As the 2nd episode gets started, Gemma (Suranne Jones) watches as Simon (Bertie Carvel) tells Tom goodbye. Then, she follows Tom (Tom Taylor) all the way to school. James (Prasanna Puwanarajah) knocks on Gemma’s window. They chat briefly about Tom and his decision to stay with his father. Then, Gemma meets with Neil (Adam James). She gives him paperwork and instructions. Neil heads to Simon’s new workplace. He pretends he is interested in office space, but uses the opportunity to schedule a get together with Simon. Back at the school, Gemma speaks with Tom’s friend, Max (Frank Kauer). She does her best to obtain information from the boy. Max doesn’t have a lot of info to give. Then, Gemma follows Tom to the clinic. She heads inside and speaks with Ros (Thusitha Jayasundera) about her son.

They find out that Tom has been meeting with Sian (Sian Brooke). Gemma confronts Sian and invites herself over for dinner. That night, Gemma gets a visit from a property assessor. The man reveals that Gemma’s husband called. Then, Gemma rushes over to Sian’s house. She is invited inside. During this time, Neil meets with Simon. Simon and Neil enjoy drinks, while Gemma and Sian do the same. Simon begins asking Neil about his rendezvous with Gemma. He also explains that he made a lot of money investing in an American fracking company. Gemma and Sian chat about sex.

Then, they chat about Gemma’s divorce. Gemma interrupts and asks about Tom’s visit. Sian refuses to tell her the reason for his visit. Neil explains that Gemma believes Simon is trying to scheme to get her to leave. He admits he is and he is already winning. Moments later, a young woman is invited over. She immediately begins flirting with Neil. Finally, Sian tells Gemma that Tom has been suffering from anxiety. Simon watches the woman flirt with Neil. Then, Simon speaks with the bartender and lets him know that he despises Neil. Gemma grabs the wine and heads for Max’s house. She finds him dancing around inside. She invites herself in and asks Max about her son. Gemma drinks wine, before learning that Tom said he no longer loves her.

Gemma leaves moments later. She heads to Simon’s house and calls Tom. She watches from outside, as her son refuses to answer. Then, she sees Kate (Jodie Comer) kissing a man inside. Gemma heads to a bar and dances the night away. James arrives and she tries to sleep with him. He refuses to sleep with her in public. James heads home, before Gemma steps outside. She sees Simon and tries to tell him about Kate and the mystery man. Before she can, Simon snaps her picture and gets into a vehicle. When Gemma makes it home, she tells Anna (Victoria Hamilton) about her night. She gets a text from Simon. It includes the drunken picture and a suggestion that he should show it to Tom.

In the morning, Gemma gets another visit from another property inspector. She sends him away and then James arrives with food. Then, Gemma begins telling James about all of her problems. Moments later, the couple sleeps together. Gemma finds Neil outside. She learns that he has been kicked out for good. Neil also tells Gemma about his conversation with Simon. Gemma invites Neil to stay with her, but he admits that would be a bad idea. Gemma heads to the clinic and speaks with Sian. She tells the woman that she knows she has been passing information to Simon. Sian admits to it, but she also agrees that Gemma isn’t the one doing wrong. She explains that she knows what Gemma is up against.

Then, Gemma confronts Simon. Simon admits he gave Tom all of the facts. Simon learns about Kate’s encounter with the mystery man. He explains that Mark is Kate’s godfather. Gemma gets a call from the school. Both rush there right away. They learn that Tom attacked Max. He is suspended from school and told he needs to go home. It is unclear who Tom is going to go home with.

 

Doctor Foster Review

A lot happens during each episode of Doctor Foster, yet very little happens. There is plenty going on, but very little moves the story forward. It is safe to say that the series is a slow burner. The show is intriguing. I find some of Gemma’s actions to be annoying, but they’re understandable. Nevertheless, I find it difficult to look away. I am always eager to see what happens next. The series is a little predictable and I probably have a good idea what is going to happen next, but it remains enjoyable nonetheless.

All in all, Doctor Foster is enjoyable, but it has a few annoyances as well. This episode scores a 7 out of 10. Catch up with previous recaps of Doctor Foster now!