Best Interests Series 1 Episode 4 Recap – As the episode opens, Andrew Lloyd (Michael Sheen) is tearing down wallpaper while infant Marnie joyously gurgles in her baby seat. Nicci Lloyd (Sharon Horgan) suggests having a picnic. He reminds her of it being cold outside. She says they can bundle up before giving him a hug and kiss. Back to the present, Nicci is at Marnie’s (Niamh Moriarty) hospital bedside. Andrew emerges from the house to find Frank (Gary Beadle) waiting on him in his car. Frank assures him that it will be okay.

News reporters call Nicci’s name as she, Katie (Alison Oliver), and her father approach the courthouse. She turns to make eye contact with Andrew. Fred (Shane Zaza) tells her that the hospital is being represented by Dr. Samantha Woodham (Noma Dumezweni) and Francesca Camara. He adds Greg Richardson (Mat Fraser) and Beatrice Shrigley (Esther Hall) are with Family Legal Services. Attorney Derek Frederick (Lucian Msamati) assures her that they will save Marnie’s life.

Marnie’s pediatric consultant, Samantha tells the Court that Marnie’s current treatment is not improving her condition. She confidently says Marnie will never be weaned off mechanical ventilation. She adds Marnie’s brain has irreversible damage. Derek asks what is her professional experience with pediatric muscular dystrophy. She claims to have monitored about 25 pediatric muscular dystrophy “MD” cases. He asks how many children with MD have died under her observation. She says six. He questions if Marnie’s condition is “undiagnosed” how can she be sure treatment is ineffectual. She assures him that her hypothesis is correct. He asks if Marnie is in pain. She points out Marnie has multiple “autonomic responses” each day that indicate pain. He argues if Marnie has little to no conscious experience, it would impossible for her to feel pain.

Derek recalls on May 24, she perforated Marnie’s artery while inserting a central line. She assures him that the procedure was “completely performed.” He says how when it caused severe blood loss. She reminds him of medical professionals being human beings. He informs the judge of late correspondence regarding PICU patients being relocated within the hospital as part of COVID preparation. Reading the email, Samantha validates it was correspondence between her and a bed manager. It reads, “Bed 16 shouldn’t be there, the parents have been clinging to hope without there being any.” She claims it was her “medical opinion.” Looking at Nicci, she says,” Marnie is in pain.” He says she has a prejudice against Marnie.

Brenda (Lisa McGrillis) tells Katie that Samantha’s testimony is a win for them. Katie says it probably feels that way. While talking to Andrew, Greg smells alcohol. He insists Andrew take his lunch.

Derek tells the Court that Nicci gave up her career when Marnie was diagnosed with muscular dystrophy. Andrew admits to being grateful for her sacrifice. Derek asks who had the bigger salary. Andrew tells him that Nicci was earning more than him. Derek asks why he kept his career when it would have been more economical for her to keep hers. Andrew admits to working a lot, even on weekends. Francesca (Aneika Rose) objects in Andrew’s favor. The judge intervenes when Derek asks Andrew if he is a good father. Changing the topic, Derek asks Andrew about the time Marnie’s temperature was scaling higher while he drank alcohol in the garden.  Andrew claims to have had the monitor in his possession before admitting to using marijuana and alcohol. Derek suggests Marnie needed medical treatment. Andrew asks Nicci if they have both made mistakes.

Dr. David Pankerman (Kerry Shale) tells Nicci that they need to determine if Marnie can recover from hypoxic brain damage. He suggests a tracheotomy to buy her time. He says risdiplam is believed to be an effective treatment for neuromuscular disorders. She asks if his treatments have been successful. He claims it has been successful in children discarded by medical science.

Andrew tells Tom (Jack Morris) that he enjoys being his big brother. Tom says he feels the same about being his little brother. Andrew admits to thinking life would be easier if Marnie wasn’t there. They dance as “Animal Nitrate” by Suede plays in the background.

