The opening scene of "Until I Kill You" sets a somber tone as Delia Balmer leaves her home in Kentish Town, London, in
1991, and heads to the hospital where she works as a nurse. Her daily routine is
disrupted when she is tasked with finding Lillian Ashman, a patient in need of a
doctor's visit. Dr. Gavin Lane later speaks to Delia about Peru, sparking interest among her colleagues who
encourage her to pursue a relationship with him. However, Imelda Dunning views Delia as an oddball, and the social dynamics among the nurses are
tense.
Despite the others' reluctance, Delia is invited by Leah to join them for a drink after work. It's here that she meets John Sweeney, who watches her dance. Delia, feeling out of place, is on the verge of leaving, but John's presence keeps her at the bar. Over conversation, they share their backgrounds; Delia's dreams of being a ballet dancer and her travels across different continents contrast with John's more limited European experiences. The night leads to an invitation back to Delia's place, where they discuss their lives and Delia's sparsely furnished home. A minor incident with a spilled tea leads to a tense moment, but John's apology and suggestion to meet again seem to smooth things over.
Delia's work life continues with her discussing the date with Leah, admitting her embarrassment at the prospect of speaking to John again. She considers writing a letter to extend an olive branch. The letter leads to a second meeting at John's place, where they delve deeper into their personal lives. Delia feels like an outsider, a sentiment John seems to understand, and their connection strengthens.
Three months later, Delia introduces John to her friend Janice Rainsworth on her birthday. John's behavior at the party is peculiar, and his comments about Leah's sexuality and his subsequent actions, such as urinating in the plants, cause discomfort. His rebellious nature is on full display as he dances on a vehicle and encourages Delia to disregard societal norms. At work, Delia's attempts to smooth things over with Janice and her inquiry about Leah's opinion on John reveal the complexity of their relationships.
The episode takes a darker turn when John fixes Delia's door and is invited to move in. His quick agreement and claim to take care of her are followed by the revelation of a pet tarantula and his request for Delia to feed it while he's away in Germany. The police investigation into the discovery of a woman's body in a suitcase in Leidsegracht canal runs parallel to Delia and John's story, with the victim's identity and cause of death remaining a mystery.
As John moves in, he shares more about his past, including a previous marriage and children. The revelation of his past and his violent outburst in his sleep introduce a sense of fear in Delia. The tension escalates when Delia confides in Leah about John's refusal to move out and his temper. Leah's advice to change the locks and end the relationship is met with hesitation from Delia.
The episode culminates in a chilling confrontation where John, in a fit of rage, draws Delia as the devil and confesses to killing his American ex-girlfriend, Melissa, in Amsterdam. The horror of his confession is palpable as he chases Delia with a knife, and the episode ends with Delia seemingly restrained, leaving the audience on a cliffhanger.
"Until I Kill You" - Love is a gripping start to the series, expertly weaving the characters' personal lives with the looming threat of violence and the dark secrets that lie beneath the surface of their relationship. The episode masterfully builds suspense, drawing viewers into the twisted world of Delia and John's toxic love story.