The new series from Richard Gadd, the creator of Baby Reindeer, continues to deliver uncomfortable and gripping drama. Episode 3 of Half Man puts young Niall in an impossible situation. He must decide whether to lie in court to protect his violent “brother” Ruben or finally speak the truth about a horrific crime. The episode also offers major clues about where the present-day wedding drama is heading.
The episode aired in the US on May 7, 2026, on HBO and arrived on BBC iPlayer in the UK on May 8, 2026.
The Trial Puts Niall Between Family Pressure and the Truth
The story jumps forward a few years from the last episode. It is now 1993. Alby survived Ruben’s attack but spent six months in a coma. He now has permanent scars on his face. Ruben is facing serious jail time for what he did.
Niall has done well for himself. He is graduating from university and has a chance to go to Oxford. But Ruben has a plan to stay out of prison. He wants Niall to go to court and say that Alby touched him in a bad way first. Ruben wants to use the “gay panic” defense to make himself look like the victim.
The pressure on Niall does not just come from Ruben. Both of their mothers, Lori and Maura, also tell Niall to lie. They use guilt to get what they want. Maura is sick with cancer, and the family tells Niall that he should help Ruben so he can take care of his dying mother.
“I waited the best part of six years for you to do something for me and all I had to do was get cancer.” – Maura to Niall
The show makes it very clear that Ruben has not really changed, even though he now works with children at a community center. When Niall starts to question the plan, Ruben gets very angry. At one point, he destroys a van. This violent act shows that the old Ruben is still there, hiding under a fake smile.
Joanna Becomes the Voice of Reason for Niall
Joanna, Niall’s friend from college, is the only person who tells him to do the right thing. Niall treats her badly in this episode. He lets his family think she is his girlfriend to hide the fact that he is gay.
When Joanna learns about the plan to lie in court, she is very upset. She visits Alby and learns the whole truth. She then tells Niall something he has never heard before: “What you are is okay.” She also gives him a very important warning about Ruben.
“Snakes can shed their skin… but they’ll always crawl on their bellies.” – Joanna to Niall
Her words are simple but powerful. She accepts Niall for who he is, but she refuses to accept what he plans to do to an innocent person.
The Courtroom Scene Changes Everything Between Them
Niall goes to court. At first, he lies, just as Ruben asked him to. He says he saw Alby behave in a bad way toward Ruben. Ruben’s lawyer then tries to make Alby look like a dangerous gay man, asking Niall if Alby was a “sexual deviant”.
That question is too much for Niall. He cannot continue the lie. He admits on the witness stand that he made a mistake. The truth finally comes out: Ruben was not the victim.
Ruben becomes very angry. He jumps up and screams at Niall.
“You cunt! I’ll fucking kill you!… I’ll make you fucking ugly!” – Ruben in court
This outburst shows the judge and everyone in the room who Ruben really is. His violent nature is on full display. For Niall, this is the moment he finally chooses himself over the toxic friendship that has controlled him for years. Mitchell Robertson, who plays young Niall, told The Hollywood Reporter that this choice means there is “no coming back” for Ruben and Niall’s relationship.
The Present Day Wedding Takes a Dark Turn
The episode also spends time in the present day. Viewers learn that Niall and Alby are the ones getting married. Even after all the pain and the court case, they found a way to be together.
But the peace does not last. Ruben shows up at the wedding reception. His presence brings fear back into the room. Alby sees him and warns Niall that trouble has arrived.
Ruben then grabs the microphone. He tells everyone that he is going to speak about Niall. The episode ends with this cliffhanger. It looks like Ruben is about to give a “best man” speech, but everyone knows his real goal is to cause as much damage as possible to Niall’s new life.
The ending makes it clear that even though Niall told the truth in court years ago, the fight with Ruben is not over. The past has come back to destroy his wedding day.
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What the Critics Are Saying About Episode 3
Critics agree that this episode is tense and very well acted. Mitchell Robertson and Stuart Campbell (who plays young Ruben) have been praised for their powerful work. The slow build-up of stress and the final explosion in the courtroom make for very good television.
Some reviews note that the episode feels a little too long in the middle. However, most agree that the ending is strong enough to make up for any slow parts. The show continues to explore heavy topics like family pressure, hidden sexuality, and the damage that violent people can cause to the ones who love them.
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