Poor Sisyphus
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| "Poor Sisyphus" | |
|---|---|
| Mare of Easttown episode | |
| Episode no. | Episode 4 |
| Directed by | Craig Zobel |
| Written by | Brad Ingelsby |
| Cinematography by | Ben Richardson |
| Editing by |
|
| Original air date | May 9, 2021 |
| Running time | 57 minutes |
| Guest appearances | |
| |
"Poor Sisyphus" is the fourth 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 May 9, 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 continues doing her own investigation, while a new disappearance appears to connect to previous cases.
According to Nielsen Media Research, the episode was seen by an estimated 1.049 million household viewers and gained a 0.16 ratings share among adults aged 18–49. The episode received positive reviews from critics, who praised its pace and cliffhanger.
With Mare suspended, Zabel is given a new partner to cooperate in the investigation. The paternity results for Erin's baby reveal that the father is neither Frank nor Dylan. While Dylan grows frustrated by the revelation, he continues taking care of the baby at the hospital. A girl, Missy Sager, goes missing, and the media begins connecting her disappearance to Katie.
Dawn is called by a stranger, who claims to have Katie as a hostage, demanding $5,000 for her return. While initially dismissing it as a possible scam, the stranger later calls to confirm more details of Katie. Carrie gets Drew for the night, but begrudgingly returns him to Mare when he becomes homesick. Mare remembers Kevin and Carrie violently abusing her and robbing her for drug money. Siobhan struggles with her own feelings about Kevin and her family. She ends her relationship with Becca and begins a new relationship with Anne, who she met through a gig her band did.
While investigating, Zabel discovers Deacon Mark was transferred from his previous parish after allegations of inappropriate behavior with an underaged girl, which is why he was trying to avoid his calls. Despite her suspension, Mare continues doing her own research on Erin's case. She checks Erin's dresser, finding a heart-shaped necklace engraved with a date. Jess informs Mare that Erin, desperate to pay money for her child's ear surgery, considered participating in a sex service service, although she notes she never used it.
Retrieving money from the gas station, Dawn drives to a location while following the stranger's instructions. He arrives at a cabin, where the stranger claims to have Katie. When he reaches for the bag, Dawn attacks him and he slips. He finds that the bag only contains papers and removes his mask, revealing himself to be Freddie Hanlon. He apologizes for the scheme, and flees. Somewhere, Missy is taken by a man to the attic of a tavern, locking her in a soundproof room. There, Missy meets another girl, revealing herself to be Katie.
Production
Development
The episode was written by series creator Brad Ingelsby, and directed by executive producer Craig Zobel. It marked Ingelsby's fourth writing credit, and Zobel's fourth directing credit.[1]