Dr. Pankerman tells the Court that a cure isn’t currently available. He says they will keep Marnie alive while investigating different treatments. A female barrister asks about his PICU qualification. He tells her that his specialty is neurology for all age groups. She asks if he assessed Marnie’s brain. He tells her that examined her brain scans. She asks if he is providing the Court with an opinion without directly examining Marnie. He points out that Bradbury’s consultant was a friend who agreed with her. She says Pankerman has contributed to seven court proceedings. He reminds her that most physicians fear going against the establishment but not him. She asks in any of the seven trials did he suggests ending mechanical ventilation. He says no because there was evidence that supported the patients should live.

Nicci visits the chapel to pray when Nicci approaches. She says that the organization is going whatever is necessary to save Marnie’s life. Katie asks if she would trust Marnie in Pankerman’s care. Nicci admits she wouldn’t. Katie suggests Marnie wouldn’t agree with what they are doing.

Nicci tells the Court that her belief is Marnie should live. The barrister asks her opinion on Marnie’s pain. Nicci denies seeing signs of Marnie having pain. She claims to see people through people who say they care about disabled patients. She expresses how it feels to be Marnie’s mum.

Katie watches a video of her and Marnie dancing. Tom offers to go with Andrew to court. Andrew reminds him of how he doesn’t like crowds before saying he will be okay. Alice (Melissa Collier) tells Nicci and Andrew that she and Frank are there to support them both.

Judge Spottiswood (Pippa Haywood) addresses the parents, attorneys, and other attendees. She describes Nicci’s position as “understandable” because it supports the continuation of her love and dedication to Marnie. Getting panicky, Andrew excuses himself from Court. Frank provides emotional support while he sobs. The judge sides with the hospital. Nicci breaks down. Brenda suggests meeting later to discuss an appeal. Andrew watches as Nicci and Katie emerge from the courtroom.

Nicci informs Andrew of her attorney suggesting an appeal. She apologizes for telling Derek about his drinking. She tells him that Marnie’s treatment will be stopped in the morning.

Nicci stops by with a bag of books for Gladys (Buffy Davis). She tells Andrew that she doesn’t want Marnie to die in the hospital. He claims the medical staff warned of her dying in the ambulance on her way home. Katie and Andrew suggest Marnie would want to donate her organs. Mercy Babayaro (Chizzy Akudulu) explains what will probably happen when the mechanical ventilation ends. Mercy says the morphine will probably prevent her from feeling pain. Katie whispers in Marnie’s ear. They embrace.

Andrew places Marnie’s belongings in the vehicle. Nicci tells him that wherever they go, they will go together. Katie agrees. In the van, he asks if they are up for music. Nicci admits to destroying his dongle in a fit of anger. He offers to sing. Katie plays 20/20 by Rimon.

In a flashback, Nicci, Andrew, infant Marnie, and young Katie have a picnic. The episode ends.

 

Best Interests Finale Review

If the series was based on a true story, it would’ve failed to fully represent Marnie. Irrelevant agenda after irrelevant agenda was introduced from start to finish. It would’ve been nice to see more of Marnie’s life and less bickering and berating.

At times, the show portrayed Andrew as a father who didn’t have his daughter’s “Best Interests” at heart. Nicci’s push to keep Marnie alive isn’t remarkable but understandable. In the end, she sided with Andrew and the hospital. No one could possibly understand unless they were in a similar situation. While chronically ill, Marnie was one of the lucky ones. She had a loving, tight-knit family who loved and adored her.

The series wasn’t a complete failure as it did succeed in pushing the “right to life” in terminally ill children. Everyone has an opinion. The series shows both sides of equation.

The idea that “people don’t like disabled people” is asinine and shallow. This may be the case for the writer but not most people.

The trial was a bit boring, so much so, viewers may be tempted to fast-forward. The highlight of the entire series was the final minutes – picnic – of the finale. The ending felt rushed.

The episode deserves a 6. Get more Best Interests recaps here. Support Reel Mockery by clicking the link. Learn how our onsite advertising can build your brand awareness by speaking with our customer support.