Happy Valley

Sometimes in dramas or stories, people say ‘I love you’ to someone just before doing something “bad”. I hope people’s theories here that Ryan will help the Police to get Tommy turns out to be right.

Callistemon21

Yes, it was a typical Catherine response.

Poor Ryan.

Yes to both of those things. It's clear that Catherine loves Ryan, but if she admits that, she is, to some extent at least, admitting that some good has come out of her daughter's rape.

Poor Ryan is desperate for love, and Claire is the only one to actually listen to him and see him as an individual with opinions and ideas of his own. He will be very receptive to people saying they love him. Does Tommy even know what love means?

Also, of course, Catherine must be on the cusp of overwinding, as every part of her is so stressed, so as you say, Calendargirl, she needs to hold it all in, at least until she retires.

(I once read a magazine article on psychology, and am now able to pronounce my diagnoses with confidence )

There’s masses of material for another series. I wonder if Sally Wainwright can be persuaded?

Iam64, Tommy told Ryan unprompted that he loves him. I think this is still persuasive. He was on the surface of it, wanting Ryan to be with him.

Ryan is vulnerable and needs to feel wanted - we all agree. I hope you are right and I'm proved wrong.

I once read a magazine article on psychology, and am now able to pronounce my diagnoses with confidence

That really made me laugh Doodledog!

Ryan is genetically 50% of Tommy Lee. No wonder Catherine has been on high alert for years watching for signs of familial likenesses in character. Nature or nurture - never been definitively decided has it?

I once read a magazine article on psychology, and am now able to pronounce my diagnoses with confidence

I started the course, borrowed the books from the library, the dog chewed up the books and then I became pregnant, Doodledog. Do take care, it's a hazardous occupation, psychology! 🙂

Doodledog I have almost completed my medical studies by regularly watching GPs Behind closed doors as well as 24 hours A&E ( from all the different hospitals). Also of course my personal experience.
I try to get my diagnosis in before the doctor. I am correct almost 50% of the time. Hoping that might be a poor pass. Am nearly ready to begin my new career.

Brilliant piece of dialogue when Tommy said "I've never been abroad" almost, almost felt sorry for him. The narrowness of his life, the limits of his options, in that one line, delivered so well by James Norton.

All of the cast are great actors but James Norton stands out to me.

I have seen him in other things and he is such a versatile actor. He is in a film called Nowhere Special where he is a the single dad dying of cancer. I have it saved to watch but fear it will be a ten hanky job.

He was also great in Rogue Agent which is on either Netflix or Amazon Prime.

I admit to having an AIC on him (Age Inappropriate Crush)

I prefer to binge watch and had recorded the first four episodes. My impatience got the better of me, because of all the talk around HV, and I binge watched the first four, closely followed by episode 5. Can't wait for this Sunday. Pleased this is also on BBC as the adverts interrupting would drive me mad

Ilovecheese

Brilliant piece of dialogue when Tommy said "I've never been abroad" almost, almost felt sorry for him. The narrowness of his life, the limits of his options, in that one line, delivered so well by James Norton.

Yes! He almost sounded scared at the prospect didn’t he? Out of his comfort zone.

AIC.....I love it....

We might feel sorry for Tommy at times but that is misplaced if he really is a psychopath. He will have no empathy for anyone. He says he loves Ryan but is incapable of knowing what love is. It is just a copying of emotions shown by others, not something he actually feels. He says the words knowing they will be meaningful to Ryan but they are just words to him. That is if he is actually a psychopath. So is he? Catherine thinks he is, but I wonder if there will be a twist to this.

Ilovecheese

Brilliant piece of dialogue when Tommy said "I've never been abroad" almost, almost felt sorry for him. The narrowness of his life, the limits of his options, in that one line, delivered so well by James Norton.

Yes, must admit, despite myself, my heart went out to him, he sounded so vulnerable and exposed.

And when the other chap laughed scoffingly at him, his expression hardened, and he was back to being the TLR we all know and despise.

But then you think about what an awful life he must have had, and what a different upbringing might have made of him.

Does he feel love for Ryan? I hope so, as if he does, must be the only time in his life he has cared for anyone.

What dad would pour diesel on his son to ‘take him with him’? I think he has a warped sense of what love is.

Redhead56

If I was thirty years younger I would jump at the chance of going to Spain with Tommy!

Your post is similar to others on HV chat sites. They have me right back, Trying to support women who fell for the good looking, charming psychopath who went on to abuse her and her children. I know we are enjoying discussing a brilliant drama. I agree James Nesbit is a likeable, attractive young man. Tommy is not. He’s a dangerous man.

Ryan will also be struggling with which bits of his dna are like those of his birth father. It’s been so well written.

James Norton! Iam64

O no sarah75 - I’m so sorry. Yes, James Norton 😵‍💫. Can I claim exhaustion as my excuse

Of course you can Iam! 😁

In real life Iam there would also be some drawn to the drama of him - and some who thought they could sort-of love him "better" and reform him.

And some (like me) who’d want to keep my distance as, good looking or not, would recognise Trouble with a capital ‘T’ and he would scare me.

Urmstongran

And some (like me) who’d want to keep my distance as, good looking or not, would recognise Trouble with a capital ‘T’ and he would scare me.

He might not, though, at first. Psychopaths can be charming.

Ryan knows who really loves him.

Callistemon21

Urmstongran

And some (like me) who’d want to keep my distance as, good looking or not, would recognise Trouble with a capital ‘T’ and he would scare me.

He might not, though, at first. Psychopaths can be charming.

Yes these good looking, seductive psychopaths can convince in the very early days but, their true self shines through very quickly. Sadly, some women don’t learn from their first experience but most do.
Like urmston, I recognise Trouble 👿

Iam64 I fell for the charming first marriage and realised what a big mistake I made and divorced him. It was a tongue in cheek remark about a character in a programme that’s all.

Readhead - I was duped by a charming narcissist as an 18 year old. Took me too long to do my great escape. Never again 😞