Ep 4. Sistering

Peep Show season 3 episode 4, titled "Sistering," takes a closer look at sibling relationships and the inevitable conflicts that arise between them. Mark and Jeremy, the two main characters, are forced to deal with their respective sisters who seem to complicate their lives in unexpected ways.

The episode begins with Jeremy's sister visiting him at the flat he shares with Mark. She brings with her a bag of drugs, which she proceeds to snort in front of him. He tries to get her to leave, but she refuses to go until she gets what she wants. Meanwhile, Mark is dealing with his own sister, who has moved to London and is eager to reconnect with him. However, he's not quite sure how to handle her, as she's a bit of an oddball.

As the story unfolds, the contrast between the two sisters becomes more apparent. While Jeremy's is wild and impulsive, Mark's is more controlled but equally unsettling. She keeps insisting on spending time with Mark, but he finds her presence suffocating. As it turns out, his sister has a few issues of her own, including an eating disorder and an unrequited love for him.

Throughout the episode, the characters' reactions to their sisters are revealing. Jeremy seems to be at a loss about how to deal with his, and he ends up indulging in her behavior. Mark, on the other hand, tries to distance himself from his sister, but he can't seem to shake her off. Both struggle to come to terms with their family ties and what those connections mean for their lives.

One of the highlights of "Sistering" is the dynamic between Mark and his sister. Played brilliantly by Sophie Winkleman, she's a fascinating character that adds an element of unpredictability to the already bizarre world of Peep Show. Her presence brings out a vulnerable side of Mark, and we get to see him grappling with his own feelings of guilt and responsibility towards her.

The episode also deals with issues such as addiction, mental health, and sexuality, all of which are handled with sensitivity and honesty. While the humor is still as cringe-worthy as ever, the show's creators manage to infuse it with a sense of pathos that makes it all the more affecting.

In typical Peep Show fashion, "Sistering" is a somewhat uncomfortable viewing experience that's not for the faint of heart. It's also one of the strongest episodes of the show's third season, which is saying something considering how consistently solid the series has been throughout its run. Whether you're a fan of the show or not, "Sistering" is definitely worth watching for its sharp writing, excellent performances, and insightful commentary on family dynamics.