, this is a truly must-see episode that will leave a lasting impact on viewers.