The episode starts from Dee’s perspective. Dee (Andrea Riseborough) wakes from her slumber and sees herself as a young girl. She closes her eyes, counts to six, and the girl is gone. Dee visits Christina (Susan Lynch) and bangs on the woman’s door. She demands to know more about the accusations. During this time, Paul (Robbie Coltrane) gives a radio interview. He professes his innocence, while simultaneously insisting rape investigations should be conducted in private. Jerome (Babou Ceesay) complains to Marie (Julie Walters) and tells her that they’ll listen to his instructions from now on. Dee is transported to the station and questioned by DI Palmer (Nadine Marshall).

Palmer explains that Christina doesn’t wish to press charges. Dee complains that the woman never deleted her as a friend from Facebook. Palmer insists Dee should open up and tell her, if she ever saw anything out of the ordinary. Palmer asks whether Dee doesn’t remember or just doesn’t want to remember. Paul and Marie sit down with Jerome and Gerry (Mark Lewis Jones). Gerry shows a slideshow of the accusers. He first speaks about Rebecca, who works as a travel agent and has three kids. Then, the slide turns to Vicky Flittick. It is revealed that Vicky once accused another man of rape. Jerome and Gerry believe they will be able to use that to their advantage.

The slide then turns to Christina. Jerome reveals that the details are sketchy. He admits the girl kept a diary, but didn’t mention any key details. Paul and Marie insist the girl was a fantasist. Jerome explains that Christina suggested she was assault in Paul’s American car. Paul mentions his old Chevy. He admits he might’ve drove her home once or twice. Marie reveals that the date of the alleged rape was the only day she was ever away. Dee heads into town and is harassed by a photographer. Dee has a flashback. We see young Dee (Cara Barton) and young Paul (Trystan Gravelle) kidding around. Moments later, we hear a knock at the door and Christina is invited inside.

We jump back to the present and see Dee in an arcade with her children. Dee speaks with her ex and thanks him for inviting her. They sit down and chat about the allegations against Paul. Dee learns that her addiction and past suicide attempts have entered the tabloids. Her ex asks whether or not it is true. He admits he could easily get full custody, due to Paul’s troubles. Nonetheless, he doesn’t seem interested in doing that just yet. Seconds later, Dee says goodbye to her children. Paul and Marie visit Dee’s house. When they’re unable to find their daughter, the landlord lets them inside. Marie quickly blames Dee’s absence on Paul’s radio interview. Marie also questions why Christina would choose those specific dates. Paul admits he doesn’t know, but suggests the woman might’ve remembered Marie being away.

Paul complains about Marie’s suspicions. He confesses he cannot handle her judgment. Dee has another flashback. She watches her parents leave, before Christina enters and insults her. Paul and Marie prepare for Dee’s birthday party. Paul meets up with his daughter seconds later. Paul gives his daughter a silly birthday gift, before they head to the party. Karl (Tim McInnerny) speaks with Dee, while bashing the newspapers. During the party, Paul and Karl watch the young women dance. Karl also explains Paul’s way of handling things, which is to pretend the mistake didn’t happen. Karl admits he envies Paul. Despite all of his troubles, lots of people came to drink lemonade and support him.

Dee has another flashback. She remembers Christina giving her a cigarette. They snap a picture together with the cigarette in hand. Christina also admits she likes Dee a lot, regardless of what happens between them. Dee questions what would possibly happen. Christina says it is the start of Dee being a woman. Back in the present, Dee consults with Marie, who gives her a chill pill. Marie tells her to behave and not to screw anything up for Paul tonight. Marie opens up about Paul’s past lies and forcing him to confess. She admits he has been unfaithful, but not in an important way. She is also adamant that Paul is innocent of the allegations. Then, she complains about everyone wanting to be victims nowadays.

The birthday cake is prepared and Dee blows out the candles. Since Dee refuses to speak, Paul does so on her behalf. He talks about the last time they were all together as a family, Dee’s 13th birthday. He also admits Dee has been the best daughter he could have asked for. Dee rushes out of the house and Paul gives chase. She escapes in her vehicle. While Paul is out looking for Dee, Karl gets flirty with Marie. She refuses his advances and tells him he should leave. Dee has another flashback. She is told to return to her room, as her father returns outside. Christina puts on lipstick and confronts Paul downstairs. Christina reveals she has been drinking, while getting flirty with Paul.

Paul explains that the taxi is still outside with the meter running. Christina suggests they drink together instead. Dee listens in on the conversation from upstairs. She hears the door open and creeps downstairs. She sees Paul outside with the taxi. Back in the present, Paul walks the streets looking for Dee. Instead, he sees a young version of himself. He chases himself, but winds up flat on the ground. Paul returns home and Marie tends to his wound. Moments later, they receive a visit from Jerome and Gerry. Jerome reveals that several woman have dropped their accusations. Nonetheless, Paul is being charged with 1 count of rape and 3 counts of sexual assault of a minor. Gerry tells Paul that the car was indeed a Chevy. He reveals that he tracked police records for the vehicle.

Gerry discloses that Marie was pulled over that night with a broken tail light. Jerome admits Christina’s claims of being assaulted in Paul’s car over three nights can now be discredited. Dee sits outside of Christina’s house. Dee has another flashback of her father entering her room. He explains that he is always tested, but does right for his daughter. She writes a note on the tabloid and reveals she believes her father. Then, she rams the car through the garage.

 

National Treasure Review

The 2nd episode of National Treasure was a little slower than the first. It was also a little more difficult to follow with the numerous flashbacks. Nonetheless, a lot happened over the 50 minutes or so. We learned about Dee’s relationship with Christina, while simultaneously exploring the night of the alleged sexual assault. Despite the revelations, the details remain sketchy.

Paul’s behavior could easily sway the viewer in either direction. Nonetheless, it appears that Marie and Dee will now stand behind him. A 7 out of 10 is deserved. Catch up with previous recaps of National Treasure now!