Episode 3 of Before intensifies the supernatural and emotional threads woven through the series, deepening the intrigue surrounding Eli and Noah. The episode delves further into Eli’s grief over his wife Lynn’s mysterious death and his growing obsession with uncovering the truth about Noah’s experiences.
As Eli blurs the lines between his own unresolved past and the present case, the narrative heightens both the suspense and the emotional complexity of the characters.
This episode effectively bridges the psychological and supernatural aspects of the story, setting up compelling new questions about what’s real and what’s imagined.
Eli’s Desperation Deepens
From the beginning of the series, Eli has been portrayed as a man struggling to move forward after the tragic loss of his wife, Lynn. Episode 3 delves deeper into his psyche, showing how the lines between his personal grief and professional responsibilities are increasingly blurring.
His interest in Noah’s strange behavior is not purely clinical; it’s driven by an instinctual feeling that the boy’s case is somehow connected to Lynn’s death. This obsession grows as Eli becomes more convinced that there’s something beyond the natural world at play.
Eli’s fixation leads him to a controversial decision—he hypnotizes Noah in an attempt to draw out memories or connections that might explain the boy’s unusual experiences. This bold move is fraught with ethical implications, suggesting that Eli’s judgment is becoming clouded by his personal pain.
During the hypnosis session, Noah’s intense reaction unsettles Eli, convincing him even more of a link between the boy’s visions and his wife’s demise. The scene is haunting, adding a sense of urgency to Eli’s quest for answers while also raising concerns about his methods and motivations.
Revealing Lynn’s Tragic Past
In a vulnerable moment, Eli finally opens up to his therapist about the circumstances surrounding Lynn’s death. He reveals that Lynn, who was battling cancer, took her own life—a heartbreaking act that has left him haunted by guilt and unanswered questions. This confession provides critical context for Eli’s emotional state, explaining his compulsion to find closure. He is driven by a need to understand not just why Lynn died, but whether there was more to her story than he initially believed.
The reveal of Lynn’s suicide adds a layer of tragedy to Eli’s character, portraying him as a man burdened by unresolved grief. His search for meaning in Noah’s case becomes a way of coping with his loss, suggesting that he may be projecting his hopes for closure onto a situation that has little to do with his wife. The narrative expertly interlaces Eli’s past and present, using his personal trauma to explore themes of memory, loss, and the human need for answers. This development transforms Eli’s journey from a simple investigation into a profound exploration of grief and redemption.
Supernatural Elements and Psychological Tension
Throughout Episode 3, the series continues to blur the lines between reality and the supernatural, creating a tense atmosphere that leaves viewers questioning what’s truly happening. Eli’s memories of Lynn begin to take on a surreal quality, as he starts to see her in vivid dreams and hallucinations. These visions are unsettling, suggesting that Lynn’s presence may be more than just a memory haunting Eli’s mind. The ambiguity surrounding these moments heightens the tension, raising questions about whether there are supernatural forces at play or if Eli’s psyche is beginning to unravel under the weight of his grief.
Meanwhile, Noah remains at the center of the show’s mysteries. His presence in the hospital becomes increasingly dangerous as unexplainable events unfold around him. These moments serve to heighten the stakes, suggesting that whatever is happening to Noah is intensifying. The series maintains a careful balance between hinting at supernatural explanations and leaving room for psychological interpretations, allowing viewers to experience the same uncertainty as Eli. This sense of ambiguity is central to the show’s appeal, making it both a psychological thriller and a supernatural mystery.
A Complex Character Study of Eli
Episode 3 does an excellent job of fleshing out Eli’s character, portraying him as both sympathetic and increasingly unstable. His determination to protect Noah and uncover the truth is admirable, yet his methods become more questionable as his obsession grows. Eli’s decision to hypnotize Noah, his confessions to his therapist, and his hallucinations of Lynn all point to a man on the edge, driven by forces he doesn’t fully understand. His vulnerability is palpable, making him a compelling figure whose journey is as much about finding answers as it is about coming to terms with his own unresolved grief.
The episode’s portrayal of Eli’s downward spiral is nuanced, revealing a man who is struggling to distinguish between reality and his deepest fears. His actions raise ethical questions about his professionalism and judgment, making it unclear whether he is genuinely helping Noah or using him as a means to solve his own emotional puzzles. This complexity adds depth to the narrative, transforming Before into a compelling character study as much as a suspenseful mystery.
Building Towards More Revelations
With its blend of psychological tension and supernatural hints, Episode 3 of Before is a turning point that deepens the mysteries surrounding both Noah and Lynn. The series continues to build suspense by intertwining Eli’s personal grief with the enigmatic elements of Noah’s case, suggesting that the two may be more connected than Eli initially thought. As viewers are drawn further into the story, the show raises the stakes for what promises to be an emotionally charged and unpredictable journey.
Episode 3 sets up compelling new questions about the boundaries of reality, the lingering effects of grief, and the possibility of a supernatural link between the living and the dead. With each revelation, the narrative becomes more complex, pushing Eli closer to the edge as he searches for the answers that could finally bring him peace—or shatter his understanding of reality entirely.