As the fourth chapter of "The Tourist" unfolds, a youthful Niamh (portrayed by Maeve Smyth) unlatches a suitcase, its contents hidden from view. Flashing forward to the present, an older Niamh (played by Olwen Fouere) informs Tomasz (Raresh DiMofte) of her intention to take a stroll. She retrieves the mysterious luggage and her screams pierce the air, prompting her to conceal it in the earth, a gesture eerily reminiscent of her past actions. Meanwhile, a flashback shows a younger Niamh stepping into a vehicle beside a man who casually mentions his wife's pregnancy.
In contemporary times, Elliot (Jamie Dornan) engages in a telephone conversation with Frank (Francis Magee). Frank addresses him as Eugene, but Elliot steadfastly prefers the moniker Elliot. Their dialogue pivots to the revelation that Fergal is, in fact, Elliot's son—a fact unbeknownst to Fergal, who believes Donal to be his biological father. Frank underscores that it is not Elliot's prerogative to disclose this truth. Elliot yearns to connect with Fergal, yet Frank reminds him of his past neglect. As a gesture of goodwill, Frank offers Elliot the opportunity to speak with Fergal, provided Elliot fulfills a task for him first. Frank elucidates that a cargo plane was transporting an item meant for him, sent by his father. He dispatched someone to retrieve it, but the individual never returned, leading Frank to suspect Niamh's involvement. Should Elliot procure this item, he may finally forge a father-son bond with Fergal. Elliot readily agrees to broach the subject with Niamh.
Frank confirms that Elliot Stanley accompanied Niamh into the plane's belly. Elsewhere, Ethan Krum (Greg Larsen) attempts to educate Helen Chambers (Danielle Macdonald) on the pitfalls of mansplaining, to which Helen responds by asserting that their breakup has rendered the discussion moot. Elliot interrupts, informing Helen of his impending departure and borrowing Ethan's car for the journey. Inside the vehicle, Helen shares with Elliot the grim tale of Niamh's role in Brian's demise. Their conversation drifts to Elliot's son, whom Helen derogatorily labels an idiot, expressing her belief that their current endeavors were a misstep. Elliot counters that they cannot continue to flee from their problems. Helen inquires about an item they discovered in Elliot's backpack, adding an air of intrigue to the moment.
Nearby, Detective Slater (Conor MacNeill) takes a seat beside Ethan and orders a drink, his tone grave as he pronounces that there is no turning back from their current path. Ethan, ever the optimist, tries to dissuade him, offering to buy him a scotch in an attempt to lighten the mood. Meanwhile, Donal returns home, his demeanor unhinged, informing Claire (Siobhan O'Kelly) that the moon mocks him. He degrades her, inquiring about her willingness to allow Eugene Cassidy to impregnate her, before striking her across the face, a violent crescendo to an already tense scene.
Fergal strides in, only to be met with the shocking revelation that Donal is not his father. Niamh bursts into laughter upon discovering that Elliot is indeed Fergal's sire. At a certain juncture, Helen addresses Niamh as her mother-in-law, weaving another layer into their intricate family tapestry. They inform Niamh of Frank's yearning for an heirloom bestowed upon him by his father. Niamh recounts how a man, auctioning a seven-figure bottle of Macallan Michael Dillon, offered it as an olive branch to Frank, hoping to mend the rift that divides their family. They ventured out fishing, a backdrop for their solemn discussion, but Frank's rage got the better of him; he shattered the bottle against the boat's side and slit the man's throat, explaining the absence of Niamh's brother among them.
Outside, a voice pierces the air, announcing their presence within the confines of the house. Despite her protests of innocence, Niamh assures them she hasn't taken anything from Frank, vowing to find a way to assist them nonetheless. She generously offers them refuge for the night. In a private moment, Helen voices her discontent with Elliot's decision to stay, suggesting a strategic retreat, but Elliot is resolute in his quest for answers.
