As the episode opens, Emma (Sally Lindsay) removes a family photo of her, Susie (Imogen King), and Pete (Neil Morrissey) from a box and displays it on a table. Having a change of heart, she replaces the photo with a photo of Susie (Imogen King) and Milo. Pete arrives with a plush koala bear. She says it was him who won it. He reminds her that it was when he proposed before regretting the fun times was not enough to save their marriage. After a quick apology, she asks if he is okay with her going to Cyprus. He assures her that she deserves to have a great time. Later, she phones Susie who is upset about the divorce. Emma informs her that she has the money for the salon. Susie questions her decision to go on a vacation so soon after the divorce. When Milo starts to cry, she rushes off the phone. Emma has a frozen dinner for dinner.

Cyprus – Emma takes in the view from her private balcony. She contemplates reading “Wuthering Heights” but decides to the bar instead. While waiting for her drink, a man across the room catches her attention. Maria (Joanna Kalafatis) tells her that he owns the bar. They briefly make eye contact. Later, she is passing the man’s table when his business cards fall on the floor in front of her. He identifies himself as Niko Angeli (Gerard Kyd). Back in her room, she finds his profile online.

In their second encounter, Niko invites Emma on a boat ride. The next day, he takes her to a resort accessible by boat only. Over a drink, he claims his ex-wife and son, Theo (George Parisis) are living in their home. He shows her photos of a beachside property that he is going to buy. He asks why she is sad. She explains what led up to her and Peter’s divorce. They go for a swim before returning to the hotel.

Niko takes Emma dancing. While out for a walk on the beach, she questions what is transpiring them. He says she makes him feel like everything will be okay. She kisses him. The next morning, Niko prepares to leave Emma in bed asleep. He places a note on the table and calls someone to say it is on.

Emma and Niko continue to spend time together. He escorts her blindfolded into a magnificent villa on the beach. When the blindfold is removed, she is surprised but also sad because she is leaving tomorrow. He invites her to stay there with him. After some contemplating, she accepts his offer. Later, she notifies Susie of her decision to stay in Cypress. Susie reminds her that she and Niko barely know each other. Emma promises to fund the deposit for the salon and invites her to Cyprus. Susie asks why she can’t be normal before abruptly ending the call. Emma calls Pete to tell him that she met someone and will be staying there. Controlling his anger, he claims to be happy for her.

Niko takes Emma shopping when he receives a call. She finds his behavior odd. When he returns, she asks if everything is okay. Assuring her it is nothing, he offers to buy her an outfit. Later, he tells her that one of his hotels is to be sold as per the divorce decree. He claims the proceeds of the sale will not be available in time to secure the villa. He says the owner demands 225,000 euros by the end of next week. She denies her decision to stay had nothing to do with the villa, only him.

Emma offers to pay the down payment for the villa from her divorce settlement. Niko declines her offer but she insists. He tells her that he has to attend a meeting in Nicosia. He professes to love her. After he leaves, she calls Lakes Bank to schedule the transfer.

With the documents secured in a bow, Emma waits for Niko at a local restaurant. She calls him but there is no answer. When he does not arrive, she returns to her room. He arrives later with an excuse for his delay. She tells him that the down payment for the villa is fully paid. He promises to put her name on the deed.

George (Ramon Tikaram) gives Niko and Emma the keys to their villa. She questions why the owners left their furniture. He claims it was part of the deal. He tells her to never forget that she is special.

The Airbnb owner (Charis Kkolos) finds Emma in bed. She tells them that they purchased it. He says they were supposed to be out by yesterday. She dials Niko’s phone to find it is no longer in service. A short time later, she returns to the hotel. Smiling, Maria denies knowing anyone named Niko Angeli. Emma pulls up Niko’s bio online to see it has been removed when Theo approaches. Maria speaks to him in Greek. He calls her mama before hurrying away. Niko has been removed from all of Emma’s photos.

Emma speaks to a bank teller (Anna Yiagiozi) about the transfer. The bank teller informs her that Niko’s account has been closed and urges her to go to the police. When Emma refuses to leave, she is arrested.

 

Love Rat Review

There is truly nothing remarkable about Emma’s story. What is remarkable is the high volume of romance scams. According to the Federal Trade Commission, around 70,000 victims of romance scams reported losses totaling $1.3 billion dollars in 2022. The average reported loss was $4,400.

The cinematography is good but some scenes are a bit too dark.

The story progresses at a snail’s pace. It lacks oomph and is quite boring 90% of the time. The beautiful backdrop and scenery cannot make up for such a dull story. I would love to know how they came up with the title.

The lead acting is not always believable and at times, a bit cringeworthy. Neil Morrissey and Gerald Kyd fill their roles perfectly.

 

Love Rat Synopsis

Recent divorcee, Emma falls fast for Niko who is nothing more than a fraudster. Niko sets his eyes on Emma soon after she arrives in Cyprus. Unknowing to her, he operates a fraud scheme with the help of George and Maria. He leads Emma to believe that he is a wealthy hotelier. He wines and dines her until she is in his grip and cannot refuse him money for what she believes is a beachside villa.

Once Emma learns the truth, there is no trace of Niko or her money.

 

The episode deserves a 5. Get more Love Rat recaps here. Support Reel Mockery by donating. Learn how advertising with us can build your brand awareness. Join our newly established forum to discuss the latest TV show releases, scams, celebrity happenings, and more.