The Affair explores the emotional effects of an extramarital relationship between Noah Solloway and Alison Lockhart after the two meet in the resort town of Montauk in Long Island. Noah is a New York City schoolteacher with one novel published (book entitled A Person who Visits a Place) and he is struggling to write a second book. He is happily married with four children, but resents his dependence on his wealthy father-in-law. Alison is a young waitress trying to piece her life and marriage back together in the wake of the tragic death of her child. The story of the affair is told separately, complete with distinct memory biases, from the male and female perspectives.
Written by Sophie and last updated on feb 04, 2023.
PS: The following content contains spoilers!
PPS: I will admit that parts of this page was written with the help of AI - it makes my work so much easier to not start from a blank page!
Alison's summer with Noah is interrupted by an unwelcome guest. Cole's self-destructive lifestyle causes everyone to become concerned.
The episode was rated 7.39 from 1095 votes.
Noah's undying love for Alison leads to serious consequences. Alison discovers a surprising truth about how to sustain a marriage.
The episode was rated 7.39 from 1068 votes.
Alison is thrown by a shift in behavior from her hosts, and furious with Noah after a chance discovery. Cole rejects Scotty's plan to make money - but not before Scotty catches him in a situation best kept secret.
The episode was rated 7.48 from 1061 votes.
Helen makes an innocent mistake that leads to outrageous consequences. A court order leads to a dire setback for Noah and Alison.
The episode was rated 7.52 from 1049 votes.
On the college campus where they first met, Helen is amazed to see Noah in a new role, and bewildered by Whitney's future plans. Meanwhile, Noah is in danger of spinning out of control as his fame and related temptations escalate.
The episode was rated 7.53 from 1033 votes.
Noah and Helen attempt to conduct amicable divorce proceedings. Surprising developments in Helen's life lead to unexpected emotions.
The episode was rated 7.53 from 1177 votes.
Noah grapples with essential questions. Alison begins to doubt a recent ambition, and renewed interactions with the Lockhart brothers force her to consider a harrowing possibility.
The episode was rated 7.61 from 1024 votes.
A medical emergency casts Helen and Noah's litigation process in a new light, causing Helen to make a long overdue decision. The dynamic of Noah and Alison's relationship shifts as troublesome discoveries are made.
The episode was rated 7.61 from 1019 votes.
Alison's mother raises concerns about her and Noah's new lifestyle. Alison confronts Noah about his book. Cole lashes out at Luisa and is further alienated from his family in the wake of startling revelations.
The episode was rated 7.64 from 1043 votes.
Cole and Luisa take a serious step forward. Meanwhile, a series of revelations cause Noah to reconsider everything he thought he knew about Alison - and a momentous decision Alison makes may just end their relationship.
The episode was rated 7.68 from 1035 votes.
Alison weathers a momentous journey alone. Helen receives unexpected attention from a sexy yet exasperating source. Noah faces a terrible reckoning. An array of challenges pushes Cole to the very edge.
The episode was rated 7.70 from 1031 votes.
Events set in motion long ago come to their conclusion. Alison is honest with Noah -- and herself. A dispute between Cole and Scotty is followed by tragedy. Meanwhile, a turn in Noah's trial results in a shocking event.
The episode was rated 8.08 from 1091 votes.
