What made Showtime’s “The Affair” so addictive last season was its two-pronged approach to storytelling — the beginnings and consummation of a love affair were seen from the points of view of the man, Noah Solloway (Dominic West), and the woman, Alison Bailey (Ruth Wilson).
The series, created by Sarah Treem and Hagai Levi, also had multiple timelines: present, past and a sinister future — which clearly showed that passion had its price as Noah and Alison were questioned separately by a wily detective (Victor Williams) about a vehicular homicide.
Season 1 ended with a shocking flash forward: Noah’s arrest for the murder of Alison’s brother-in-law, Scotty (Colin Donnell). Having already left their respective spouses — Helen (Maura Tierney) and Cole (Joshua Jackson) — Noah and Alison were already married and parents to a baby girl.
Now that two marriages have been destroyed for a new one, “The Affair” widens its scope in Season 2 by telling its story from the additional perspectives of aggrieved parties Helen and Cole, while playing with a tricky timeline. Here’s where everyone stands.
Noah Solloway
Present: What he thought he wanted — Alison — now has him in over his head. Be careful what you wish for.
Reversal of fortune: His big book advance is in jeopardy after his agent nixes the ending of his novel — which would make him broke and homeless with five kids to support.
Future shock: Haunted by the very real prospect of jail time, Noah meets an angel of mercy.
Alison Bailey
Present: The former nurse and waitress at the Lobster Roll thought she had finally ended the pain she felt after the drowning death of her son, by beginning a new life with Noah and having a second child.
Reversal of fortune: Living with Noah in a Hudson River hideaway makes Alison feel lost. Impromptu sex in the kitchen and candlelit dinners on the back deck are offset by Noah’s narcissism. He’s moody. He’s petulant. It’s all about him.
Future shock: At Noah’s court hearing, his attorney refers to her as “Miss Bailey.”
Helen Solloway
Present: Now a divorced mother of four kids, living in a Brooklyn brownstone purchased with her trust fund cash, she does not contest her husband’s $400,000 book advance. She’s got her own scratch.
Reversal of fortune: One innocent lunch at the Lobster Roll ultimately ended her marriage when Noah met Alison.
Future shock: Helen can’t bear to see her kids possibly having a felon for a father and makes a shrewd personal sacrifice.
Cole Bailey
Present: Day and night, he pines for Alison. Drives from Suffolk County to Westchester to deliver some clothes she left behind.
Reversal of fortune: Shortly after his family lost their ranch, he was reduced to driving a taxi and resisting greasy come-ons from local cougars who can’t resist his monosyllabic charms or collection of faded Henleys.
Future shock: A simple plumbing job may be the key to restoring his happiness.