The episode opens with Marnie (Niamh Moriarty) participating in a group event led by Jane (Kiruna Stamell). Repeating the grocery list, George adds condoms, raising laughter across the room. George’s mum informs Nicci (Sharon Horgan) that George (Lenny Rush) wants to take Marnie to the theater. Nicci says they are too young. The woman asks what is Marnie’s life expectancy before suggesting letting them live. When Nicci hesitates to answer, the lady pleads with her for George and Marnie.

Back to the present, Samantha (Noma Dumezweni) checks in on Marnie while doing her rounds. During an ethics committee meeting, she explains Marnie’s condition – hypoxic brain damage due to a cardiac arrest. James (Richard Lintern) asks about her quality of life. She suggests Marnie can feel discomfort, even though, she is primarily unresponsive and unaware of her surroundings. When he asks her medical opinion on a tracheotomy, she tells him that Marnie will never be discharged from the hospital. Mercy Babayaro (Chizzy Akudolu) stresses how important it is for the parents for her to be fitted with a tracheotomy tube. They discuss the parents being against ending treatment.

Samantha informs Andrew (Michael Sheen) and Nicci that the ethics committee supports her clinical judgment. Frustrated, Nicci asks if the human cannot improve. Samantha assures her that in Marnie’s case, it is unlikely. Nicci reminds her of how Marnie has overcome the odds her entire life. Nicci and Andrew claim Marnie’s pulse decreased while music was playing. Samantha suggests it was an involuntary reflex. She informs them of the hospital’s decision to send Marnie’s cast to an appointed mediator. Mercy explains the purpose of an independent mediator. Nicci says they’re all wrong before walking out of the meeting.

Andrew tries to talk to Nicci but she isn’t interested in listening. Katie (Alison Oliver) is preparing pasta when they arrive home. Nicci goes for a shower. He informs Katie of the ethics committee supporting Samantha to end Marnie’s treatment. In a flashback, Marnie tells Nicci that she wants her makeup to replicate that of Elicia Shadow (Maiya Butler). Nicci agrees but only if she can veto it if Marnie isn’t happy with the results. After a quick assessment, Marnie pleads with her to not veto it which Nicci readily agrees. Back to the present, Andrew suggests putting on a show when Katie is around.

Giving Hannah (Mica Ricketts) a pack of cigarettes, Katie reminds her that they agreed to do it together. Hannah assures her that they will before giving her a peck on the cheek and leaving to catch up with Frank (Gary Beadle) and Alice (Melissa Collier). They greet Andrew and Nicci in the foyer. Orchestra conductor, Mr. Glenny directs the musical performance. After receiving an urgent message from the hospital, Nicci and Andrew leave. Katie watches as they make their way to the exit. They arrive at the hospital as Marnie is being treated.

In a flashback, Andrew assures Marnie that he isn’t mean or stinky like boys. She promises he will always be the most important “boy” in her life. At the theater, a lady informs them that George and Marnie cannot sit together because there isn’t enough room. Their suggestion to remove a seat is immediately rejected by the cinema manager (Ella Hunter-Clark). Marnie and George assure them that they don’t mind sitting apart. Back to the present, Mercy informs Nicci and Andrew that Marnie suffered a serious seizure likely due to severe brain damage. Nicci says her eyes reveal she is smiling.

Hannah tells Katie that it is okay to be angry at her parents for missing her concert. Katie assures her that she is okay. A teary-eyed Andrew is at the bottom of the stair when Hannah approaches. She offers him some of her marijuana before leaving. He tells Katie that Marnie is all right before apologizing for her concert. He reminds her of how she brought a dying worm home.

When a woman tries to explain “mediation,” Nicci talks over her by explaining her experience with “arbitration.” Nicci complains that the ethics committee not consulting with them before making the decision to end Marnie’s treatment. Andrew accuses her of being “unfair” because they have talked to him. Raising her voice, she disagrees before suggesting the mediation is to appease her. He says, “Us.” Before he leaves to meet Tom (Jack Morris), he offers to cancel so they can talk but she declines.

Tom blames Andrew for their father’s poorly organized funeral. He tells him that he might commit suicide if Andrew dies. Andrew assures him that he wouldn’t before informing him of Marnie’s condition.

Andrew talks to Marnie about the playlist he created before she was born. He breaks down sobbing while singing “Your Star Will Shine” by the Stone Roses. He has a beer at a local pub before returning home. Brenda Haskins (Lisa McGrillis) tells Andrew and Nicci that it costs up to 500k pounds annually for pediatric intensive care. She suggests NHS should shoulder only part of the blame. She assures them that Every Christian Life can help access the resources to win Marnie’s case. Feeling optimistic, Nicci says Risdiplam and Vamorolone have shown promise in children with spinal muscular atrophy. He asks how the organization found out about Marnie. Skeptical, Andrew identifies Every Christian Life as a pro-life organization. She accuses him of being “prejudice.” He sarcastically asks if they are talking “anti-abortion.” She says they are “pro-Marnie.”

Andrew suggests ending Marnie’s treatment. He reminds her that they knew it would come down to making such a decision. She says Marnie was thrilled with the Robin returning two months ago. He tells her that she has brain damage. She assures him that her brain can heal. He says the hospital claim Marnie is in pain. She tells him that he always wanted her to die. She pleads with him to stand by her to save Marnie. He informs Katie of his decision to stay with Tom. He asks her to go with him. She asks him to not be a “coward.” He says it isn’t cowardice before heading out the door.

In a flashback, Andrew informs Marnie of George’s death. She asks if he was in pain. He says the hospital staff was taking care of him. He tells her that she may die prematurely. She admits to not wanting to die. Back to the present, Nicci tells George’s mum that the hospital wants to end Marnie’s treatment. She claims George did not want a tracheostomy. Nicci asks if she opened up to him about death. She explains how he squeezed her hand while “The Worst Witch” was playing. She says the hospital staff convince her he was in pain.

Nicci returns Gladys’ (Buffy Davis) book. She and Brenda speak with Fred (Shane Zaza) about suing the hospital. As she pulls out Nicci’s medical records, he warns her that court can get messy. He explains the process that includes an appointed attorney to represent Marnie’s “Best Interests.” He stresses how the odds will be stacked against them. He says when the judge sided with the physicians, Charlotte Wyatt had enough time to show improvement. The hospital was forced to request the judgment to be nullified. She says three success stories from how many cases. Brenda tells her that she will need to take her story public. Nicci assures them that she is ready to fight for Marnie.

 

Best Interests Review

The show continues to spiral out of control. The plot was seemingly forgotten somewhere along the line. It focuses widely on “pro-life,” instead of what the family is going through. It misses the point by tackling a broader issue for another series. The final minutes felt preachy.

The “Every Christian Life” spiel was the over-the-top. A mother in a desperate situation being taken advantage of with little to no guarantee of success.

The best aspect of the show is the heartwarming flashbacks. The series would have been a success if it was one huge flashback.

“People hate disabled people. Sometimes I think they’d kill them all.” Who writes this stuff?

The episode deserves a 5. Get more Best Interests recaps here. Support Reel Mockery by clicking the link. Our onsite advertising is scalable and customizable.