Why The Night Manager episode 4 just proved that shocking season 2 twist was not justified

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The Night Manager season 2 episode 4 spoilers follow.

In the fourth episode, Jonathan Pine (Tom Hiddleston) confronts Angela Burr (Olivia Colman) after learning she’s been keeping a secret: Richard Roper (Hugh Laurie) isn’t dead, as everyone believed. He asks her directly, “Why did you lie to me?”

But this accusation works just as well against the show itself.

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The second season of The Night Manager started strong, feeling fresh and independent from the original story. However, around the midpoint, a forced and disappointing plot twist undermines much of what made the show good up until that point.

When Burr arrived in Colombia, she explained how far she’d gone to protect Roper and, more importantly, her reasons for doing so. The night before they were scheduled to identify his body, Roper unexpectedly appeared at Burr’s rundown motel, explaining that he’d negotiated with his captors. They agreed to let him live if he repaid the money he owed them.

Roper blackmailed Burr, demanding she officially declare him deceased and leave her position at the Foreign Office. He threatened to kill her, Pine, and Burr’s child in London if she refused.

Burr continued his secretive behavior until she sensed Roper was returning, this time in Colombia.

It’s understandable why Burr acted as she did, and why she kept Pine in the dark – he was completely focused on Roper. The real question, though, is why the show’s creators decided to bring that storyline back at all.

Tom Hiddleston, appearing on The One Show this week, explained that the central conflict of the show revolves around the intense connection between Pine and Roper. He said the audience enjoys Hugh Laurie’s portrayal of Richard Roper, and the new season will focus on the inevitable clash between these two characters.

Hiddleston explained that the two characters are deeply intertwined, constantly challenging and attracting each other. They understand themselves by contrasting with one another, much like the story of St. George and the dragon – St. George’s heroism wouldn’t exist without the dragon to fight. Ultimately, they give each other meaning.

While the return of Roper is welcome, the show has actually been quite engaging even without him. The earlier episodes of the new season were particularly compelling because they focused on Pine dealing with the memory of Roper, and the new, intriguing challenge posed by Teddy in season two.

What seemed like a clear conclusion with Roper’s death turned out to be a false lead. Now that he’s returned, Roper is back to his familiar schemes, and it’s clear he hasn’t changed at all.

Nothing’s really changed for Roper and as a result, that’s the case for Pine now as well.

It’s not just that a skilled agent like him didn’t notice Roper was still alive in the morgue. The real disappointment is seeing Teddy, a much more compelling villain, reduced to simply being Roper’s assistant.

The connection between Hiddleston and Calva has been a standout part of the show, especially how they explore themes of hidden identities and genuine connection while both working undercover. However, the series seems to be focusing more on the father’s storyline than developing Calva’s character, which suggests a lack of trust in his potential.

Honestly, I’m a little worried because it feels like they’ve already dialed back Teddy’s importance, especially how scary he seemed at first. Even though there are still two episodes left, it doesn’t feel great that they might not build on that initial threat. I’m hoping they can turn things around, but right now, I’m not so sure.

According to a recent interview with the BBC, Laurie explained that defeating Pine is Roper’s main goal. Roper previously lost to Pine and is known for holding grudges, so he’s unlikely to let it go.

We don’t like being deceived either, especially when it’s done for such a predictable and underwhelming plot twist.

New episodes of The Night Manager season 2 are on BBC One and iPlayer every Sunday evening. You can catch The One Show on weekdays at 7pm.

The latest issue of Living Legends is now available, and this edition honors music legend Dolly Parton! You can purchase “Dolly at 80” at newsstands or online for only £8.99.

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2026-01-19 01:20