At the start of the episode, Anna (Helen Behan) and Michael (Frank Laverty) go out. They leave the kids with Dinah (Niamh Algar) and Joseph (Stephen Graham). Joe cooks food. He speaks with Dinah about Joseph’s time in Liverpool. Moments later, Joe gets a call from his son. He learns that everything is going great in Australia. The house has a swimming pool and everything. Dinah has a tough time listening to the conversation. When the call ends, Joe begins to break down. Dinah comforts him. During their conversation, Joseph learns about Dinah’s own son.

After a little back and forth, they end up kissing again. One thing leads to another and they nearly have intercourse. However, Joseph has flashbacks and begins losing it. Dinah calls for help. During the flashbacks, Joseph remembers something about a boy named Nomad and his brother. Anna checks on her brother at the hospital. When they’re left alone, Joseph tells his sister that he was raped. Anna takes Joseph to Craigy’s place. Meanwhile, Dinah prepares for her meeting with Janine (Niamh Cusack). Craigy (Mark O’Halloran) lets Joseph in.

Dinah speaks with Janine. She learns that the parents have changed Finn’s name. Janine reveals that Dinah’s son sent her pictures and letters many years ago. Dinah never received them. This caused trouble for Finn and his new parents. Therefore, they do not wish for Dinah to see Finn at this time. Meanwhile, Craigy confirms to Joseph that he too was raped at the boy’s home. He tells Joseph about Damon and his younger brother. The younger brother died in a car crash. Damon moved away, but Craigy knows where he is. Dinah tries to get in touch with Michael.

He doesn’t answer. Anna gets a call from Craigy. He apologizes and confesses that he has done something bad. Joseph gets off a bus and enters a pub. Anna meets with Craigy. She forces him to tell her what happened. He tells her that he gave Joseph the address to Damon’s place. Joe contemplates drinking at the pub. He stops when he sees two young boys nearby. Dinah is unable to get in touch with Michael. Joseph goes to the address and meets with Damon (Liam Carney). Anna is unable to get in touch with Michael either.

While Joe speaks with Damon, Dinah visits her mother. Damon admits to knowing Joseph. He remembers exactly what he did to him. He explains that it was done to him ever since he can remember. Dinah begins reading the letter to her mother. They get into an argument and Dinah is told to leave. Damon is dying. Joe confesses that he came there to kill him. Dinah’s mother admits to burning the letters her son sent. Dinah chokes her mother from behind. She kills her. Joe shows restraint. He scares Damon before telling him that he forgives him. He leaves and meets with Anna outside. Craigy hangs himself in his home.

The episode ends with Joe riding down the road in Anna’s car.

 

The Virtues Review

Although the ending was a bit disappointing, I enjoyed The Virtues. It was deep and emotional from start to finish. I kept hanging on because I couldn’t wait to see what was coming next. I thought the finale was satisfying. I just wish we got to see the aftermath. Nevertheless, I liked it. It was one of the deepest shows I have seen in a long time. For that, the finale deserves an 8.5 out of 10. Catch up with previous recaps of The Virtues before you go!