In the penultimate episode of 'Before,' titled 'And the Darkness Was Called Night,' the narrative takes a harrowing turn as Eli Adler (Billy Crystal) confronts the darkest chapters of his past, unraveling the intricate connections between himself, Noah, Benjamin, and Lynn. This episode is a pivotal moment in the series, shedding light on the enigmatic links that bind these characters in a cycle of guilt and tragedy.
The episode opens with Eli confined to the psychiatric ward of St. Benedict's, his mental state deteriorating as he grapples with the consequences of his actions. Jane's arrival is a turning point, as she becomes the catalyst for Eli's release, albeit in a wheelchair, signifying his physical and psychological vulnerability. Their conversation at the farmhouse reveals the depth of Noah's trauma, which Eli insists is rooted there, echoing the series' recurring theme of past lives and reincarnation .
In a moment of raw honesty, Eli confesses to Jane that his deteriorating mental health is a result of his guilt over Lynn's death. The revelation is a shockwave, as Eli admits to not saving Lynn when she was on the brink, choosing to end her suffering by drowning her in the bathtub. This act, whether viewed as murder or mercy, haunts Eli, manifesting in his guilt-ridden hallucinations and shared trauma with Noah .
As Noah is set to be transferred to a facility in Ithaca, Eli, driven by his conviction that the boy's trauma is connected to the farmhouse, takes drastic action. With Denise's unexpected plea for help and her belief in Eli's unorthodox approach, Eli hijacks the ambulance carrying Noah, setting a course for the farmhouse. This act of desperation underscores the urgency of their situation and the depth of Eli's belief in their interconnected fates .
The farmhouse, a central symbol in the series, is where the past and present collide. It is the site of Noah's (as Jonathan) and Lynn's traumatic deaths, and the root of their shared hallucinations. As Eli and Noah arrive, the series takes a surreal turn, with Eli experiencing a vision of their past lives as Dutch children, where he failed to save Noah from drowning. This vision is a critical piece in understanding the cycle of trauma that has persisted through Noah's reincarnations .
In a bid to break the cycle, Eli, in a moment of redemption, jumps into the icy water with Noah in his arms, mirroring the past but with a different outcome. This act is a symbolic leap into the past to correct the mistake that has haunted them both. As Eli revives Noah, it seems that the cycle of trauma may finally be broken, offering a glimmer of hope amidst the darkness .
'Before' Season 1, Episode 9 - 'And the Darkness Was Called Night' is a testament to the power of guilt, the complexity of grief, and the human capacity for redemption. As the series approaches its conclusion, the characters are left to grapple with the consequences of their actions and the possibility of breaking free from the chains of their past. This episode is a masterful blend of psychological thriller and supernatural mystery, leaving viewers on the precipice of revelation and resolution.