Fergal confides in Claire about his fatherly quandary. Claire stands firm, insisting that Donal remains his father and he, a McDonnell through and through. Fergal declares his reluctance to attend the Irish language lesson the following day, asserting that he sees no need to learn it. Meanwhile, a contingent of men is glimpsed in the back of a vehicle, adding to the tension.
Elliot inquires about the ring, prompting Helen to reveal its location at the police station, acknowledging her uncertainty in how she would respond should he confront her about it. Suddenly, Niamh's exasperated shout echoes through the house, urging them to keep their amorous activities discreet. Moments later, their tranquility is shattered by the news of unwelcome visitors, culminating in a harrowing gunfight within the premises.
Niamh and the others catch up with Tomasz, who reveals the daunting number of adversaries they face. After narrowly escaping, Elliot and Helen awaken in a caravan, the aftermath of their ordeal vivid in their minds. Claire imparts wisdom to Fergal before bidding him farewell, emphasizing that his current locale is the safest haven amidst the impending storm. She foretells of an impending conflict and believes this place will aid Fergal in discovering his true identity.
Inside, Fergal is confronted with the rule that Irish is the sole language spoken. Struggling to comply, he explains his presence as Frank's bid to reconnect him with his roots, roots that now seem like a falsehood. Niamh places the blame squarely on Monsieur Tiote, accusing him of sending Frank's men to their doorstep. Elliot and Helen are horrified to learn of the numerous fatalities from the previous night. Niamh interrupts their contemplation to inform Elliot that Fergal wishes to speak with him, the phone line serving as a fragile bridge between them amidst the turmoil.
Elliot freely admits his ineptitude in such matters, and they ponder the feasibility of meeting with Fergal without his family's awareness. Helen inquires about Claire with Niamh, who subsequently advises Elliot to bring some of her people for protection during his encounter with Fergal. Elliot, however, declines, fearing it might alarm Fergal. In the confines of their car, Helen and Elliot delve into why Elliot perpetually harbors such a negative self-image. He suspects her intentions of probing into his past are to somehow validate his innocence regarding those dire deeds. Elliot insists that lives have been lost due to his actions, a fact immutable by any means. Frank confronts Claire, accusing her of negligence and blaming her for not safeguarding her virtue. He asserts that Fergal, despite Claire's disbelief, is a Cassidy, and hints at the impending gossip surrounding their affair. Frank emphasizes that Fergal now has something to prove and scolds Claire for causing a stir, reminding her of her significant role in the unfolding drama. Helen expresses doubts about Elliot's plan to meet with Fergal, but Elliot insists that Fergal is the reason he's still alive. As they prepare to approach Fergal, they notice another person accompanying him. Elliot reveals that his son's first act was to condemn him to death and believes Helen struggles to accept his true self. Spotting a nearby man, Elliot approaches and restrains him, though Helen swiftly secures his weapon before Elliot can seize it. They interrogate the man about Fergal's whereabouts and learn that he is at The Mountcarrick Hotel. They confine the man in the trunk of a car, with Elliot reassuring Helen that he would never harm him.
Fergal is astonished to see Elliot waiting outside. They agree to continue their conversation indoors, shielded from the rain. Donal releases the man from the trunk, and Helen decides to step outside, granting Elliot and Fergal some privacy. Fergal reveals that Frank compelled him to make the call, despite his reluctance. He wonders if Elliot thinks they resemble each other, to which Elliot responds by saying Donal reminds him more of his father. Acknowledging his past harm to many, Elliot asserts that he has changed and would no longer flee from Fergal. He strives to take accountability for his deeds. Outside, Donal trains a gun on Helen, and shortly after, Elliot emerges, surrounded by Frank's men. They are driven to a secluded location. Elliot endeavors to persuade Donal to spare Helen. Lena joins them, and Fergal's lessons resume. Lena confesses to sending the letter, explaining that the photo depicted a schoolmate of Elliot's, knowing he couldn't resist delving into his past. Lena desires retribution, wanting Elliot to endure as she did, witnessing beloved ones perish because of him. She intends to record this confrontation for Mila's son, who perished in the plane crash. With that, Lena fires at Helen.
