The opening scene of "Until I Kill You" establishes a melancholy ambiance as Delia Balmer bids farewell to her Kentish Town, London, abode in 1991, embarking on her journey to the hospital where she serves diligently as a nurse. Her otherwise monotonous daily grind is abruptly interrupted when she is assigned the task of locating Lillian Ashman, a patient requiring urgent medical attention. Later, Dr. Gavin Lane engages Delia in conversation about Peru, igniting curiosity amongst her peers, who nudge her towards exploring a potential romance with him. Yet, Imelda Dunning perceives Delia as an eccentric figure, and the nurse's station is enveloped in a taut social atmosphere.
Despite the initial hesitation from her colleagues, Leah extends an invitation to Delia to join them for a post-work libation. It is within this cozy watering hole that Delia crosses paths with John Sweeney, who finds himself captivated by her dance moves. Feeling like a fish out of water, Delia is on the brink of departing, but John's lingering presence persuades her to stay. Their subsequent chat unravels their diverse backgrounds; Delia's aspirations to become a ballet dancer and her extensive travels contrast starkly with John's more confined European experiences. The evening culminates in an invitation to Delia's sparsely adorned abode, where they engage in introspective conversations. A minor mishap involving spilled tea momentarily tenses the air, but John's heartfelt apology and suggestion for a reunion seem to mend the rift.
Delia's professional life proceeds amidst discussions with Leah about her awkward encounter with John. Embarrassed by the prospect of reigniting the conversation, she contemplates drafting a letter as a gesture of goodwill. This letter paves the way for a second rendezvous at John's place, where they delve deeper into their personal histories. Delia's sense of isolation is mirrored by John, who seemingly resonates with her feelings, thereby strengthening their bond.
Three months later, on Janice Rainsworth's birthday, Delia introduces John to her friend. However, John's behavior at the party is peculiar, with his remarks about Leah's sexuality and subsequent antics, such as urinating in the plants, casting a pall over the festivities. His rebellious spirit is on full display as he dances atop a vehicle and urges Delia to defy societal conventions. At the hospital, Delia's attempts to reconcile with Janice and her inquiries about Leah's opinion on John reveal the intricate tapestry of their relationships.
The episode takes a sinister twist as John repairs Delia's door and is subsequently invited to become her roommate. His swift acceptance, coupled with his assertion that he'll take care of her, is quickly overshadowed by the unsettling revelation of his pet tarantula and his demand that Delia feed it during his absence in Germany. In tandem with Delia and John's unfolding story, the police investigation into the grim discovery of a woman's body in a suitcase dumped in Leidsegracht canal progresses, with the victim's identity and the cause of her demise remaining shrouded in mystery.
As John settles into his new living arrangement, he opens up more about his past, which includes a prior marriage and children. The unveiling of his background, paired with his violent outbursts during sleep, casts a chilling fear over Delia. The tension mounts dramatically when Delia confides in Leah about John's refusal to leave and his volatile temper. Leah's advice to change the locks and terminate the relationship is met with Delia's reluctance, adding another layer of intrigue to the unfolding saga.
The episode reaches its crescendo in a chilling confrontation, where, driven by a surge of rage, John depicts Delia as the devil himself and confessionally unburdens the grave secret of murdering his American ex-girlfriend, Melissa, in Amsterdam. The chill of his revelation cuts through the air as he menaces Delia with a gleaming knife, culminating in a breathtaking cliffhanger that leaves Delia apparently subdued and the audience hanging on the edge of their seats. "Until I Kill You" – Love serves as an intoxicating launch to the series, seamlessly intertwining the characters' intricate personal lives with the ominous specter of violence and the concealed, shadowy secrets lurking beneath the veneer of their tumultuous relationship. The episode orchestrates suspense with unparalleled mastery, luring viewers into the perilously tangled realm of Delia and John's toxic, entrancing love saga.
