Being Dr. Tom: Analysis

Season 2, Episode 1: Being Dr. Tom

Analysis

Question: How do you follow up a sensational ending to Season 1? Answer: With an equally intense and intriguing opening episode to Season 2. It really is no mean feat by the writers, but they manage it and then some.

Of course, it begins on the cliffhanger at the end of Season 1 - Erica being introduced to her "new therapist" Dr. Naadiah, and the fall out of the breaking of her promise over Leo to Dr. Tom.

It also allows us, after seeing previously Erica's relationships with her family, friends, and the opposite sex - to have an insight into her other relationship - that between herself and Dr. Tom.

When you consider the major argument between the two and how angry and hurt Dr. Tom felt - coupled with how scared she had been when he lost his temper at her - the events at the beginning of Season 2 actually highlight how strong the bond is between them.

Erica is determined that, if she is to continue with her therapy, it will be with Dr. Tom. She has forgiven him for his outburst, recognising the part she played in angering him. She insists to Dr. Naadiah that she must see Dr. Tom, must talk to him, that she is not her therapist.

Then, when she is sent back in time to 1998 and encounters the troubled Tom, she throws herself into trying to help him. Spending so much time talking to him, trying to find out more information, trying to get him to open up.

Look how she is worried about him when the bouncers manhandle him out of the bar, how sad she is when she realises Tom doesn't know her, and she is also adamant that she will try and help Tom and talk him down from jumping off the building. Erica cares.

And so does Dr. Tom, even despite his decision to quit which, probably partially truthfully, he declares has been made with Erica in mind. He is dismayed with how he treated her, how he grabbed and hurt her - someone he cares about.

It is also the reason why he is so keen that Erica doesn't discover his dark past, and as Dr. Naadiah points out - the reason he confronts both her and Erica in the past is because he does still care, whatever he might say.

That's part of an interesting dimension of the episode, and indeed, the second season, with Dr. Tom interacting with fellow therapists. The scenes between him and Dr. Naadiah are great - when she uses a quote against him it's particularly funny too.

During Season 2, we see this whole expansion of the therapists and therapy and time travelling. It adds an extra layer on from Season 1, and this exploration is crucial to Erica's progress.

And progress there has been. Erica says as much, Julianne recognises as much, and it's why Erica fights so hard for Dr. Tom. She credits him for helping her to turn her life around. Now she wants to try and repay the favour back in 1998.

It leads to an emotional scene between them as they reconcile back in his office. Erica has already been crying as she tries to research him on the web, and then wishes and hopes and prays that, when she opens her front door, he will be on the other side.

Her relief and happiness at being back with him in his office is plain to see. She is perfectly willing to waver his apology but Dr. Tom insists that he explains.

This is new too, as the Tom we see in 1998, although still caring about Erica and the fact she works in the bar she does, is not willing to be open and explain to her about his life. Not so with Dr. Tom, and perhaps this is a reaction to him seeing what he means to Erica.

He takes her back in time with him to 1996, explaining what happened with his daughter, and opening himself up to her as she has done with him. Never an easy thing opening up, I know it's not one of my strengths.

However, ultimately they ensure they are "good" with Erica convincing Dr. Tom that he is the right therapist for her because he is human, he does make mistakes, he was, as she correctly points out, like her.

It's a great line too, "The one regret I don't have, Dr. Tom, is you," which clearly means a lot to him. Their therapy is back on track.

As big a fan as I am of Dr. Tom, it was still quite interesting seeing a different therapist in Dr. Naadiah and her far more calm approach. However, it seems playing around is ubiquitous with the therapists - as Dr. Naadiah reappears in 1998 as a pool player, joking about Erica's regrets, and, like Dr. Tom, never gives Erica all the answers she desires.

I guess she's a bit like the substitute teacher who, although being qualified and good at their job, is just not the person you're used to, and never will be. Certainly Dr. Naadiah is no Dr. Tom but it's good to see her crop up again later in the season.

Before I move on from Erica's time travelling, just how hot did Erin look in this episode? The while cowgirl hat and cropped shirt exposing her midriff - a good way to begin the season.

The first episode also opens up two other strands which run throughout the season. Firstly, Erica's work focusing on "the sex book," and the fall out from Brent being overlooked by Julianne.

We also got to see some more crazy Friedkin stuff. I can imagine the actor playing him had so much fun doing that role, as the guy is nuts. Him and Julianne together are pure comedy gold.

However, the real drama and mystery is saved until right at the end. Now that's great writing. Just when you think the whole thing is back on course and Erica and Dr. Tom have reconciled, Erica discovers another fellow therapy patient.

I remember being stunned the first time I saw it, you just never expected that to happen. However, as we know, it turns out to be pivotal in Erica's development both in her therapy and in her personal life. Did someone mention a spanner in the works?

On a final note, the start of a new season means new opening titles - and I personally love them. Although the music to Being Erica starts off quite light it does actually build to a climax - and I don't feel the Season 1 titles recognised that as much in its images.

However, with the rapid and frenetic montage of images that comes in the Season 2 music, I think it works brilliantly. It's also a great way to not only convey the madness of the time travelling and her regrets, but also show lots of moments from Season 1.

Having spent ages trying to slow the whole down and watch it frame by frame, I think they include images from Season 2 of Erica on her do-over day, her screaming when Tom jumps off the building, and her and a freshly showered Ethan in her apartment.

Then from Season 1 there's her looking in the mirror, dancing and making out with Cassidy, having sex in the canoe, and looking out of the window with Dr. Tom at Sam's wedding.

There are another couple which are hard to identify, but it shows the complexity of all those images together so rapidly. Overall though, like the beginning to Season 2 itself, it's impossible to give it anything but a thumbs up.