Didion Hell – As the episode opens, Costello (Daisy May Cooper) describes her life as a “rags to riches” tale.” She informs Gloria (Ronke Adekoluejo) of her bookstore job. Iris (Fleur Tashjian) and Florian Selby (Jack Farthing) do a cannonball into the pool.

As Costello decorates for Iris’ birthday party, Selby says they have a perfect life. He suggests starting the adoption process. She assures him that Iris would love it. He says they’ll be financially provided for but their jackpot will be when Allegra (Anna Chancellor) dies. They celebrate Iris’ birthday.

Costello tells Iris that she’s saving the money from her paychecks to ensure they’re never penniless again.

August – After reading Iris a bedtime story, Selby admits to wishing she was his daughter. He questions why they’re preventing him from adopting her. Costello reminds him of his stint in prison for nearly killing someone. He says no one stopped her parents from being parents even though they mistreated her. He describes their family as a “wonderful lie.”

It has been two weeks since Selby spoke to Costello. Grabbing his head, she asks why he always messes it up before suggesting to report his condition to Allegra. The call goes straight to voicemail. He threatens to visit her mum to say he’s left picking up the pieces after she screwed her up. Grabbing an instrument, she goes outside to puncture his tires. He calls her a “lunatic” when Iris professes to love them even though they’re crazy.

September – Costello and Selby dance to “Baby’s Got A Hold On Me” by The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band.

October – Costello is steaming a dress when Selby questions why they’re having a party. She claims it is for Iris. He suggests it is her way of showing off their “lie of a life.” After he leaves, she scratches a vinyl record, “Labour of Lust” by Nick Lowe.

Costello is taking a bath when Selby urinates in the tub. He admits to believing life would be easier if they were dead. She drops into the water and comes up before agreeing with him.

Costello curses Selby when she sees her dress. Betsy (Darcey Porter-Cassidy) suggests she’s sad. Iris agrees but assures her that it would be stupid to flee their life. After an alteration, Costello emerges in a shorter dress.

Zara (Kate Fleetwood) introduces herself as Nancy Spungen to Selby. Neil (Reid Anderson) thanks him for the invitation. Gloria joins Selby by the pool to ask if he will help her break up with Paul (Sam Hazeldine). After agreeing to do it, he returns to the house to play “Labour of Lust.” He sings while dancing with Costello when the vinyl begins to skip. She pleads with him to stop what they’re doing because they both love Iris. She says there is enough money to support them if they leave. He admits to gambling her money away. Distraught, she beats him up and shatters a few glasses before heading outside with a frying pan. She repeatedly slams the pan on the ground and jumps into his car. He convinces her to not leave. They wish their guests goodnight while walking into the house.

Costello plans to leave with Iris in the middle of the night. She gets as far as starting the engine before returning to the house. Iris joins Selby on the sofa while she prepares tea. The episode comes to an end.

 

Rain Dogs Review

The episode focuses on Selby and Costello’s volatile relationship. They’re living the perfect life until Selby’s request to adopt Iris is denied. His prison stint makes him ineligible for being her adoptive father.

Costello saves her paychecks in case they need to return to London. They’re hosting a Halloween party when she finds out Selby gambled away her money. She beats him up and contemplates leaving but he convinces her to stay.

The show provides a different take on Selby and Costello’s relationship. It was obvious, their relationship was strained but this is just the tip of the iceberg. One is as bad as the other. On a good note, they never take their frustration out on their friends, just on each other.

The episode deserves a 6.7. Get more Rain Dogs recaps here. Support Reel Mockery by clicking the link. Reach out to our service staff to learn more about our onsite advertising.