What Goes Up Must Come Down

Season 2, Episode 11: What Goes Up Must Come Down

Episode Guide

The official launch of The None is taking place one evening at River Rock. Erica goes up to the podium on a stage at the front and welcomes the gathered crowd. She introduces Katie onto the stage, and hugs her as people cheer.

Katie tells the watching audience how excited she is and pays tribute to her friend and editor Erica, who she describes as the vision behind the launch. As she watches Katie up on the stage, Erica watches and narrates:

"Ever get that feeling that you've hit your stride? You're in the groove? On top of the world? Like everything you've worked so hard for is finally yours?"

Julianne comes up to Erica and praises her for the launch, telling her it's incredible work. Erica thanks her and, as Katie calls on some bachelors to come onto the stage, Julianne says that her "spidey senses" are telling her the book is destined to be a New York Times best seller.

Erica returns home to her apartment, where Ethan is sitting on the couch watching TV, in a triumphant mood. He chuckles as she dances around and asks him who "the man is" and suggesting herself.

Ethan concludes that she's had a good night, and she agrees that it was the best. She jumps over the back of the couch to kneel beside him. Beaming, Erica tells him that all the work and months of stress have finally paid off and that the whole night was perfect from beginning to end.

He's pleased to hear this and tells her to stay where she is while he goes over to his bag and removes a long thin box, which looks likely to contain jewellery of some kind. Erica asks him what it is, and Ethan tells her to open it.

She does and finds inside a pen, engraved with the words 'You're The One.' Ethan confesses that it's kind of corny, but she tells him she loves it and they kiss. He asks her if she's coming to bed, but Erica says she will in a minute as she can't wait to read the first online reviews of The None which come out in a minute.

Erica goes over to her desk and eagerly sits down in front of her laptop to search online for the reviews.

"But that perfect moment, no matter how badly we want it to, won't last forever."

She reacts in shock when she reads a scathing review of the book. Ethan, unaware of what the review has said, suggests that it's good. He goes over and puts his arm on her shoulder as she reads out a critical review.

He assures her that it's only one review, which Erica clarifies as a "terrible review." Ethan doubts whether anyone will care about the source of it though, and advises her not to think about it and go to bed.

She replies that she'll be right there, and as Ethan heads into the bedroom, she continues to read other scathing reviews. Erica puts her head in her hands in disbelief and despair.

"Because without warning a setback can strike, setting us even further back than where we started from."

The next morning, Erica and Ethan walk through the city together on their way to work. Erica reads a review in the paper as she walks, describing The None as "a colossal failure" and attributing it to Larry Horowitz.

Ethan responds by calling him "Larry Jerkowitz," but she informs him that he is the one of the top literary critics in Toronto. He replies that it's just a couple of people's opinions and wonders who reads reviews anyway.

Erica says that everyone in the industry does - including her bosses and the public - and that a review can make or break a book. He looks on aghast as she states how bad it is and that her day can't get any worse. Ethan kisses her goodbye and tells her to hang in there.

At River Rock, Erica sits at her desk, glancing around anxiously towards Julianne in her office. Eventually she decides to go and speak to her. She knocks on the door and enters, beginning to talk about the reviews for The None.

Julianne interrupts her, suggesting they were catastrophic. Erica says she feels like she should do something, but Julianne replies that, as much as she herself would like to give Horowitz a piece of her mind, nothing can be done.

Erica agrees, saying that she read the review and, while normally agreeing with Larry, feels like he misunderstood what Katie was trying to say and that his interpretation of the message was way off.

Julianne understands that Erica feels like she wants to cry and share feelings. She replies that it's not that, rather she feels like the review was unfair. Julianne suggests that she gets some perspective and that no-one will remember the reviews if the book sells.

Erica doubts this, but Julianne assures her and tells her to scoot - advising her not to dwell and after having a cry in the bathroom to just focus on "the sex book." She stresses the importance of being on their game, as Galvin is returning later in the day.

Returning to her desk, Erica sits down before wheeling over on her chair to another desk and picking up a copy of the paper with Horowitz's review. She scrunches it up tightly in her hand, telling the picture of him that he didn't even read the book.

