Well I have to say I wasn't quite as impressed by this episode as the first. The number of coincidences seems too implausible, but not sure the size of the community, so maybe everybody are rubbing shoulders. They even showed Catherine driving past the chemist just as the thugs arrived. So in that she didn't miraculously go into the chemist and instantly recognise them, I think on another visit to Alison somehow their paths will cross.
But back to the start. I think Catherine was so quiet because she was literally gutted. The way she quietly said how could they. I had suggest others who it might be because I didn't want it to be Clare, it is such a betrayal. And I dont think she has been manipulated but I think Neil is so desperate to re-instate himself after loosing his wife and family, he is using Ryan to make himself important in the family that isn't really his. And Clare has just gone along with him, partly because she at last has someone and he flattered her by saying he had always fancied her when they were at school. I think it is likely she doesn't go into the prison, because I dont think she would want to be near TLR. But I find it hard to believe she hasn't unintentionally given away that they are up to something and Catherine would have been wondering what is going on.
I think the idea the Neil is TLR's father is just not plausible. His whole back story was told in series 2, and unless he had somehow had a brief encounter with TLR's mother not likely they would have moved in the same circles. I cant remember when there were scenes with TLR or his mother that anyone talked about a father. Maybe nobody knows.
I did briefly think that unintentionally the Chemist would somehow implicate the teacher and his wife to the thugs, and they would then then just move in and kill them. But obviously that would end that story line a bit quickly.
I am glad they dont show the domestic violence, but the two young girls are so good at showing what it is doing to them. And so sad. I hope in real life this isn't troubling them. It is all too convincing. And the wife's description of her husband targetting young boys so he can then go on to manipulate them is just horrible. I know that you should never say why doesn't she leave, but would she be enduring this and trying to work out ways to kill him. And then discuss it with the chemist?
I dont think there is anything dodgy about Catherine's ex. He is just a struggling journalist, and as others have mentioned, she has already tried to help him in the past. And now he is another one sponging of her, trying to get info instead of doing proper investigation. But yes, I think he may come to harm, as he doesn't seem to have much nous. Or integrity. Dont forget he walked out on Catherine because she took on Ryan. Just another parasite hanging on to her.
I hope Catherine and Claire have a chance to talk before Ryan and Neil re-appear, but I dont see how they can all play happy families after this.
But look forward to whatever dialogue Sally Wainwright has written for the conversation between Catherine and Ryan. I think Ryan may turn out to be like his dad in that even though he has some affection for Catherine he is so sure that his view of the world is right, including somehow thinking it is okay to be in contact with the man who caused his mother's death. Funny that he never has any dialogue about that, but is given lines about wanting to know his father.
They all leech of Catherine, and never seem to think how their behaviour might impact on her. Or only to the extent that they want to avoid getting a slow steady barrage of disdain that she is so good at.
I suspect she is actually very lonely.