The Clinic - Episode Ten

What a series finale from 'The Clinic'. It had everything - injustice, blackmail, leaked secrets, broken hearts and violence.

Dan’s dilemma
This week was a great week of drama for Dan. The hearing resurrects all the hurt he felt when Cathy died and, along with that, all the resentment he felt towards Boylan. But, just when Dan has decided to be the bigger person, Boylan sticks the boot in, leaving Dan with a temper at boiling point. I thought that him seeing Aideen all black-and-blue was going to be the final straw but I don't think many of us would have predicted just how low Boylan was willing to stoop. He was keeping the remorseful act up pretty well until this week and then, true to form, the minute he's in the clear he shows his true colours.

Boylan's brutal end
For me the scene with Dan and Boylan towards the end of the show was a brilliant one. It teases you a little by making you believe that Dan is actually going to walk away (and I think he would have if it hadn't been for that comment). Boylan sealed his own fate when he goaded Dan over Cathy's death. It was a stroke too far. But it was great how the scene was left hanging. You were praying that a later scene would tie up the Dan/Boylan affair… and it did when Dan was arrested for murder (that nosy neighbour was a handy witness). Superb acting from both Dominic Mafham (Dan) and Darragh Kelly (Boylan) though. The storyline between them was one of the strongest and most believable this season.

Ruairi’s stag fun
Ruairi has really settled in to the Clarence Street Clinic and, I have to say, the place just wouldn't be the same without him now. I really hope he comes back for the next series. His relationship with Grace is lovely and he just adds a bit more fun to proceedings when he's around. He represents that part of us all that we try to keep in check – the part that makes us sleep in, say the wrong thing and generally shirk our responsibilities, while all the time intending to do the right thing. His friend's stag party was classic Ruairi. You leave him in charge and suddenly he wakes up in a deserted club, oblivious to what's gone on in the few hours beforehand. Brilliant.

Clodagh & Lorcan – The honeymoon is over
Well the fiery romance didn't last for long with Clodagh and Lorcan. I just knew something was going to get in the way for them. But that's the least of Lorcan's worries now that Dan has found out about his HIV, and the plastic surgeon couldn't possibly have stooped any lower here with his blackmailing. How silly is Alice? She knows her brother hates Dan and who does she run to? Dan! Not cool Alice.

I can't wait for the next series of 'The Clinic'. I really think that the latest one was the best yet. The established characters have really developed well (Daisy is a different person, Dan is up to his old tricks and Cara is heading for dangerous territory again) and the new characters have really settled in well (Ruairi is so entertaining and Grace has a great charm about her). The only way is up – this crowd can do no wrong right now.

Linda McGee

Read our interview with 'The Clinic' star Dominic Mafham here.

Visit 'The Clinic' website here.