Emotional Erection – As the episode opens, Costello Jones/Lisa (Daisy May Cooper) visits her father, Bernard (Neal Barry). After the initial shock, he gives her a hug. John (Thomas Coombes) doesn’t believe she is Lisa.

Gloria (Ronke Adekoleujo) is doing a pregnancy test when The Duke (Steve Toussaint) scolds her for not taking care of the bodies. She reluctantly asks Iris (Fleur Tashjian) to count the lines on her pregnancy test. When Iris says two, Gloria has a meltdown.

John says a boy returns home after a 20-year disappearance only to be an imposter. Bernard assures him that she’s truly Lisa. John asks her to point out where she urinated on the floor when she got mad. When she gets it right, he punches the sofa. Bernard asks if she has children and a husband. She says no before asking John how many child support claims have been filed against him. He admits to liking cream pies, Millwall Football, and real crime podcasts. He says what she did to their mum, Donna (Camille Coduri), he will never forgive her. Donna denies holding a grudge against her own daughter. Costello assures them that she plans on sticking around.

Selby Florian (Jack Farthing) has sex with an old actor (Julian Firth). They go back and forth about Selby being in the gay wasteland. The man says they declined any offer of love when Selby begins to weep. He assures him it’s the “Emotional Erection” that matters, not impotency.

Costello reads her diary when Donna describes her decision to not have a drink with them as “rude.” She claims people called her a “liar” for saying bad things about her. Donna suggests kids are weird. Costello asks if John got the same treatment. Donna admits it was necessary to make her stronger. Costello assures her that she would never treat her own children in such a manner. Donna says they meet sometime in the future. Costello urinates in her favorite spot before leaving.

Allegra (Anna Chancellor) visits Selby after she received a call from Costello. He compares Costello’s behavior over the last year to a lottery winner. Sitting an urn on the floor, she suggests his father will improve his mood. He reminds her of how his father avoided him. She tells him that his father’s favorite hobby, attempting suicide, finally killed him. He tosses his father’s urn in the pool. She sarcastically says he has now drowned twice. Retrieving the urn, he empties the saturated ashes on his face.

Costello swears it will be her last time leaving Selby. Gloria says she has been saying the same thing since they met. Costello admits to having a refuge in North London. Gloria shows her the positive pregnancy test. Costello asks if she wants help getting an abortion or a congratulation. Gloria is content with her pregnancy.

Allegra tells Selby that Costello has been notified to pick up her belongings. He accuses her of taking everyone away from him. She informs him of a place for him to stay. Frustrated, he assures her that he isn’t his father.

Costello drops the house keys on the ground before thanking her for coming. Allegra demands she collects her belongings and leaves Selby alone. Costello suggests he take this opportunity to love him. He pleads with her to stay with him before smashing her laptop. She informs him of her visit with Donna. He admits to always believing she was telling the truth. He questions how he will live without her when the orderlies arrive.

Serena (Tanya Moodie) asks Costello if anyone followed her. Costello says no. Serena explains the rules when Jade (Phoebe Thomas) complains about the noise. After escorting them to their room, Jade warns that Jesus is watching all the time. Costello rips down a “Live Laugh Love” poster. Iris sarcastically says it isn’t Disneyland.

Allegra tells Selby that his inheritance will cover his treatment. Giving him Iris’ drawing, she congratulates him for taking good care of her.

When Costello calls to check on Selby, she is told her name isn’t on his list. The episode comes to a close.

 

Rain Dogs Review

Costello visits her father, Bernard, and mum, Donna. Her brother, John believes she is an imposter who has returned after a 15-year hiatus. Donna believes her mistreatment of Costello was warranted because she was weak. No one believed Costello when she told what Donna did to her.

Allegro admits Selby to a treatment center. Costello suggests she take the opportunity to love him. She and Iris move into a refuge run by Serena. She is disappointed when Allegra doesn’t list her as Selby’s family member.

Gloria is okay with her positive pregnancy test.

While Costello’s story isn’t unique, it says a lot about two people who love each other but butt heads at every turn. Similar experiences and mental issues may contribute to their tumultuous relationship. Her mother was abusive, his mother was emotionally distant. Their only common ground is Iris.

The episode deserves a 6.8. Get more Rain Dogs recaps here. Support Reel Mockery by clicking the link. Inquire about our onsite advertising packages here.