Episode 5 Discussion [re-watch]

[CONDOR]

I am inclined to agree with you about Malcolm, but I think he would have had the courtesy to warn Ruth.
I think that Harry's motives for keeping an eye on Ruth are the same as any man's who discovers that perhaps he may have feelings for somebody, at this stage I think that Harry is just keeping himself "in the loop" with what is going on in Ruth's life in the only way he knows how.
I think that perhaps you are all being a bit harsh on Sam, this is perhaps due to something that may have been lost in the editing suite, as I agree that continuity is lost between her reporting to Harry, and her encouragement of Ruth, I am sure that in the original filming there was probably a scene that explained Sam's motives / behaviour, but was cut out due to it being considered, by the powers that be , not important in respect of the overall picture. This is often mentioned on the commentaries, that they find that a lot of scenes are cut to get the central story in the one hour slot.
Besides she may not be bright, but I do like Sam, and don't think that she is any way malicious.