She puts the paper down beside her and tries to get to work but can't help glancing back at it. Erica looks at her watch and looks back around at Julianne in her office. She picks up her bag and heads over to the elevator.

As she waits, hers and Julianne's attention is drawn to Brent, apologising to an author and telling him that they're looking for something more relatable given their recent colossal failure.

He looks over to Julianne as he says these last words and smiles as he walks past her office door. The author then takes back his manuscript and joins Erica waiting for the elevator. He explains to her that he just got another rejection.

She tells him she's sorry to hear it but he remarks that at the ninth time that he's almost stopped feeling it. Erica smiles at this and looks around at Brent at his desk, commenting to the author that he can be pretty tough.

He asks if she is an editor too, and Erica replies that she likes to think so. He introduces himself as Seth Newman and, stepping into the elevator together, she glances at the front page of his manuscript, and asks him what The Purple Door is about.

As the doors close, he tells her it's the story of his life. They continue talking about the book as they walk through the city streets and Erica recounts the tale of how he was raised in a cult by his parents but managed to escape.

Seth says he was one of the lucky ones and that he had to escape. He says he hasn't looked back until now and Erica suggests that it's an amazing story. She tells him that, although she can't promise anything, she'd be happy to read his manuscript.

Encouraged, he says he's happy to let her read it and that he appreciates her offer. Erica takes the manuscript and tells Seth she'll be in touch before they shake hands and go their separate ways.

Erica heads to the National Post newspapers offices where she waits to see Larry Horowitz. He greets her, saying her visit is a first and jokes that she has a gun in her bag. She dismisses the notion, but he replies that he's just checking.

Larry suggests that an editor coming to visit him on the day he gives a bad review, and Erica interrupts him to suggest that it's "unorthodox." He says that's one word, and that "crazy" is another.

They make their way through the newsroom towards his desk and he asks her what he can do for her that he hasn't already done. Erica replies that she's read his review and that she thinks he misinterpreted what Katie was trying to say.

He doubts this, but Erica insists the book sends out an optimistic message and that it's about finding happiness. Larry adds that this is a with a guy that you don't love and that it's about finding happiness through mediocrity and settling.

Erica finds this view a little simplistic and states that they were saying to stop holding out for Mr Right. He replies that they should instead settle for Mr Wrong. She disagrees, and says Mr Real, which Larry describes as a worthy idea but one that doesn't appear in the book.

She insists it's the whole backbone of the book, but Larry disagrees suggesting that the backbone is the cynical flipside - that all men are fixer-uppers and that there's no hope in finding a soul mate.

Erica says that wasn't the intention and he repeats his question of what she wants from him, suggesting a new review or retraction. She struggles to answer him, before saying she just wanted to understand.

Larry replies that she now does and admits that the book made him angry as it's a manual on giving up and how to stop looking for love. Erica is shocked to hear this, as he describes how he's been married to his soulmate for 20 years and assures her that he didn't marry "The None."

He hands her back a copy of the book, assuming that their conversation is over. He goes, leaving a dejected Erica.

Meanwhile, at Goblins, Kai is clearing tables as Travis comes in and reminds him of the time he said they were too raw to enter V Fest and that it would be a waste of time. Kai recalls saying this, and Travis tells him that they got in.

Kai is speechless, and Travis explains that, although they won't be on the main stage, key industry people will be there to hear them play. However, Kai insists that they're not going to do it. Travis replies that they are, but Kai tells him it's not what they need.

He reminds Travis that he said himself that he wanted to keep the band small. Travis refutes having ever said that, and tells Kai that the band is doing it before leaving angrily. Kai watches on, before turning around on hearing Dr. Fred's voice.

Dr. Fred, sitting at the counter, suggests that Travis has a point, as he doesn't say he wants to keep the band small until June 18 2012. He tells Kai he is a couple of years early, but Kai replies that Travis just doesn't know it now. Dr Fred suggests this is because hindsight is 20:20.

