Episode 9 of "Before" unfolds with Eli ensnared in vivid visions before awakening in the stark confines of a hospital room. Under vigilant watch following his self-inflicted wound to the hand, Eli finds himself in the company of Charlie, another patient who, later, amuses himself by recounting aKnock, Knock joke. This seemingly benign moment serves as a catalyst, sparking a realization in Eli's eyes about the path he must tread.
Meanwhile, Linda arrives with a tray of food, her gentle demeanor masking the gravity of Eli's situation. She informs him that a doctor will soon be in to see him, a prospect that fills Eli with dread as he gradually comes to terms with his confinement in a psychiatric facility, realizing there's no easy escape. The ticking clock adds urgency to his plight, especially as Noah's condition worsens, his muttered ravings now filled with Eli's name.
Noah's impending transfer to Ithaca hospital weighs heavily on Eli's mind, sparking a surge of discontent. He fears Noah will be subjected to a regimen of medication that could render him a hollow shell of his former self, a fate Eli views as unacceptable.
Eli's concerns escalate into a confrontational exchange with his daughter, Cleo, and the attending doctor, who confront him about Noah's fragile state. They perceive Eli's preoccupation as a sign of mental instability, further compounded by his confession—albeit reluctantly shared—that he was the one who took his wife's life. Amidst the tension, Eli finds a moment of intimacy with Cleo, acknowledging the truth in a heartfelt conversation, painting a portrait of a family torn between love and loss, reason and despair.
With no other options left to explore, Denise reluctantly seeks out Eli and discovers his lips a chilling blue, as if kissed by the frost. There, she finds herself captivated by Eli's intriguing theory, which postulates a mysterious connection between Noah, Lynn, and now Eli, spanning across their past lives. It seems as though these three souls have been intertwined through the ages, bound together by a shared, long-standing trauma. The specifics of what transpired at the farmhouse remain shrouded in mystery, yet it hints at being the crucial piece to unlocking the puzzle of their fate.
Eli then reaches out to Sophie, who hands the phone to Barb, facilitating a heartfelt conversation. Eli confesses his internal struggle and ambivalence towards Lynn's wellbeing. Unable to find peace without answers, he has been in a perpetual state of "frosty" stagnation ever since.
As the clock ticks closer to 4 PM, the deadline for Noah's transfer, Eli deliberately punctures his hand with a pen, his mind focused on a daring escape from the hospital to rescue Noah. Remaining mentally sharp, he bides his time,
