Episode 4 of "Mare of Easttown" unfolds with our protagonist sinking to her lowest ebb, languishing in bed until the day's later hours. As she reluctantly rises, attired merely to indulge in a solitary cigarette puff and rendezvous with Lori, Mare carries the weight of an unspoken truth that threatens to suffocate her family ties. Yet, Lori stands resolute, determined not to let Mare isolate herself further, vowing steadfast companionship.
Eventually, Mare confronts the reality and discloses her suspension to her family, acquiescing to the Chief's advice to embark on therapy. But within the therapy session's confines, Mare prefaces her words with a forewarning to the therapist—do not anticipate a transformative breakthrough, for her narrative unfolds with a steadfast rhythm.
Exiting the therapy's hallowed halls, Mare's path crosses with Richard once more, his keen observation noting the multitude of challenges she now bears. Touched by her plight, he offers a ray of sunshine, inviting her to celebrate his birthday, hoping to lift her spirits.
At the precinct, Zabel's frustration boils over as Mare's absence from the case leaves a void. However, duty prevails, and he is drawn into a more pressing matter—the DNA results are in, shattering assumptions: neither Frank Sheehan nor Dylan claims fatherhood to the baby. The mystery deepens, and Zabel's suspicions lead him to Deacon Mark, whose silence over the past days, coupled with allegations of misconduct at his previous church, paint a sinister portrait. Deacon Mark's evasive answers and hasty departure only fuel Zabel's doubts.
Meanwhile, Dawn's world is rocked by a mysterious phone call, a voice from the shadows claiming that Katie lives. But this harbinger of hope comes with a steep price—a demand for $5,000. After a tumultuous internal battle, Dawn finds the courage to return to work, her hand reaching for the cash drawer, a tangible act of desperation amidst the sea of uncertainties.
Carrie returns home with Drew in tow, the aftermath of their nocturnal rendezvous echoing in the air. As he flees up the stairs, she confronts Mare head-on, her voice laced with urgency as she reveals her awareness of the drug truth. Mare, worn down to the bone and tears streaming down her cheeks, begs Carrie to cease her probing before withdrawing in a haze of emotion.
Later that evening, Mare finds herself at Zabel's doorstep, navigating a somewhat strained encounter with his mother before settling in for a pivotal discussion. Hauser dismisses the possibility of a connection between their cases, but Mare harbors a divergent conviction, one that entwines the mysteries with the sordid world of prostitution. "Teenage girls have a knack for deception," she remarks, her words laced with a knowing edge.
Their pursuit of truth proves swift and decisive. Together, Zabel and Mare visit Jess, who uncovers a damning revelation: Erin had ventured into the shadows of an escort website, Sidedoor, to fund her dream of ear surgery. Her tale claims innocence, professing never to have crossed the line physically with any clients, yet the veracity of her words remains shrouded in doubt.
Determined to uncover the hidden truth, Mare embarks on a quest for Erin's journals, hoping they hold the key. Meanwhile, she entrusts Zabel with the task of probing Sidedoor's depths, seeking out details of all who had engaged with Erin's profile. The clues, they both sense, may very well lurk within this labyrinthine web of information.
Back at home, domestic tensions boil over into a chaotic scene. Siobhan's recent breakup with Becca takes an unexpected turn when Becca seeks solace under her roof, only to find Siobhan returning with a date. The kiss that ensues is a shattering blow to Becca's fragile heart, spurring her into a frenzied flight. In her haste, she accidentally collides with Mare's mother, sending her crashing to the ground, headfirst.
The police are swift to respond, escorting Mare's mother to the hospital for evaluation. Mare, filled with worry, accompanies her, steadfast in her resolve to ensure her mother's wellbeing. But as they return home, the air is thick with new distress—news of a third missing person has surfaced, Missy Sager, a young woman of 23, vanished without a trace.
Dawn, brimming with hope, ventures forth to confront the mysterious caller, who had whispered the alluring promise that Katie lingered among the living. However, her journey takes a treacherous turn as she is ambushed, her heart shattered by the revelation that the caller was none other than Freddie, a cunning deceiver exploiting her vulnerability in a cruel ruse. Dejected and her spirits crushed, Dawn trudges homeward, the weight of deception heavy on her shoulders.
As the episode draws to a cliffhanger, Missy Sager finds herself imprisoned within a foreboding, locked chamber at Bennie's. Her fists batter relentlessly against the unyielding door, each blow echoing her desperation. Just when all seems lost, a distant voice pierces the silence, commanding her to cease her futile efforts. It is Katie Bailey, her voice a ghostly testament to life, proof that despite all odds, she still breathes! The revelation sends shivers down Missy's spine, igniting a spark of hope amidst the darkness.
