Under My Thumb: Analysis

Season 2, Episode 8: Under My Thumb

Analysis

Angst with a capital 'A' is rife throughout this particular episode which, despite plenty of disharmony, neatly sets things up for the final third of Season 2.

Indeed, it's hard to know if any of the characters actually emerge from the events happier than they were at the start of the episode, Brent and Friedkin aside.

However, there are lots of important issues in what is a unique episode in that no time travelling of any sort takes place. We've seen 'do over' days, travelling into the future, and regular therapy during Season 2, and now another first.

It's part of the changing dynamic between Erica and Dr. Tom, as he seeks to take away the "safety net" and check just where Erica is in his therapy. It's obviously prompted by his heated debate with Dr. Fred - more on that later.

Erica is also beginning to put her relationship with Ethan firmly under the microscope, just see how she watches him looking at the TV right at the end. Having had feelings for him for years and dreamed of being with him, now she is wondering whether the reality matches her fantasy.

Another relationship in troubled waters is that of Sam and Josh, with the former turning up on Erica's doorstep - much to a mostly-naked Ethan's embarrassment - having fled from London unhappy with how her husband has been ignoring her.

Of course, we all know that Josh's heart really isn't in the marriage, and Sam seems to be beginning to realise it too. Her hurt leads to an all too telegraphed sexual encounter with Kai in Goblins. Classic Kai that.

Speaking of the barista-turned-rock star-turned-barista, he seems to be realising that he actually can't escape from who he is and keep running away from his future. Now Erica knows the truth about him too, he is going to have to start dealing with Dr. Fred and his issues.

Finally, we have the on-going war being engaged at River Rock between Julianne and Friedkin, with Brent clearly allying himself with the latter - although note how he still wants to protect his friend, Erica. Let the fighting begin and last man standing wins.

As for the episode itself, we were treated to another hilarious opening involving Erica, Ethan, and another smashed piece of glass. Not quite as laugh out loud funny as Episode 4, but awkwardly funny as Erica catches Ethan masturbating.

My own view on it is that us guys have sexual urges, probably more urges than women, and they need to be satisfied. So what's the best option? Pressurise our girl into having sex, sleep with someone else, or engage in a bit of self-love?

Of course, Ethan is no mood to discuss it with Erica, even if she does want to. Classic to both of their personalities. That's the thing about relationships, it's all about communication. And if, like me, you're a closed book it can cause problems.

Still, talking about it wasn't quite as awkward as Erica and Ethan sitting down to watch the porn together. Erica barely being able to contain her amusement and paying attention to the actual script.

Then the comedy of her actually copying the nurse for Ethan, including dodgy accent and hilarious line about him "being worried about his job." I imagine Erin and Tyron were cracking up trying to act that out. Very funny.

It's the classic mix of Being Erica. I always think it's the kind of show which has something for everyone.

Also classic was Brent's response to Erica, "six to eight times a day." Now, I know I'm jumping the gun in terms of the season finale, but I really hope that the writers have found a way to keep him in Season 3. He's great comic relief.

Not that Brent is Julianne's favourite person now he's working with Friedkin. Speaking of Friedkin, I'm not an advocate of violence but if ever a guy needed smacking in the face, then he is that guy.

Not far behind would be Scott Galvin. Instantly dislikeable. You can't but feel sorry for the slightly pathetic Julianne as she holds a panic meeting with Erica in the elevator. Yes she's contributed to her own problems, but Friedkin is really going for her.

The troubles for Sam and Josh were all too predictable. Still, it allowed for a rare Season 2 comic transition as Dr. Tom sent Erica back out of his office with boxes of tissues. Such comic transitions were common place in Season 1, but not as much in Season 2.

Seeing as I've mentioned Dr. Tom, and this will come as no surprise to regular readers, he definitely featured in the highlight of the episode as we saw him and Dr. Fred go head-to-head over the latter's approaching of Erica about Kai.

How cool was it that Dr. Tom dragged Dr. Fred into his office - almost like a naughty school kid coming in to be punished. It's once again a sign of how protective he is over Erica.

It's no surprise Dr. Tom as a father is an issue later covered in this season, as it clearly plays an influential role in how he approaches his therapy with Erica. He doesn't want Fred harming her development and wants to make it known to him.

One of the best things about Season 2 is the expansion of the therapy side, with Dr. Tom joined by Dr. Fred and of course Dr. Naadiah too. All of them with their different approaches, dress sense, and offices is a really interesting feature.

It also seems like a pre-requisite to being a Doctor is an ability to be quick-witted, wind-up your patient, and use quotes - as Dr. Fred tries against Dr. Tom. Still, we all know Dr. Tom is the best - scolding Dr. Fred for not being able to help Kai.

Sure, he may not be as cool as Dr. Fred, or as calm and composed as Dr. Naadiah, but his flaws make Dr. Tom the best. Although, disappointingly, he is bereft of quotes for Erica for the second successive episode.

Still, my angst over that is nothing compared to the general mood at the end of this particular episode. Grenades thrown, time to see what happens when the dust settles.