Warning: Full spoilers for Mint episode 4 ahead.
The romance between Shannon (Emma Laird) and Arran (Benjamin Coyle-Larner) in Mint builds to romantic heights despite warnings from loved ones. Episode 4 unfolds like an extended first date, filled with intimate conversations and explorations around town. The pair ends up at a restaurant, where Shannon gazes lovingly at Arran leaning against her car—until a figure in black clothing and a motorcycle helmet approaches from behind and shoots him.
Benjamin Coyle-Larner’s Take on the Twist
Benjamin Coyle-Larner, who plays Arran, describes the moment as a bold subversion of expectations. “I thought it was awesome because it subverted what you’d expect,” he says. “The story centers on this love story as a tragedy, but it empowers Emma’s character to find strength independently.”
He adds that Arran’s death forces Shannon to rely on herself, drawing from lessons learned along the way. “It’s powerful to follow a female lead without a man to save her—beautiful and true to life, as it happens often,” Coyle-Larner notes. “I was sad but happy for a brief role in my debut.”
Creator Charlotte Regan’s Creative Choices
Series creator, writer, and director Charlotte Regan confirms the decision to kill off Arran stemmed from a desire for character independence. “I didn’t want a romance where they exist solely for each other,” she explains. “Independence outside the relationship was key from the start.”
Regan aimed to challenge assumptions about Arran’s rival family as villains. “Shannon initially sees her family as heroes and others as bad guys,” she says. “Meeting Arran teaches her—and us—that it’s all gray; everyone struggles.” This perspective shapes episode 4’s pivotal end.
What’s Next for Shannon?
With Shannon’s father Dylan (Sam Riley) appearing to authorize the hit, tension builds in their relationship. Viewers await how grief transforms Shannon amid family conflicts.
Mint airs on BBC One at 9pm on Monday, April 20, with all episodes available on BBC iPlayer from 6am that day.
