The episode opens with Amanda Kinsella (Clare Dunne) spending time alone with Jamie Kinsella’s (Cian Fitzsimons) body. A call from Father Scriven (Aidan Jordan) about the eulogy and the fear of leaving Jamie alone sends her in to wake Jimmy Kinsella (Emmett J Scanlan). In his room, the eulogy and Amanda’s desire to have Michael Kinsella (Charlie Cox) say a few words lead to a small argument. Jimmy makes it clear he isn’t comfortable with Michael speaking.

Later that day, Amanda meets with Noel Lawlor (Stephen Jones) to pick up a car key. He makes sure she knows where it’s parked and recommends moving it every few days to avoid attracting attention. She thanks and promises to one day return the favor.

Jimmy meets with Micahel to tell him that he’s got someone watching Caolon Moore (Lloyd Cooney). Although he tells Michael that his spotter is working off a favor, he refuses to reveal who he is. There is a slight argument over who should take the shot that ends with Michael giving him an ultimatum (Either he takes the shot or Jimmy finds someone else to drive).

Bridget “Birdy” Goggins (Maria Doyle Kennedy) chides Amanda for showing up late at the funeral. Amanda claims everyone knows not to start without her before she learns about Michael and Jimmy’s meeting from Anthony Kinsella (Mark McKenna Jr). Downstairs she fusses at Jimmy for leaving Jamie alone before informing her of the meeting with Noel. Once he confirms that she is still on board with the plan, they join the mourners upstairs. As the funeral slowly proceeds, Birdy points out to Michael that Amanda is in no condition to be making decisions and her not allowing Francis “Fudge” Flynn (Thommas Kane Byrne) and Isaac “Kem’ Kemela (Ryan Lincoln) to pay their respects is prime proof. Photographers snap photos as the mourners and pallbearers migrate from the home to the church. Amanda is uncomfortable with the attendance of Eamon Cunningham (Ciaran Hinds) but Birdy manages to convince her that he only wants to pay respects.

Detectives Liz Cullen (Esosa Ighodaro) and Paul Breslin (David Herlihy) visit Eric “Viking” Kinsella at the hospital and try to goad him into revealing more about Jamie’s death. Viking refuses to reveal anything helpful.

Jimmy delivers his eulogy and focuses on Jamie’s happy disposition. He says that coming home to his rambunctious laughing is what he’ll miss most. Outside after the proceedings, Michael has an emotional encounter with Anna Areoye (Hannah Adeogun) who continually reminds him that he’s not legally allowed to be around her. She leaves him in tears when she adds she’s not interested in anything he has to say. Inside the church, Eamon pays his respects to the family. Once he makes his way to Birdy, he extends an invitation to help in any way he can. He walks away silently when she suggests he deliver Moore. Outside, he extends the same invitation to Michael.

Much later that evening, Eamon meets with his ex-wife, Angela Cunningham (Fiona Bell), at a fancy restaurant. After catching up on the kids, life, and his new wife Marta, she quickly reveals that she recently found a lump on her breast. A biopsy revealed that it was cancer and it’s not good. When he asks about her doctor and offers to send her to a specialist, she tells him this isn’t a problem he can fix.

Jimmy receives word from his mole, Keith Boylan (Anthony Morris), that Moore is celebrating at Frank Ryan’s Bar with his friends. Jimmy shares the news with Michael and Amanda. Michael asks if they are sure they want to go through with the plan on the same day as Jamie’s funeral. Jimmy says it’s karma and Amanda says they might not get another chance. She drops them off at a vehicle and returns home to scrub the oven in an attempt to keep her mind occupied.

Jimmy briefs Michael on the layout of the bar and where to exit once he shoots Moore. He also shows him a photo of Glen Wright (Ben Carolan) and identifies him as the actual triggerman just in case he is inside as well. Inside the bar, Michael executes Moore without any resistance but the plan falls apart when he discovers the backdoor padlocked. After several unsuccessful attempts to get out, he has a minor panic attack that blurs his vision. Luckily, he is coherent enough to make it outside where he encounters Glen. He’s still trying to gather himself, which gives Glen the opening he needs to escape. Once he joins Michael in the car, they race to a nearby clearing and burn the car as well as Michael’s clothes.

Amanda has made her way to the sink when Jimmy arrives home and informs her of the success. She asks about Michael before ordering him to go take a shower and leave his clothes out to be washed. Frank Kinsella (Aidan Gillen) learns about the slaying during a very heated phone conversation with Eamon. Eamon wrongfully accuses him and practically declares war on the family. As officers pick up both Michael and Jimmy, Frank schedules a meeting with Birdy and Amanda. Amanda doesn’t reveal any information and only encourages him to speak with Michael or Jimmy. Her reluctance only makes him madder, as he points out that Eamon will put such a huge bounty on their heads that anyone will jump at the chance to claim it. Birdy intervenes once he starts yelling and tells Amanda to go home.

Michael’s attorney informs him that the cops won’t be sharing their evidence, which could be just as good as it could be bad. He also shares that Jimmy is being held separately at Kevin Street Station. After Michael assures him there is nothing he needs to know before the interview, he has another panic attack. His lawyer has to bring in the guard for assistance.

Viking is still recovering in the hospital when he receives word from Fudge and Kem that Michael supposedly killed Moore. He appears impressed but questions why the early visit. They claim Frank ordered them to meet him there. Before joining Viking, Frank warns the nurse (Nancy Onu) on duty that men might be showing up with guns. He orders Kem and Fudge to post up at the front entrance and keep an eye out for sketchy arrivals. Once alone, it becomes clear that he and Viking have different opinions about Michael shooting Moore.

A recovered Michael meets with Dr. Sam Rooney (Owen J Barton) to discuss his episode. Michael admits that the episodes have gotten progressively worse and more frequent. Once the doctor recommends more testing, Michael becomes impatient. After some slight consideration, Rooney says he suspects that Michael has developed epilepsy. Rooney tells him that it is a disease that can be managed before he leaves. On his way out, he recommends that Michael’s lawyer reschedule the interview.

Amanda becomes troubled when news reports reveal that Moore will be survived by two young kids. She later discusses this with Michael, who attempts to comfort her. Frank starts moving his drug stash while encouraging Kem and Fudge not to go anywhere alone and be extra cautious. The episode ends with Amanda receiving a call from Noel’s wife, blaming her for Noel’s death.

 

Kin Review

Despite the incredibly slow build, the episode delivered at high points, and the culmination couldn’t have been more surprising. The death of Noel and Michael’s possible epilepsy diagnosis really set the bar for what this series could become. The series certainly has some flaws, but I find myself constantly surprised by the quality of the acting.  I’d easily give this episode a 6 out of 10 and say it really sets the pace for could evolve.

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