The Unkindest Cut: Analysis

Season 2, Episode 7: The Unkindest Cut

Analysis

Having seen Erica sent back to a time before she was even born during Season 1, this episode sees her sent forward in time as she gains a greater understanding of Kai.

Indeed, Goblins's most famous barista is really the main focus of this episode, albeit Dr. Tom still finds a way to teach Erica a life lesson in the process. He's good like that, you see.

The meeting of the Doctors - Tom and Fred - is actually one of my favourite aspects in this episode, as they both talk to Erica about how she can help Kai get back on track with his therapy.

I thought it was very clever of the writers to re-trace the steps that Dr. Fred went to right at the start of Season 2 in directing Erica towards Goblins and meeting Kai. I remember being shocked the first time I saw that twist. Great writing.

The meeting in Dr Fred's office also showed again the close bond between Erica and Dr. Tom. You notice how relieved she is when she first sees him there with Dr. Fred and how she looks to him for guidance and reassurance.

And he is there to provide it for her. There is almost a paternal quality to their relationship. Note how he tells Dr. Fred to look out for Erica in the future after making it perfectly clear that he is only agreeing to Dr. Fred's request for Erica's benefit alone.

He also makes his customary appearance in her time travel, laying it out plainly for Erica and delivering some harsh home truths. It's one of the things I love about Dr. Tom's character - he really does care about her well-being.

However, also note how, when she is speaking to Kai towards the end, Erica staunchly defends therapy and tells him how Dr. Tom actually helps her. She recognises and appreciates how her own therapist has helped her.

I have to be honest and say that, as this episode is mostly about Kai, it's not one of my favourites. Sure, the whole future and modern technology aspects were fascinating and led to some good humour.

However, the show's called Being Erica, not Being Kai, and while it was an interesting plot line to delve into - as well as finally making sense of some his previous comments - it's Erica#s development which we watch the show for.

Of course, the whole theme of this episode - played out with the backdrop of baby Jonah's Bris - was about helping people, and to what extent you should aid them.

There were the usual funny moments - Barbara initially trying to hide Norm from Erica and then Erica's demonstration of a circumcision in Goblins prompting a horrified response by Ethan.

Big up for Ethan too, who basically pre-empted Dr. Tom's own words to Erica about how, despite her good intentions in trying to help people like her cousin and father, trying to make others happy isn't really her problem.

It's why he is a good foil for her - and probably why they were friends for so long too - in that rather than the emotional and sensitive Erica, he provides a more calm and rational approach to problem solving.

Not that Erica saw it like that, leading to her awkwardly shifting around in her chair as she tried to please her dad by acting as the Sandek during the ceremony. Of course, it only ended up with her fainting, which was a clever way of her entering Dr. Fred's office and landing on the soft grass.

It concluded with another classic Erica emotional confrontation - this time with Gary. She's had one with pretty much every other character, so I guess it's about time her and her dad had one.

I know where she's coming from in terms of rejecting a parent's religious convictions and the problems that can cause in such a relationship. Naturally I take Erica's side. It's delusional for any parent to expect their child to simply adopt their own religious views.

Her attempt, or as he called it "token gesture," to try and do something to make him happy only ends up backfiring on her too. Fortunately, by the end they make-up by going outside with the telescope to rekindle some childhood memories.

It's the dilemma of helping people though. Should you always wait to be asked for help? Or be pro-active and try and help someone anyway? I guess the important thing is to make somewhere aware that you're always there if they need your help.