Episode 4 of "The Survivors" kicks off with a nostalgic flashback to Brian, passionately instructing a classroom full of young students on the essentials of first aid, specifically resuscitation techniques. In the present narrative, Brian finds himself confined within the walls of a police station, while Verity engages in tense discussions with her legal counsel across town.
At the precinct, Detective Pendlebury scratches his head over the enigmatic camera devoid of fingerprints yet contaminated with Brian's DNA, contrasting sharply with the absence of such evidence on the deceased, Bronte. Their interrogation of Brian yields little fruit, as he remains tight-lipped and uncooperative. Pendlebury speculates that Verity might have aided Brian in some capacity.
Elsewhere, Trish and Olivia arrive at Kieran's residence with a thoughtful care package of food. As Olivia and Kieran step outside for a private chat, he broaches the subject of her unauthorized entry into Bronte's room. Olivia confides in him about discovering the phone, but hesitates to turn it in, fearing the repercussions. Kieran attempts to leverage their shared secret from fifteen years ago, but Olivia firmly reminds him that she never asked him to cover for her.
Kieran's subsequent meeting with Sean and Ash to enlist their support for his father's cause falls flat. Ash balks at the idea of handing over the incriminating phone, mindful of her own involvement in drug dealing that could come to light. Sean, on the other hand, reasons that Brian's fate is already sealed given the DNA match and the camera's existence.
Meanwhile, Renn arrives at Julian's doorstep, armed with a warrant for the CCTV footage from Surf N Turf on the fateful day of Bronte's murder.
Over lunch, Verity's barbed comments about Mia's parenting style, mocking her reliance on parenting apps for everything, leave a sour taste. Trish steps in to defend Mia, acknowledging her genuine efforts and praising her for doing an exemplary job with Audrey. As Verity and Trish reminisce, their contrasting sentiments become apparent – while Verity romanticizes the past, Trish harbors a deep-seated hatred for those memories.
In another corner, Kieran devises a cunning plan to persuade Ash into handing over the phone by challenging her to a friendly game of ping pong.
Post-lunch, Verity's venomous tongue continues to sting Mia, who finally snaps, fighting back with fervor. Verity accuses Mia of silently condemning Brian, forgetting the broader tragedy – a murdered girl in a town that has historically turned a blind eye to such crimes against females. A prowling reporter captures their altercation on camera, prompting a chaotic chase that ends with Verity in tears, clutching the confiscated camera.
Determined to uncover the truth, Ash, Kieran, and Sean decide to team up and hunt for Bronte's actual killer. They break into Ash's old shed at George's place to gather necessary tools, only to be confronted by an incensed George upon their exit. The ensuing scuffle sets the tone for an eventful night. The following morning, Kieran rises early, and Mia finds him contemplating the waves at the beach, a solitary figure against the horizon.
Kieran's mind is plagued by the suspicion that Brian might be the killer, yet he momentarily sets aside his担忧. He reveals that his mother bears the marks of abuse, hinting at instances where Brian's actions are followed by a chilling disregard. Intrigued, Kieran ponders whether Mia would remain by his side if his father were revealed as the perpetrator. Mia, steadfast in her loyalty, vows unequivocally that she would.
Confessing under the weight of his conscience, Kieran recounts the harrowing events of the stormy day. Amidst the tempest, Kieran and Olivia found themselves stranded together, Olivia miraculously escaping while fierce waves reclaimed Kieran, depositing him in the shadowy depths of the caves. Olivia, brave and resourceful, was the one who reached out to Finn and Toby for help. Kieran further confides in his friend about his clandestine romance with Olivia, a secret she jealously guarded.
Liam lends his expertise to Verity in their online quest for cases involving tainted DNA, his conviction in Brian's innocence unwavering due to his personal acquaintance. Suddenly, Verity receives an urgent call from the police, informing her that they have a precious fifteen minutes to converse with Brian before his transfer to jail.
Mia, moved by her conversation with Kieran, sets off towards George's abode. Kieran's calls, intended to update her on Brian's plight, go unanswered. Their discussion drifts to Gabby and Bronte, Mia contemplating a possible nexus between the two mysterious cases. George, revealing his passion project—a book chronicling the history of Evelyn Bay and its macabre murders, guides Mia into his darkroom where she encounters photographs taken by Bronte, among other poignant artifacts.
Olivia confronts Trish about her lingering resentment towards their shared experiences with others post-storm, querying why Trish alone lacks closure, haunted by Gabby's unresolved fate. Determined to contribute to the investigation, Olivia decides to surrender the phone to the authorities. Meanwhile, at Brian's residence, Mia stumbles upon a haunting image of Gabby aboard Julian's boat—the very same vessel that met its tragic end. She carefully pockets the photograph.
At the police station, Verity's attempts to engage Brian fall on deaf ears, prompting her to enlist Kieran's help. Though Brian remains silent towards Kieran, fragments of his memory resurface. Vividly, Kieran perceives Brian's gesture mimicking a swimmer submerging, revealing the long-buried truth: Brian had attempted to rescue Bronte from the waters, his DNA inexplicably linking him to the crime scene. This revelation provides the legal team with a crucial piece of evidence for Brian's defense.
