As this episode of Alice and Jack begins, Jack (Domhnall Gleeson) rushes to speak to Alice (Andrea Riseborough) since he has to return to work soon. She gives him a check for a lot of money following the investment scheme. Jack says this is his daughter’s freedom to find her way. He thanks Alice who admits she didn’t like fighting. They hug. When Alice tries to kiss him, Jack stops her and says he can’t do that. Jack believes Alice only wants him now because she can’t have him. He hasn’t looked at those feelings for a while and doesn’t think they matter. Alice gets upset and leaves. Later, Paul (Sunil Patel) tells Jack that Alice sent money so they can set up a new pro-bono division led by Jack with no interference from Saul.

Jack wants to stop this although Paul thinks he should let it go. He leaves and tries to find Alice. Maya (Aimee Lou Wood) spots him and congratulates him. Jack learns that Alice sent everyone their money and closed down the fund. Alice left because she wants to travel. Maya thinks Alice did a good thing for him before reminding Jack that Alice is in love with him. He receives a letter that Alice left for him. Later, Jack asks Celia what she wants for her birthday even though it’s months away. She wants a sword since Mark says she should try fencing next. Jack tells her about the letter from Alice and admits he hasn’t read it yet. He reads the letter later that night. Six years later, Jack checks on Celia and confirms he is going in.

He learns Mark is going to take Celia to breakfast. Once he leaves, Celia looks through his stuff and finds pictures of Alice. She finds a note from Alice telling Jack they’ll meet again. Celia visits Alice because she has some questions. Celia asks Alice why her mom hates her dad. Alice says she is a bit angry because of things in the past. She admits it has something to do with her and Jack. Celia asks if their marriage was a mistake and if she shouldn’t be alive. Alice denies it and suggests Jack would say it’s the best thing he’s ever done because Celia is there. Celia reveals her mom and stepdad say awful things about Jack who doesn’t fight back. Celia wants to know the truth. She wants to know if she can trust and love him. Alice insists Jack is the best person she knows.

She doesn’t think she’d be there if it wasn’t for Jack. Alice asks if she wants to teach her some ballet. She gives her a lesson. Once Jack gets home, he finds Celia sitting on the steps outside. She quickly hugs him. Later, Jack goes out with a woman. Jack admits he has been in love with someone since 2007 and she has been in love with him since 2007. Once they ran into each other in Cuba, they’ve just been friends. He failed to tell someone about it years ago and it turned out to be unfair. His date gets upset and leaves. Later, Jack does an interview to talk about dengue fever while Alice watches from nearby. After the interview, Alice tells Jack that he and Rachel Tinsley-Dean liked each other. She says she’ll see him later although Jack isn’t supposed to know about that.

Lynn and Jack watch the ballet. Celia thanks Alice for coming. After it’s over, Jack and Alice talk about Celia’s chances outside. Alice says she has decided to be a parent and her insemination is next Wednesday. She wants a clan of two. Alice tells him more about the process and the lucky guy. Jack gives her encouragement. Paul and Donna learn about Alice’s decision later. They urge Jack not to get caught back in Alice’s vortex. Jack thinks everything will be okay and doubts Rachel wants to go out with him. He learns she called his office and asked for his mobile. Alice tries to come up with names for her baby. She tells Maya that she doesn’t want Steve around. Maya asks if the baby wants to have a father figure it could only be Jack.

Maya thinks Jack would be good, but Alice doesn’t want to mess up their relationship. Jack goes out with Rachel (Thalissa Teixeira). He mentions he had a guardian angel. Rachel asks about her. Rachel explains she doesn’t have time for inefficiency and that’s why she’s so straightforward. Jack tells her he is in love with someone and she’s been in love with him for 15 years. Rachel asks if it was the woman from the taping. He mentioned his child before talking more about Alice. Jack explains he doesn’t have a clean slate. Rachel says they’re adults. She just wants to enjoy his company. Rachel admits work is the love of her life. If Jack is interested in her, she thinks they should begin. Jack wants her up in the morning. Rachel tells him that Thursday night is when she’ll never be available.

Jack tells her that Alice is being inseminated in about an hour. Rachel questions why he isn’t by her side. She believes Alice didn’t ask because she didn’t want to cross a line. Meanwhile, Alice waits at the clinic with Maya. Alice steps out and contemplates messaging Jack who shows up out of the blue. Jack thinks he should’ve asked to come. He believes being in love is exhausting. Jack says she’s had a clan since the day they met.

 

Alice & Jack Review

The fourth episode of Alice & Jack was just okay although the prior episodes made it somewhat difficult to connect to the characters. In some ways, there hasn’t been enough time to gain an understanding of the characters and their relationships. Large chunks of their lives are glanced over so we’re only getting pieces of it.

Truthfully, we’ve really only seen the turmoil and that makes it hard to see why Jack would continue going back to Alice despite everything. They may have a deep, meaningful relationship, but you wouldn’t know it based on what is presented in the series. It doesn’t help that the story is just so unrealistic as well. Again, anyone in Jack’s shoes would be wise to run for the hills.

I also question why some of the scenes are so dark. Sometimes, it is difficult to see the characters’ faces when they’re inside. This won’t ruin the series for viewers who’ve enjoyed it, but it is odd to see that. Regardless, Alice & Jack is a lifeless affair that probably would’ve been more satisfying as a one-night stand. This episode scores a 5 out of 10.

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