Episode 5 of One Day takes a dramatic leap forward in time, transporting us to the vibrant heart of 1991. As expected, Dex is living life to the fullest, his days a whirlwind of club hopping, indulging in expensive spirits, and embracing the warmth of various women's beds. In simpler terms, he's embracing a life of pure abandon, without a care in the world.
It's within one of these lavish, glittering clubs that Dex unexpectedly encounters Cal, a cherished friend from their college days. The reunion is brief but electric, a spark of familiarity igniting amidst the cacophony of the club.
The next day, Dex, still reeling from the excesses of the night, stumbles into his parents' home to visit Alison, his mother. It's here that a sobering truth is revealed: Alison is ill, her body ravaged by cancer. Dex hands her Emma's gifts, a silent acknowledgment of their enduring friendship. As he helps her navigate the stairs, his heart is heavy with the sight of her suffering and fragility. Perhaps this is why Dex avoids visiting often, afraid to witness her pain.
The morning after brings a tender conversation between Alison and Dex. Alison confides in Dex that his father is furious with him, a revelation that adds another layer of complexity to their already emotional reunion.
Alison laments that she and her husband have catered to Dex's every whim, whether it was footing the bill for his pricey tuition, showering him with money, or even granting him the freedom to pursue his passions at a breakneck speed. Yet, Dex has squandered it all, leaving nothing but wreckage in his wake. Alison and Dex's parents are dismayed by the person their son has become: a drunken, irresponsible shadow of his former self. Dex's father sternly warns him that if he dares to show up drunk again, he won't be welcome in their home. He urges Dex to make the most of the precious time his mother has left.
In this vulnerable moment, Dex turns to Emma for comfort. He tries to reach out to her, but Emma remains unreachable as she prepares for her evening rendezvous. Emma is eagerly anticipating her date with Ian, the charming server she met at the restaurant where she once worked.
During their date, Emma shares the exciting news that she's poised to land a teaching position at a university. Ian, eager to connect with Emma on a deeper level, broaches the subject of Dex, inquiring about his well-being. Emma opens up, revealing that Dex is going through a tough time as his mother battles illness and suffers immeasurable pain.
The date concludes on a high note, with Emma and Ian strolling through the bustling streets of London, their laughter echoing through the night. As the episode draws to a close, the pair's shared joy serves as a stark contrast to Dex's current state of despair.
