Say Nothing – Season 1 Episode 3 Recap & Review

I’ll Be Seeing You

Episode 3 of Say Nothing begins with the Price sisters on their first-ever arms-smuggling mission from the southern border, accompanied by their colleague, Joe. Meanwhile, Brendan and Gerry decide to keep the Seamus issue a secret from the rest of the group.

In snapshots accompanied by Dolours’ commentary, we learn that although the IRA’s goal was to kill as many soldiers as possible, their operations sometimes ended up harming civilians. In 1972, Gerry is captured by the British and claims that he is not Gerry Adams. Later, the IRA demands Gerry’s release in exchange for peace negotiations. A ceasefire is declared, and we briefly see Jean’s children playing outside.

Gerry and the senior leadership travel to London for negotiations, but talks quickly fall apart as the IRA leadership insists on a united Ireland. The ceasefire is called off, and the conflict resumes. Jean, meanwhile, is seen helping a wounded British soldier who asks for assistance, and members of the community witness her act. The next day, the words “Brit lover” are spray-painted on her door.

In the meantime, Gerry plans to form his own unit of trusted members, including Dolours and Marian, called “Unknowns,” which operates anonymously. Elsewhere, an IRA member is shot in his home, and the culprit is revealed to be Joe, who wanted to eliminate the husband of his lover. For her first mission with Gerry’s team, Dolours is tasked with taking Joe to the border area for his execution.

While traveling with Joe, Dolours hesitates, as Joe is her friend. However, she ultimately delivers him to his fate. The episode ends with Dolours returning from the mission.

The Episode Review

Say Nothing, while often portraying the IRA as revolutionary, subtly examines how violence erode humanity and deepen divisions between nations and communities. It showcases how even a single act of forbidden kindness can be a cause for a death sentence, and how violence, no matter how noble its intent, ultimately destroys lives. It isn’t strictly an anti-war narrative, but it places a critical lens on both sides of the conflict and examines the destructive nature of violence itself.

As we follow Dolours’ journey, the show delves into the extent of her convictions and raises questions about her capacity for regret. Could her participation in the Belfast Project be an attempt to ease her guilt and remorse?