As the episode begins, Joseph (Stephen Graham) continues his journey. He walks and walks. Eventually, he arrives in Ireland. Michael (Frank Laverty) and Anna (Helen Behan) find him sleeping outside of their home. Joseph is confident that Anna will remember him. Soon, we learn that Anna is actually Joseph’s sister. Anna eventually remembers. Joseph has a flashback. Then, he passes out onto the ground. Joseph is taken inside and allowed to sleep. He is disturbed by Anna’s kids, but continues falling back to sleep anyway.

When Joseph finally wakes up, he speaks with his sister. They speak about their childhood. Anna confesses that she thought Joe was dead. Anna explains that she wrote loads of letters in the beginning. She tells Joe that the guards came to France’s house because Joe left where he was staying. He admits to running away from The Towers. Then, he went to Liverpool to stay with his aunt. Joe explains that he was jealous of Anna because she got to leave and he didn’t. He was forced into a boys home.

Joe tells Anna that he needs her more than ever now. Later, Joe shares dinner with Anna, Michael and the kids. The kids continue peppering them with questions. They learn about their mother growing up in an orphanage. Michael offers Joe a job at his company. Joe accepts without hesitation. Michael’s sister, Dinah (Niahm Algar), shows up outside with her boyfriend. He harasses her until she beats him up. Dinah comes in for food a short time later. Joe is moved to the garage. Dinah gets to sleep on the couch. Joe is introduced to her.

That night, Anna tries to convince Joe that things will get better. Dinah complains to Anna about pretty much everything. It is clear she isn’t happy with Joe taking over. In the morning, Michael learns how Joe’s ex tracked down Anna. Dinah returns home and finds Anna vaping. Anna admits that it has been a rough few days. Meanwhile, Joseph is introduced to the other workers. It is clear early on that Craigy (Mark O’Halloran) is a little odd. In private, Michael tells Joe that Craigy has had a little bit of trouble recently. He had a nervous breakdown and exposed himself to an old couple.

During the workday, Joe does his best to avoid Craigy. Anna tells Dinah about being moved to France’s house. Joe was moved to a home for boys. Anna thought Joe was dead when he went missing. Craigy catches Joseph alone. Craigy seems to know something about The Tower. He knows exactly who Joe is. He promises not to tell anyone. Joseph has a few strange flashbacks before the episode ends.

 

The Virtues Review

The Virtues is definitely getting better. It is a super slow burner. If you’re patient enough, I am confident that it will pay off in the long run. I feel that the show is only going to get deeper and more emotional from here on out. At this point, I am enjoying it. However, I am struggling to piece together the puzzle pieces. I am eager to see where things are going to go from here. I’d give this episode a 7.5 out of 10. Catch up with previous recaps of The Virtues right now!