The episode opens with Nicola “Nicci” Lloyd (Sharon Horgan) appearing on a radio talk show to tell her Marnie’s story.
Katie Lloyd (Alison Oliver) arrives home to find Children and Family Legal Services Social Worker, Greg (Mat Fraser) there for his 10am meeting with Nicci. He tells her that he is Marnie’s court-appointed representative. He explains how his job is to determine what is best for Marnie Lloyd (Niamh Moriarty). She calls Nicci to remind her of the meeting. Nicci admits to forgetting before giving her a rundown of her schedule.
Every Christian Life representative, Fred (Shane Zaza) introduces Nicci to her Barrister, Derek (Lucian Msamati). He explains how their role is to present a theory that validates Marnie’s prognosis is based on “poor judgment.” He suggests introducing a bias in her treatment, more specifically, Samantha Woodham. Nicci assures him that Samantha is a great physician. Brenda informs her that they still haven’t found a physician to support their theory. Nicci leaves after receiving a call from the hospital.
Samantha tells Nicci that Marnie was administered adrenaline and steroids after a reaction to a new antibiotic. She confronts her about the radio and TV appearances. She professes to care deeply for Marnie. She assures Andrew Lloyd (Michael Sheen) that Marnie will “be back to how she was soon.” He considers joining Nicci and Marnie but continues down the corridor.
In a flashback, teenage Katie (Nina Marlin) orders the room cleared for her party. When young Marnie (Taylor Mai Munday) offers to handle the guests’ coats, Katie informs her that she isn’t invited. Nicci asks if Marnie can come. Katie suggests they all go bowling. Nicci says Marnie is attending and she and Andrew are supervising. Katie demands Marnie not attend her party. When the party kicks off, a boy tells Katie that he likes her before giving her a quick kiss.
Back to the present – Katie visits Andrew at Tom’s (Jack Morris) flat. He tells her after his mum died, he married Nicci after she got pregnant. He admits to working a job that he never cared about. He loved her, Nicci, and Marnie more than he thought was possible. He describes what he is doing for Marnie as an “act of love.” Accusing him of making an excuse, she says being there for them is his job, not an achievement. She says how he handled it was “cowardly.” She accuses him of abandoning his family. She reminds him that she is a teenager before pleading with him to stand by his family. After she leaves, Nicci appears on the TV. Listening to her complement Marnie’s difficulties and joys, he angrily flips off the TV.
Greg asks Andrew when he started supporting the hospital’s recommendation to turn off Marnie’s life support. Andrew stresses the importance of not making it about him and Nicci. Greg assures him that nothing he says will be reported. Andrew admits to looking at Marnie without seeing what made her who she is. Greg claims his father blamed his disability on his mum’s thalidomide usage. Andrew tells him that he saw what his parents went through with Tom’s Asperger’s. Greg asks him to tell his story. In a flashback, Nicci and Andrew have a quick dance before realizing Marnie has a fever. They rush her to the hospital. Back to the present, Andrew leaves Nicci a voicemail suggesting they not turn Katie against each other. In another voicemail, he admits to missing her and the girls.
In a flashback, young Katie asks if Marnie is going to die. Samantha updates them on Marnie’s condition before assuring them that the hospital staff will take good care of her. Nicci assures Katie that Marnie will be all right.
Back to the present, Hannah (Mica Ricketts) places a pill on Katie’s tongue. Feeling ill, she emerges from the dance floor to see them doing a drug deal. After vomiting, she questions Hannah about the drug deal. Admitting to selling Marnie’s diazepam, Hannah says her plan was to split it with her or spend it on them. Katie reminds her of Marnie being hospitalized. Hannah sarcastically says she didn’t have a problem taking Marnie’s diazepam before inviting her to go to the beach. When Katie declines the invite, Hannah takes off on her own.
Brenda informs Nicci that Katie taking Marnie’s pills is all over Twitter. She says someone took her photo at a nightclub. Nicci asks how can she access Twitter. Brenda suggests they discuss how to deal with social media and the allegations. Distraught, Nicci asks if the police will charge Marne. Reminding her of Marnie being a juvenile, Brenda suggests a charge for theft that won’t be printed. Katie puts her phone on Airplane Mode to stop incoming calls. Andrew tells Nicci that people opposing her cause are utilizing it to get back at her. Nicci confronts Hannah about the allegations. Hannah sarcastically says Marnie won’t be taking the pills. Nicci calls her a “disgrace” before trying to physically attack her. Alice (Melissa Collier) intervenes by ordering Nicci to leave.
Katie claims Tricia posted the photo to Twitter. She admits to stealing Marnie’s diazepam. Nicci says Hannah believes she isn’t aware of her being a lesbian. After telling her that she is “lovely,” Nicci admits to being proud of her. She professes to love her before promising to fight for her. Katie pleads with her to be angry about what she did. She curses her and Andrew for making what Marnie’s condition about them. Andrew assures Nicci that Marnie and Katie are strong. She informs him of a physician in America who believes he can help Marnie. Doctors are always offering their help to sick children. She assures him that miracles do happen. He points out that Marnie has been a “miracle” before leaving. Katie sneaks out of the house.
In a flashback, Marnie says her love for Katie is deeper than her love for their parents. She assures her that she doesn’t care if she hates being her sister. They embrace. Back to the present, Katie plays “Running ft. Ghetts ” by Pip Millett while hanging up a poster of Daniel Kaluuya. Samantha says Daniel should smile more often. Katie suggests smiling is a thing of the past.
Brenda suggests Katie deny the social media allegations. Nicci asks if she is a mother. Brenda admits to having two sons who are staying with their father. She warns there will be people who retaliate against her but her effort will pay off. Nicci informs her of Samantha perforating Marnie’s artery while placing a center line. She says it occurred on Marnie’s birthday.
Judge Spottiswood (Pippa Haywood) addresses those in attendance. She suggests remembering Marnie at all times throughout the trial. The episode comes to an end.
Best Interests Review
Nicci tells Marnie’s story to radio and TV viewing audiences. Adversaries utilize social media images of Katie at a club against her. Tricia exposes Katie and Hannah stealing Marnie’s Valium.
Brenda and Fred connect Nicci to Attorney Derek who pitches a theory to prove bias in Marnie’s hospital care. Nicci tells Brenda about Samantha severing Marnie’s artery while inserting a central line.
Andrew decides to support the hospital in terminating Marnie’s life support. Katie is none too thrilled with Nicci and Andrew making it about them.
The episode takes a turn for the worse once again. The show initially tackles a social issue, child euthanasia. It doesn’t stop here but pushes many other controversial topics. This is not to mention the hidden agendas that are better off left unsaid.
The episode deserves a 5. Get more Best Interests recaps here. Support Reel Mockery by clicking the link. We offer several tier advertising packages, learn more by contacting our customer support.
Jay Skelton is a fan of all television shows and movies. He tries his best to keep up with the latest foreign television shows and movies. Jay loves skinny dipping in the dark too.
