As the 4th episode begins, we’re introduced to Rose’s sister Vera (Fiona Button). Vera arrives in town with the intention of spending time with Rose (Hattie Morahan) and the family. Michael (Owen McDonnell) doesn’t seem too happy with the arrangement, but has no say so in the matter. Vera embraces the kids and gives her condolences to Sally (Fiona O’Shaunghnessy). Then, she turns her attention to her special girl, Emma (Eileen O’Higgins). Vera speaks with Emma about the local boys. Michael criticizes Vera’s behavior behind her back. Francis (Michael Nevin) shows Seamie Brady (Isaac Heslip) the tank his aunt gave him. Seamie tries to trade him balloons for the toy. Then, he tries to run off with Francis’ tank.

Seconds later, Vera gives Emma some lipstick. She also learns that Emma has a boyfriend in town. Emma admits her mother has met the boy, but she doesn’t know about their relationship. Moments later, Vera and Rose go for a stroll. Vera makes sure to tell her sister about Emma’s boyfriend. Captain Ronald Dreyfuss (Aaron Staton) arrives and introduces himself to Vera. Vera seems smitten with Ronald. Dreyfuss asks about the pub now that the ban has been lifted. He also arranges to meet Vera at the school to talk about something important. Emma sneaks over to Andrew’s (Ruairi O’Connor) place. She finds him with Beryl (Louise Parker) and rushes off without being spotted. Back at home, Vera explains to Emma that she needs to show Andrew that there are more fish in the sea.

That night, Vera joins Michael at the pub. The locals are happy to see Vera once again. She has a good time with the locals, before Michael returns and sends her home. Rose tries to get Emma to open up about her relationship, but the conversation backfires. When Michael returns home, he tells Rose about Vera getting drunk and wild at the pub. They realize that Vera isn’t at home, so Michael is forced to go and rescue her. In the morning, Rose meets with Ronald at the school. He explains he is thinking about throwing a Christmas party for the school kids. He attempts to enlist Rose’s help. When Rose returns home, she learns that Vera has been vomiting. It seems she has a hangover. Rose speaks with Vera about men. Vera insists her sister has everything she needs.

Rose promises she wasn’t judging her sister. However, she admits the ideal of starting a family with Dreyfuss would not be a good idea. Vera explains she just wants to escape her lost and lonely feelings with a good kiss. Next, Vera begins to harass Ronald. She tracks him down and stops his vehicle. She invites him over to the house for dinner. Ronald has little choice, but to agree to the arrangement. Seconds later, Emma finds Barney (Gavin Drea) working in the shed. She coaxes him into riding with her, so she can make Andrew jealous. Francis takes balloons to Davey (Seamus O’Hara) and his friends. They laugh at him and give him very little for his two party balloons. Ronald stops by the Coyne house. He asks if it would be okay to bring a colleague along. Vera promises it will be fine.

That night, Vera tells Rose about her intention to serve torpedoes to Ronald and his friend. Rose finally breaks down and tells the truth. She expresses her feelings for Dreyfuss and pleads with Vera not to pursue him. She admits the idea is crazy, but insists she just wants Michael to be what she thought he would initially. Vera joins Michael at the pub once again. Several soldiers speak about bombing targets and this upsets Vera. She has a nightmare that night. Rose rushes to her side. We learn that Vera’s husband and child were killed in a bombing. Rose comforts her sister throughout the night. In the morning, Rose changes her mind. She tells Vera to flirt with Dreyfuss. She admits it would be best for herself and her family. Then, they begin preparing for the party.

Both are surprised when Ronald arrives with Tillie (Kate Phillips). Meanwhile, Michael visits a local store and tries to buy an engagement ring for his wife. He admits he never got her one. Unfortunately, the store doesn’t have one that will fit Rose’s finger. Back at the party, Rose and Vera excuse themselves and laugh at their own stupidity. Vera leaves and Ronald enters. Ronald explains he brought Tillie to try and put a halt to Vera’s harassment. Rose tells him she thought she was over him, but her mind has changed once again. They end up kissing, before Tillie barges in. That night, Michael speaks to his wife about Vera. They also chat about the beginning of their relationship. Michael admits he always thought Rose could be off doing something much more exciting. Michael’s awareness seems to put him back in favor with his wife.

In the morning, Tillie visits Rose at the store. She gives her a gift. Then, she invites Rose to help her plan the upcoming Christmas party. Tillie explains that Dreyfuss strongly believes in Rose’s opinion. Back at home, Andrew visits Emma. She tells him about seeing the girl at his house. She is left feeling like a fool when she learns that Beryl is Andrew’s cousin. Andrew invites her over for a party. Later that night, Michael and Rose tells Emma the party is not a good idea. Later, Vera gives Emma another gift. She also explains that she is leaving soon. Vera tries to give Emma advice before departing. She tells her to try and hurt her parents as little as possible. Vera says her goodbyes, before Rose drives her into town. Rose invites her back for a longer visit, before Vera boards the bus.

Next, Seamie tells Francis that all of the balloons are gone from the dump. He begins pondering the idea of selling toothpaste to the Hanlons. The narrator explains that Michael felt relieved when Vera left, since he thought the girls would be a little less wild. However, he tells us that Rose will soon prove Michael very, very wrong.

 

My Mother and Other Strangers Review

My Mother and Other Strangers has definitely improved since the second episode. Perhaps I have developed a stronger relationship with the characters? Either way, there seems have to been more emotion in the 3rd and 4th episodes. This episode put a lot of the backburner to focus on Rose and her sister. Vera’s struggles with the loss of her husband and baby led to Rose confronting her own inner dilemma.

Nevertheless, it seems Rose is still torn between Michael and Captain Dreyfuss. Now that Vera is out of the way, she’ll need to make a decision and she’ll need to do so quickly. Was the kiss with Ronald a one time thing or will it build into something bigger? Will Michael be able to win his wife over once again? Only time will tell. The 4th episode scores a 7.5 out of 10. Catch up with past recaps of My Mother and Other Strangers immediately!