'I Know This Much is True' Episode 3 portrays what being partners in misery is like through the twins
'I Know This Much is True' in its third episode takes your breath away with its portrayal of misery. There is grief, frustration, love, and brotherhood too -- but what really comes across in spades is the misery that each character feels. Interestingly, the more we hear Dominic (Mark Ruffalo) share his story, and his brother Thomas' (Mark Ruffalo), the more we are certain that his relationship with his brother is a fine balance of fear and anger.
Fear that he might lose his brother to his illness and anger at being tied down with a sick brother through no fault of his. From having to sit beside a girl who Dominic hated while he was in school to being forced to share dorm room while in college, Dominic was forced to do quite a few things because of his brother. Yet, it wouldn't be right to say that he hated Thomas. Yes, he had hoped to cut off from his dysfunctional family and lead a happy life away from the complication ridden life that he had led so far.
Many years later, he is still tied down with his brother, supporting him through a tough time. With Thomas being imprisoned at a maximum security facility because of chopping his hands of in public, Dominic is trying to do his best to get his brother some help. He has been assigned a great lawyer, and from the looks of it, they can work towards getting Thomas discharged to be taken care of at a minimum security facility if Thomas accepts that his actions were wrong and expresses regret to the board that will be hearing his case soon.
However, when he sees that his brother -- who as a child was extremely caring become a hardheaded adult lost in his illness -- he is not ready to focus on the meeting. He quotes the bible and is adamant about telling the truth about how him chopping his hand was to stop an armageddon from taking place. Very soon, he begins to worry about Tessa -- Dominic's ex-wife -- and why she would remain Thomas' friend. He speaks about his dead niece and what Dominic sees at this point is that Thomas is at the edge. If he is left at the maximum security facility for too long, Dominic might end up losing his brother once and for all and the desperation in Thomas' eyes breaks not only Dominic's heart but the lawyer's as well.
The fact that there is really nothing that the two of them could do to alleviate Thomas' pain rings hard and true. The only thing that they can provide is support and at the facility where they are not even allowed to hug the patients, it is difficult to calm Thomas down. Despite the restrictions, Dominic goes ahead and hugs his brother anyway because there are no words that could express the fear that Dominic feels right now and it is for this reason that this episode will be known purely for how nuanced and refined the misery is.
It is in unsaid words that the show shines brightest and it is also then that it strikes the hardest. The triggers in this show will take you to a dark place so it is important to be prepared.
New episodes of 'I Know This Much is True' air on Sundays on HBO.