Mint creator and star break down shocking, brutal episode 4 moment: “I think it’s beautiful and true to life”

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*Warning: This article contains full spoilers for Mint episode 4*

Shannon (Emma Laird) and Arran (Benjamin Coyle-Larner)’s relationship in Mint was quickly becoming serious, despite warnings from family and friends. However, a surprising event in episode 4 completely alters their path.

The episode unfolded like a lovely, extended first date, with the two characters getting to know each other and enjoying intimate moments while exploring the town. Finally, they were relaxing in a restaurant when Shannon’s affectionate gaze at Arran, who was leaning against her car, was shattered as a figure in black, wearing a motorcycle helmet, suddenly appeared and shot him.

Speaking with TopMob, Benjamin Coyle-Larner explained his reaction to the surprising news. He initially hadn’t fully processed it, but after getting to know Charlie and seeing how strongly she felt about him not being involved, he joked that he thought she really didn’t want him around!

I really enjoyed it, especially because it surprised me and didn’t follow the typical storyline. The core of the story is a tragic love story, but what I appreciated most was how it allowed Emma’s character to become empowered independently. While there’s a central theme, the story ultimately shows how these two characters gain the ability to improve their situation.

He explained that a compelling aspect of the story is how Shannon is left to fend for herself after Arran’s death, relying on what she’s learned. He found this particularly powerful, as it’s rare to see a female lead carry a story for so long without being rescued by a man – something he feels is both realistic and beautiful.

“I was obviously sad but happy to just be in and out for my first role, to just make it brief.”

When asked about the decision to kill off the character Arran, series creator Charlotte Regan admitted she couldn’t recall exactly when it was made during the development of the show, ‘Mint’. She joked that her producer, Theo, would have a much clearer memory, as he’s kept track of every change she’s made throughout the process.

You know, listening to Ben talk just confirmed what I suspected all along. I really didn’t want this to be a typical romance where the characters lose themselves in each other. I wanted them to maintain their individual lives and identities, even with the relationship. It was important to me that they remained independent people, not just halves of a couple.

She continued, explaining that she always had a strong intuition, but it was a matter of how it manifested. She wanted the story to challenge the simple idea that Arran and his family were villains and her family were the heroes. Instead, she hoped to explore things from Shannon’s point of view.

Initially, she sees her father and family as perfect heroes, and everyone else as villains. But after meeting Arran, she realizes, like many of us do, that things aren’t so black and white. Everyone faces challenges, and it’s rarely a simple case of good versus evil. That realization is partly why Arran’s story concludes as it does in episode 4.

Now that it appears Shannon’s father, Dylan (Sam Riley), approved the order for Arran’s death, we’re left wondering how this will affect their relationship and how Shannon will deal with her grief.

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You can watch the new series, Mint, on BBC One starting Monday, April 20th at 9pm. All episodes will also be available on BBC iPlayer from 6am that same day.

Get daily TV recommendations and the latest features by adding Mint to your watchlist on the TopMob: What to Watch app. Download it today!

Authors

James HibbsDrama Writer

I’ve been following James Hibbs’ work for a while now – he’s a drama writer at TopMob, and he really knows his stuff when it comes to TV, whether it’s on streaming services or traditional channels. Before getting into writing, he actually worked in PR, first at a business-to-business agency and then at Fremantle, a big international production company. He’s got a solid background too, with a BA in English and Theatre Studies and a journalism diploma – so he clearly understands storytelling from all angles.

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Morgan CormackDrama Writer

Morgan Cormack writes about TV and streaming drama for TopMob. Before that, she was an Entertainment Writer at Stylist. She also has experience in content marketing and freelancing, and holds a BA degree in English Literature.

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2026-04-20 12:37