Secrets and Lies’ fifth episode (the halfway point of the season already - the season is moving far too quickly) is another strong one as we delve into yet another edition of ‘Ben suspects someone of Tom’s murder and tries to prove their guilt’.
One thing I need to mention about the show as a whole is that Secrets and Lies is digging itself a hole in focusing on Ben, yet have him attempt to solve the case. The Killing (which I’ve seen four episodes of - and this is true of those four; beyond that I don’t know) focuses mostly on the two detectives as they look to solve the case, and that allows a lot more of the case to be investigated. By focusing on Ben, it restricts the show to what it can do - a reason I’m quite glad that it is only a 10 episode season. What they’re doing is risky, and there is definite potential for the wheels to fall off.
Luckily though, ‘The Jacket’ creates the most intriguing suspect hunt yet as the show turns its attention to the Daly family. The Daly family consists of mom Lisa and sons Matt (who we met at Tom’s funeral) and Tyler. I don’t think it’s too much of a spoiler to say that Tyler is in the episode, despite the ‘previously on’ reminding us of Lisa telling Ben that Tyler wasn’t back.
We get to see a lot of the family, particularly Tyler and Lisa, as a set of events lead Ben to suspect someone in the Daly household. I won’t divulge who, but it’s certainly interesting seeing Ben go about his suspicions that one of them had something to do with it.
The jacket that Dave mentioned at the end of the previous episode is - unsurprisingly, given the title - an important thing in this episode. It does make an appearance in the episode and fuels a lot of what Ben does. Make of that what you will. Detective Cornell’s unhappiness with the way Ben is spending his days doesn’t stop him either - though that’s to be expected by now. We do get a brief insight into some of Cornell’s past, which was definitely necessary given how little we know about her so far.
Ben and Christy’s relationship is definitely the least interesting thing about the episode this week. It’s quite clear that he thinks that she is cheating on him - and I was inclined to concur with that assessment. Is she actually? You’ll have to watch to find out. KaDee Strickland does give a memorable speech near the end of the episode though, which does make up for things a little.
As usual, the episode does end on a cliffhanger and it’s a rather interesting one. It’s one that I didn’t really see coming until just before it happened, but there are hints throughout the episode that foreshadow it.
‘The Jacket’ airs on Sunday 22nd March at 9pm on ABC. Make sure to tune in and then return to SpoilerTV to vote in our episode poll and discuss the episode. Below are some dialogue teases from the episode. Please feel free to leave a comment with your guesses as to who said what and I will fill in the speakers for each quote on Sunday.
"You need to learn the difference between right and wrong."
“You need water anytime soon?”
"You're much more fun."
“Dude, if I don’t get my 14 hours I’ll kill somebody.”
“Family should be together."
"There's no way he did anything to Tom."
“I can’t tell you what I want.”
“I think you’re losing your mind.”
"Who the hell do you think you are?”
"I'm never telling Dave anything again."