Episode 4 of Paper Girls commences with Larry's revelation, as he solemnly informs the girls that he's safeguarded the robot for the past fourteen years, preparing them for the impending battle. This robot, he declares, is a veritable battleship, and Erin, in her older form, is destined to pilot it. However, the programming is tailored for a more mature Erin, intended to guide her towards 1999. Yet, in a defiant turn, she resolutely decides to chart a new course, intent on returning the children to their original year of 1988. To achieve this, they must locate Mac, and with a single chance to traverse the time portal in the next six hours, finding their friend becomes paramount.
Meanwhile, Erin's sister, Missy, calls her, unaware of her sister's whereabouts. Erin remains cryptic about her location but mentions Larry's name, prompting her to divulge the farm's address. Upon Missy's arrival, Younger Erin's initial excitement is quickly overshadowed by the sisters' latent animosity and tension. It seems Missy's absence during their mother's illness is the root of their estrangement.
Elsewhere, Mac finds herself in a new life, her brother serving as a surrogate father. However, the reality of this new arrangement soon dawns on her, and she struggles to adjust to her brother's changed demeanor. Dylan assures her that though things may be different, they remain siblings and have been given a second chance, which he intends to cherish by keeping Mac by his side.
KJ arrives unexpectedly, urging Mac to flee. They're not alone, as the Prioress appears, spotting the pair and narrowly missing them. These happy family days for Mac are abruptly cut short.
As the portal opens, the children prepare to launch their colossal robot into the sky. Racing towards the portal, they huddle together and launch just in the nick of time, narrowly escaping the Prioress' grasp. The Prioress, now subservient to the Grandfather, arrives only to find his plans thwarted, leaving him deeply disappointed.
