Before
Warning: This article includes SPOILERS for Before episode 9 and all previous episodes!
TheStephen King-approved thrillerfollows the supernatural connection between a child psychologist named Eli and his troubled patient named Noah.
Critics have panned the series, but the viewers have a very divided response to the slow-paced show.
Either way, the events and reveals ofBeforeepisode 9 will be essential to remember going into the finale.
Episode 9 explains what really happened during his hallucinations.
He uncontrollably ripped open his hand using a pen.
Image via Apple TV+
Eli had a break from reality where he couldnt hear or respond to Cleo.
Given his erratic behavior throughout the series, its surprising it took nine episodes to get to this point.
Eli also has different expectations from reality.
Image via Apple TV+
However, the medical professionals seem impervious to his influence.
This shows their caliber as professionals.
Ultimately, the involuntary detainment creates tension throughoutBeforeepisode 9, increasing Elis desperation to save Noah.
It also contributes to the climactic episode ending, which sets up a dramatic finale.
This episode continues the trend of Noah and Eli exhibiting similar symptoms that a simple diagnosis cant explain away.
Even transference countertransference, which is suggested multiple times, is a stretch.
Image via Apple TV+
At the start ofBeforeepisode 9, Eli is shivering, freezing cold, and his lips are blue.
The medical professionals claim that the symptoms might come from Noah being arrhythmic.
Shes shocked because the weather is sweltering hot, making it odd that they are both cold.
As such, the symptoms can be taken as a psychic imprint from the past life.
At theend ofBeforeepisode 3, Eli has a flash of him strangling Lynn.
However,Beforeepisode 9 reveals what truly happened to Lynn.
Image via Apple TV+
The account he told the therapist was true.
Eli conveniently left out the fact that Lynn wasnt dead when he came home.
She was on the brink of death and reached out to him, begging him to help her die.
She even asks him why it took so long for him to help Lynn.
This paints Eli in an entirely different way, making him seem less loving and more controlling.
The question of whether he redeemed himself by helping Lynn is ultimately up to the viewer.
The audience learns that shes no longer considered Noahs foster parent.
Denise loves her foster son and wants nothing more than his health and happiness.
Eli thinks he knows the right way to solve Noahs issues.
Initially, hes hesitant to share his thoughts, realizing how delusional he will sound.
They dont have the context the audience does to know theres probably truth in Elis statements.
This one is the most active in the plot, rather than serving as exposition.
Noah asks Eli if hes taking him home, and Eli replies that theyre both going home.
Based on his assumptions about the past lives, theyre presumably going to the farmhouse.
