11 Episodes
Short on time? Here's the essentials:
This season of "The Affair" centers on Noah Solloway, a writer grappling with his past and the fallout from his relationships, and Helen Solloway, his ex-wife, who navigates her own complicated love life and family issues. The core premise explores the lasting consequences of infidelity and the search for truth across different timelines.
The central conflict escalates as Noah faces accusations of sexual misconduct, impacting his career and relationships. Helen's life is further complicated by the death of her partner, Vic, and her burgeoning relationship with Sasha Mann, a filmmaker. In the future, their daughter Joanie investigates the circumstances surrounding her mother Alison's death, uncovering a dark secret. Key turning points include Vic's death, Bruce's worsening Alzheimer's, and Noah being banned from the set. A shocking twist reveals Ben Cruz was Alison's lover and murderer.
The season concludes with Noah facing #MeToo allegations and Helen suffering a snake bite, leading to a moment of reconciliation. In the future, Joanie confronts an older Noah and returns to her family, while Noah is seen dancing alone, suggesting unresolved issues and the continuation of generational trauma.
Season 5 of The Affair covers episodes 1-11. Here's everything that happened:
Season 5, Episode 1: Episode 1 - The episode begins with Noah meeting Sasha Mann to discuss his book adaptation. Helen mourns Vic's death while clashing with his mother over funeral arrangements. In the future, Joanie struggles with her upcoming birthday and her mother's fate. The episode concludes with Helen lashing out at Noah, wishing he had died instead of Vic.
Season 5, Episode 2: Episode 2 - The episode explores events from Janelle's perspective at Vik's funeral, highlighting racial microaggressions. Helen bonds with Sasha Mann, offering sharp feedback on the "Ellen" character. In the future, Joanie travels to a climate change-ravaged Montauk and visits Cole's house. Janelle considers running for head of the school board. The episode concludes with Joanie arriving in Montauk, a ghost town, seeking answers in her father's old house.
Season 5, Episode 3: Episode 3 - Noah faces pressure regarding his past actions and battles Sasha over the film's direction. Helen and Sasha's relationship blossoms, causing Noah to lash out. Margaret reveals Bruce's worsening Alzheimer's and financial turmoil, urging Helen to return East. Janelle asks Noah to conceal their affair as she reconciles with Carl. Noah is banned from the set after confronting Sasha.
Season 5, Episode 4: Episode 4 - Noah tries to sabotage Helen's relationship with Sasha. Whitney's POV reveals her struggling relationship with Colin and a disturbing encounter with ex-boyfriend Furkat. In the future, Joanie visits Cole's grave, confirming his death. She then cleans out Cole's house, removing photos of Alison.
Season 5, Episode 5: Episode 5 - The episode focuses on Sierra's struggles with motherhood and her acting career, culminating in a dramatic car crash while driving under the influence with her baby in the car. Helen sees flaws in Sasha and is told by Noah that he still loves her. The episode concludes with Sierra and her baby surviving the crash.
Season 5, Episode 6: Episode 6 - The entire episode focuses on Joanie in 2053, where she explores her family history in Montauk. Working with EJ, she uncovers details surrounding Alison's death and begins to suspect foul play. Joanie confronts her husband, admitting to years of infidelity. Ultimately, Joanie realizes Ben Cruz was Alison's lover and suspects he murdered her.
Season 5, Episode 7: Episode 7 - In Montauk, Noah and Whitney plan her wedding, where Whitney confesses to cheating on Colin. Future Joanie confronts Ben, who admits to killing Alison and manipulates Joanie. Ben gaslights Joanie, leading the police to dismiss her claims. Noah receives a call regarding an accusation of sexual misconduct. The episode concludes with Joanie and Ben in a tense standoff.
Season 5, Episode 8: Episode 8 - Noah faces #MeToo allegations after Eden comes forward. He seeks legal advice but ignores it, confronting Eden and making things worse. Helen celebrates her birthday, gets a new job, and helps Sierra with her postpartum depression. The episode concludes with Helen receiving a call from Petra, signaling more trouble for Noah.
Season 5, Episode 9: Episode 9 - As controversy surrounds Noah, Helen loses her job due to her association with him. Whitney confronts Furkat about his behavior and reconciles with Colin. Sasha is revealed to be behind the Vanity Fair article, leading to Helen cutting him out of her life. The episode concludes with a family meeting where Whitney confronts Noah about his past actions.
Season 5, Episode 10: Episode 10 - As wildfires rage, Helen and Noah confront their past. Helen finds a wedding letter from Noah, sparking memories. Evacuating, they argue, leading to Helen's snake bite. Noah carries her to safety. In the hospital, they reconcile, with Helen saying, "Hi, friend," mirroring the pilot.
Season 5, Episode 11: Episode 11 - Whitney's wedding day arrives, with Noah helping despite being uninvited. In the future, Joanie confronts an older Noah, learning truths about Alison. Helen and Noah reconcile at the wedding. The episode concludes with Noah dancing alone and Joanie returning to her family, suggesting broken generational trauma.
