Excellent point, Katie. It's rather unsettling when someone tries too hard to connect with someone else.

In hindsight, I see that there is more to Beth's disappearance than just Joe. I will have to watch this episode again for Beth's friends' reaction when Joe asks about her.

The ending of 'The National Anthem' left unresolved the marriage of the PM and his wife. It appears that she is willing to put on a public show of unity but she privately rejects her husband. I am not sure what motivates her to ostracize her husband who was clearly victimized by the whole ordeal.