Episode 8 of The Crowded Room kicks off with Detective Doyle, alias Matty, stepping into Marlin's world. His gaze falls upon a conspicuous bruise adorning Marlin's hand, to which Marlin offers a hasty explanation, claiming it was the result of a stabbing by a prisoner in the facility he frequents. However, Matty swiftly dismisses this theory, declaring that the bruise resembles something far more sinister. Later, he confirms to Stan, Danny's legal advocate, that Marlin's alibi of not being present at the Rockefeller Centre on that fateful day was a mere fabrication. That mark, indeed, is a bullet graze, unmistakable in its origin.
Following his emotional breakdown in the previous episode, Danny sits down with Rya to delve into the genesis of his fractured selves. First comes Yitzhak, a byproduct of the relentless bullying Danny endured in school. The harrowing scene from episode 2 where Billy and his cronies mercilessly assault Danny replays in their minds, only this time, Danny retaliates with superhuman strength.
Rya warns Danny that his condition is escalating, spawning new personalities with each passing day. Yitzhak and Ariana are mere manifestations, surfacing in specific circumstances. She visits Stan, who reveals his intention to forgo the insanity plea in Danny's trial. Their best strategy, he believes, is to highlight Marlin's sexual abuse of Danny as a child, potentially reducing the sentence to a mere five years. Rya vehemently disagrees, insisting that Danny requires treatment, but Stan remains steadfast.
Candy's once idyllic view of Marlin is slowly shattering, her suspicions mounting as she realizes the monster he truly is. The truth of his atrocities remains veiled, but the veil is thinning, and exposure is imminent.
Danny's cellmate queries him about Jack, wondering if he'll return. He recognizes Yitzhak but harbors no desire to cross paths with him again. Unexpectedly, Danny receives a visitor in prison - Jerome, who still addresses him as "Ariana." He inquiries why Danny hasn't contacted him, unaware that it was Ariana, Danny's fragmented identity, who nurtured those affections. In his sane state, Danny knows nothing of Jerome, nor his feelings for the fictitious Ariana.
Rya and Danny delve into the profound impact Ariana had on Danny's life. Beyond her unwavering sexual liberation, she possessed a rare ability to connect with people, bringing a sense of intimacy and vulnerability into Danny's emotional world. "She was the guardian of my solitude, agony, and anxieties," Danny confessed with a wry smile. Whenever he felt powerless to confront his feelings, Ariana was there to lend a hand.
Rya introduced fusion therapy as a potential treatment to mend Danny's fragmented self and reunite his broken pieces. Though Danny harbored doubts about its efficacy, Rya urged him to cling to the hope it offered. Meanwhile, Marlin was summoned by Stan to testify in the ongoing trial.
Rya continued her therapy sessions with Danny, delving deeper into his various personalities and recounting instances where they emerged, aiming to strengthen his case. Yitzhak, Danny's protector against external threats, came to light as they recounted the harrowing incident when Angelo, the drug dealer, invaded the ghost house while Danny was with Annabelle.
In a tense encounter, Yitzhak nearly took over when a prisoner heckled Danny, calling him a "freak boy" and challenging him to "do the voices." Jerome encountered Danny again and apologized for his earlier rudeness. Their interaction was amicable as Jerome recounted his first encounter with Ariana at the club, a moment that instantly forged a bond between them. This was a revelation for Danny, who gradually began to trust Jerome. Danny confessed his apprehensions about leading a normal life post-diagnosis.
The conversation shifted to Danny's reason for visiting London. Rya explained that the system governing Danny and his "alters" was flawed, prone to erratic behavior that often endangered Danny. It transpired that Danny still believed Marlin assaulted Adam, not him. Rya remained silent, a guilty expression on her face, before redirecting the conversation back to London. She rationalized Danny's actions as a natural emotional response, striving to sensitize him to his condition and prevent him from feeling alienated or crazy.
Rya explored the origins of Mike and Jonny, postulating that Danny's condition was undiagnosed for a long time because these two alters were the most similar to his original personality. They embodied his social skills, friendships, and athletic prowess, essential components he lacked in his primary identity. Danny became animated as he recounted that it was he, not Jonny, who approached Angelo and indulged in drugs with him. Rya assured Danny that with time, he would lead a normal life, emphasizing that ultimately, it was Danny trying to save himself, not his alter egos.
Jerome met Danny once again, announcing that it would be their final encounter. His visits had been fueled by the hope of encountering Ariana, which was unfair to both of them. However, as he handed Danny a good luck charm, something stirred within him, and unexpectedly, Ariana briefly took over. Her appearance was fleeting, as she bid a farewell to Jerome.
Stan learned that Marlin had approached Patricia, the District Attorney prosecuting Danny's case, offering to testify on their behalf. Marlin falsely claimed that Danny had a history of violence and that he was present at the Centre on that fateful day. Now, the DA had Annabelle and Angelo as witnesses to demonstrate Danny's erratic behavior. Danny's situation had become dire, as Stan remained unwavering in his refusal to plead insanity.
The episode culminated with Jonny seizing control, forcing Danny's hand into the closing door of his prison cell, leading him to the infirmary. Witnessing Jonny stealing a paper clip, Danny regained consciousness, muttering, "Just in case."
