Fathers (Mare of Easttown)
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| "Fathers" | |
|---|---|
| Mare of Easttown episode | |
| Episode no. | Episode 2 |
| Directed by | Craig Zobel |
| Written by | Brad Ingelsby |
| Cinematography by | Ben Richardson |
| Editing by |
|
| Original air date | April 25, 2021 |
| Running time | 58 minutes |
| Guest appearances | |
| |
"Fathers" is the second episode of the American crime drama television miniseries Mare of Easttown. The episode was written by series creator Brad Ingelsby, and directed by executive producer Craig Zobel. It was first broadcast on HBO in the United States on April 25, 2021, and also was available on HBO Max on the same date.
The series is set in the fictional suburb of Easttown, Pennsylvania, and follows police detective Marianne "Mare" Sheehan. Mare is a local hero, having scored the winning basket in a high school basketball game that won Easttown its first state championship 25 years earlier. But she also faces public skepticism due to her failure in solving a case, while also struggling with her personal life. In the episode, Mare begins her investigation into Erin's murder, while also getting introduced to a new partner.
According to Nielsen Media Research, the episode was seen by an estimated 0.735 million household viewers and gained a 0.10 ratings share among adults aged 18–49. The episode received critical acclaim, who praised the character development, intrigue and cliffhanger.
Mare arrives at the creek, where she inspects Erin's corpse. She visits Erin's drunk father, Kenny, to inform him of the news. Kenny is devastated, and immediately believes Dylan killed Erin, as he hated her for keeping the baby. Mare questions Dylan, who provides details, but omits Brianna beating her. After giving a press conference, Mare is introduced to Detective Colin Zabel, who was appointed to Erin's and Katie's case as he solved a nearby cold case.
Siobhan and Helen take Drew to play with Carrie Layden, his mother and Kevin's wife before his death. A recovering addict, she reveals that she will seek full custody of Drew. After finding the video where Brianna assaults Erin, Mare and Colin arrest her at her family restaurant. Brianna is aggressive, and reveals to Colin that Mare's son, Kevin, died by suicide. Mare confronts Siobhan for not mentioning her visit to the party, and she agrees to testify.
The following day, Mare visits a doctor, as she is concerned over Drew's blinking tic. The doctor claims this is normal, but Mare expresses her concerns to Frank, as she believes that Drew might have inherited the mental illness that caused Kevin's suicide. Mare and Colin proceed to interrogate all of the partygoers, including Siobhan, but none provide a lead in the case. Afterwards, Mare finally accepts to go out with Richard to a reception in his honor. On her way out, she is harassed by Brianna's father, Tony, who scolds her for arresting her. Mare feels distant and overshadowed by other women, and despite staying per Richard's request, the date goes poorly.
Dylan leaves for cigarettes, when he is held at gunpoint by Kenny in his car, who forces him to drive to the turnpike. He takes him to the woods, forcing him to run before shooting him in the back. Mare arrives at a gas station owned by Dawn, finding that Tony is following her. They have a tense argument in the station, before Dawn asks Tony to leave her. Tony later throws a gallon of milk through Mare's window before fleeing. Jess Riley, Erin's best friend who was with her before she left for the party, confides in her mother that Erin made her promise something. She and her mother visit Lori, telling her that Dylan is not the father of Erin's baby; Jess believes it was Frank, Erin's former teacher.
Production
Development
The episode was written by series creator Brad Ingelsby, and directed by executive producer Craig Zobel. It marked Ingelsby's second writing credit, and Zobel's second directing credit.[1]
