SPOILERS: Don’t read this review if you have not yet seen or don’t want to know details from the Showtime series The Affair.  

Did YOU catch that Cole was wearing a wedding ring when he met w/ Alison (in previous ep)?  A viewer (Charles Harkins) did, then wrote into the Afterbuzz TV  to point that out.  Whoa, good catch there!

Though he hid it from Helen, we know that Noah and Alison are living together (6 weeks or so) in the Hudson Valley cabin.  (Whoa, it’s WAY too early to get engaged!)  Noah learns some facts about Alison, including the almost drowning herself in S1 E8.  Several viewers have commented that Alison seems “so down” still; they imagined that she’d be happier; Alison Dean (Afterbuzz TV) replied that we will learn more about Alison in the near future (like more details re: her young son’s death). 

Part 1: Noah

In this version, Alison is the one (after an awkward pause) creates a story of how the couple met at the lunch w/ Robert and Yvonne.  Noah looks  (a bit) surprised by this, but quickly joins in.  Later on, he comments to Alison that “it was a bit unreal.” 

Whitney (surprise!) storms into the cabin.  She is majorly pissed-off, cursing loudly, and being nasty to BOTH Noah and Alison.  Then, she spies the engagement ring and blows up! 

Alison offers him the ring back, BUT it’s quite different in her version!  Noah think of Alison as someone who is stronger than she looks, so she is (usually) the active (coming on strong) person in the relationship.

Before Whitney leaves on the train, she says that she wants to come live w/ him full-time.  She complains about her mom and grandmother, referring to them as “witches.”  Yes, Whitney is a difficult teen girl, BUT the way she talks and her behavior are NOT so uncommon (in these modern times).

Noah has lunch w/ Max in NYC.  Max gives (few/vague) details about his new relationship (we know it’s Helen).  Then, Max gives him $50,000 (chump change for a guy like him).  Hmmm… what will Noah say when he learns re: Max and Helen?

Part 2: Alison

Yvonne is excited to learn that Noah and Alison are engaged, and she prattles on w/ questions. Noah mentions having 4 kids right away.  Alison is surprised to hear the “I think I’m done” (she wants kids, I’m pretty sure).  Noah notices the sad/disappointed look on her face, then says that they hadn’t discussed it.  Robert is embarrassed by Yvonne’s nosiness, so he takes her glass and pours the white wine out (LOVED this little bit, personally).

Whitney came to the mansion (NOT acting as obnoxious/outraged as in Noah’s version) while Noah and Yvonne were talking re: his new book.  The next morning, she makes coffee and eggs for Alison.  We learn that  her intent is get Scott’s number (“Because I’m in love with him!”)  She and Alison seem to get along.

Do you think we’re making a terrible mistake?  -Alison asks Noah re: their engagement

In her version, Alison is more meek and passive; she asks the above question.  In the background, we see Whitney having a cigarette.  Alison is (obviously) thinking of her (and Noah’s other kids).  Viewers have commented that HE has more to lose than Alison.

Alison and Robert go look for the rogue dog (Pete) and they have a GREAT conversation.  It seemed VERY “real” and “genuine,” as the Afterbuzz TV hosts commented.  I LOVE Robert!

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