Didn’t They Ask Evans? Episode 3 is arguably the most pivotal episode of the BritBox/Hulu adaptation. It reveals a crucial piece of information hidden in plain sight, the actual identity of the dying man’s potential killer, and most importantly, why Frankie Derwent didn’t just ask him who he was referring to. The episode’s central dilemma stems from the coded nature of the question itself, combined with the limited opportunities Frankie had and the dangerous game she was playing. The answer lies in a confluence of misdirection, danger, and a calculated risk that backfired.
Decoding Frankie’s Silence: Why She Didn’t Ask
Frankie’s failure to simply ask the dying man, “Who are you talking about, when you say, ‘Why didn’t they ask Evans?'” isn’t merely a plot contrivance. It’s a reflection of her perilous situation and the specific conditions surrounding the encounter. Consider this: Frankie witnesses the man’s death alongside Bobby Attfield, who is clearly out of his depth. The immediate chaos and her subsequent suspicion that the death wasn’t accidental necessitate a more cautious approach.
She likely recognized that directly questioning a dying man, in the presence of a relative stranger, wouldn’t necessarily yield a truthful or understandable response. Dying declarations are often garbled, especially when delivered by someone possibly poisoned or injured. More importantly, simply asking the question outright could alert the true culprits to the fact that their victim had uttered something potentially incriminating. Revealing her hand so early would have been a grave mistake, potentially putting both her and Bobby in mortal danger.
Frankie’s background as a societal figure also plays a role. She’s adept at reading people and situations. Perhaps she surmised the man’s final words weren’t a literal question, but a cryptic clue. Interpreting the phrase rather than directly questioning it offered a chance to discreetly unravel the mystery without alerting the antagonists. Furthermore, she probably worried that directly asking the question might not even yield a name, but a further cryptic clue.
The episode beautifully underscores this point by showcasing the constant surveillance and manipulation orchestrated by Dr. Nicholson and Moira Nicholson. Frankie’s caution is, therefore, not a weakness, but a survival strategy born from her understanding of the treacherous game afoot.
Unpacking the Mysteries: A Comprehensive FAQ Guide
This section addresses common questions viewers have after watching Episode 3, clarifying plot points and offering deeper insights.
H3: Understanding the Victim’s Identity
Q1: Who exactly was the dying man Frankie and Bobby found?
The dying man is later revealed to be Alex Pritchard, the brother of Moira Nicholson. He was posing as a photographer named Arthur Savage. This deception forms the crux of the entire mystery.
H3: The Significance of the Photograph
Q2: What was so important about the photograph the dying man had?
The photograph depicts a woman, later identified as Moira Nicholson, the wife of Dr. Nicholson. The photograph is important because it unveils a critical detail: Moira is not the woman everyone believes her to be. It shows her as a young woman, proving she has been posing as Moira Nicholson and is not who she seems to be.
H3: Decoding “Why Didn’t They Ask Evans?”
Q3: What is the real meaning of the phrase “Why didn’t they ask Evans?”
The phrase isn’t a literal question directed at an Evans. It is a clue. The real “Evans” is revealed to be a man named Alan Carstairs, whom the impostor Moira Nicholson murdered previously and whose identity she then assumed. The phrase is asking, why weren’t Carstairs’s associates suspicious of the dramatic personality change after he supposedly recovered from an accident?
H3: Moira’s Motivations
Q4: Why would Moira Nicholson kill and impersonate Alan Carstairs?
Moira’s motive revolves around inheritance and control. She impersonated Carstairs to gain access to his considerable wealth and influence. It is also heavily implied that she uses this wealth to finance Dr. Nicholson’s manipulative practices.
H3: Dr. Nicholson’s Role
Q5: What is Dr. Nicholson’s role in all of this?
Dr. Nicholson is complicit in Moira’s crimes. He uses his position as a psychiatrist at a sanatorium to manipulate patients and hide their illegal activities. He is also benefiting financially from Moira’s ill-gotten gains.
H3: The Sanatorium’s Secrets
Q6: What is really going on at the sanatorium?
The sanatorium is used as a front for various illegal activities, including fraud, manipulation, and potentially murder. Dr. Nicholson uses the sanatorium to control vulnerable individuals and further his own and Moira’s goals.
H3: Bobby’s Naiveté
Q7: Why is Bobby so naive and easily manipulated?
Bobby’s naiveté stems from his sheltered upbringing and inherent trusting nature. He is also easily swayed by the charm and manipulation of individuals like Moira, who exploit his vulnerability.
H3: Frankie’s Resourcefulness
Q8: Where does Frankie get her resourcefulness and intelligence?
Frankie’s resourcefulness is attributed to her worldly experiences and sharp observation skills. She is portrayed as a quick-witted and independent woman who isn’t afraid to take risks. Her upbringing within the aristocracy also gives her insights and connections that Bobby lacks.
H3: The Nature of the Threat
Q9: How dangerous are Moira and Dr. Nicholson?
Moira and Dr. Nicholson are extremely dangerous and ruthless. They are willing to commit any crime, including murder, to protect their secrets and maintain their power.
H3: Bobby and Frankie’s Relationship
Q10: What is the dynamic between Bobby and Frankie?
Bobby and Frankie’s relationship is initially based on mutual attraction and shared curiosity. However, it evolves into a complex partnership where Frankie’s intelligence and bravery complement Bobby’s genuine goodness.
H3: The Role of the Butler
Q11: What is the role of the butler at the estate?
The butler is a suspicious character with his own secrets. While his exact allegiance remains unclear in episode 3, he adds another layer of intrigue and potential danger to the investigation. It is implied he knows more than he lets on, and his silent observations are unsettling.
H3: The Final Scene’s Implication
Q12: What does the final scene of episode 3 signify?
The final scene, usually a cliffhanger, signifies that Bobby and Frankie are now targets and deeply embedded in a dangerous game. Their lives are in imminent danger, and they must navigate the treacherous landscape of secrets and lies to uncover the truth and survive. The episode’s conclusion strongly suggests that their investigation has struck a nerve and that Moira and Dr. Nicholson will stop at nothing to silence them.