Kai confirms that he thinks so, but Dr. Fred say it isn't always, and tells Kai that Travis has big dreams too. Kai insists that Travis can't handle them, but Dr. Fred, while conceding that may be true, say that's not the point.

Dr. Fred points out that Kai's future - which he keeps fighting against - has found him. He exits Goblins and leaves Kai wondering.

Back at River Rock, Erica leaves the elevator to find Julianne working in her office and Brent making his way back to his desk. Julianne leaves her office and goes over to Brent, asking him for a quick word.

She tells him she has been reviewing the latest chapters of The Mystery Of Tomorrow and that they're not exactly up to snuff. Hearing this, Erica turns around in her chair, intrigued. Brent, unhappy, folds his arms, and replies that Friedkin felt strongly about the chapters.

Julianne says she feels very strongly that they need work, and he asks her to be specific. She says she'll do so when she gives him her notes, before telling Brent she doesn't like his tone. He replies that he doesn't trust her unreliable of late instincts.

She is shocked at this comment, and reminds him that she's his boss. Brent remarks that that is what her business cards say and insists that the chapters will remain as they are. Astonished at his behaviour, Erica gets up out of her chair and asks Brent what's wrong with him.

He replies that it's none of her business, but Erica reminds him that Julianne gave him his shot. Unbeknown to Erica and Julianne, Galvin then walks in behind them to hear their confrontation.

Erica states that if it wasn't for Julianne then Brent would still be working in the mail room. Brent spots Galvin's presence as the row escalates and immediately changes his tone, trying to calm things down and saying they should remain professional.

Julianne scoffs at Brent's calming words and suggests that the way he went behind her back to Galvin wasn't professional. Well aware of Galvin's silent presence, Brent replies that he was looking out for River Rock.

She rejects this idea though, and says Brent was looking out for himself. Julianne concludes that Galvin is either too naive or in the early stages of Alzheimer's not to be able to see that. Angered, and having heard enough, Galvin suddenly calls out Julianne's name.

Julianne turns around, shocked. Galvin then calls out Erica's name too, and tells them he wants to see them in the boardroom. Other employees in the office watch on as Erica and Julianne, stunned, look at Brent, disgusted.

They stand, side by side, in the boardroom, as an angry Galvin paces around. He scolds them for engaging in a public shouting match with a fellow employee. Julianne apologises, to which he responds that he keeps hearing apology after apology from her.

He says he's come back to find her department once again in shambles, highlighting Erica going to visit and accost Larry Horowitz at his office as a case in point. Julianne is shocked to learn this, and Erica tries to explain that she just wanted some clarification.

Julianne tells her they don't go and see critics, and Erica apologises, and tries to explain her thinking. Galvin interrupts her though, and says she didn't think and neither did Julianne.

Galvin concludes that Julianne dropped the ball on The None in giving a junior editor free rein, and reminds her that she also crossed the line with Friedkin - a bestseller. She tries to respond to his comments, but he continues, saying she managed to talk him into the sex book based largely on the projected success of The None.

He picks up a copy of the book on the table and slams it back down, saying it's only logical that they now kill that title. Erica tries to interject and explain that the sex book and The None are completely different.

Galvin is stunned at her outspokenness though and shouts at Erica, asking her who the hell she thinks she is - stunning her into silence. He then turns to Julianne, and says that she brought them great success with Friedkin and, based on that, he was prepared to overlook a few stumbles.

He concludes though that they've reached the point where her errors in judgement are now compromising the reputation of the company and that he can't stand by and let it happen.

Julianne pleads with him but he says that both her and Erica need to pack up their desks and be out of the office by lunch. Galvin exits the boardroom, leaving the pair of them stunned. Brent, watching on, smiles ruefully to himself.

Back home, Ethan tries to comfort a devastated Erica who is crying and drinking a beer. He tells her it's going to be OK, but she tells him it's not and that getting fired is the story of her life.

He insists that she'll find another job and always has. Erica wonders what she'll find a job in, suggesting customer service or telemarketing. Ethan assures her that she'll bounce back though and, although it may not seem like it, that this could be an opportunity.

Erica replies that it's an opportunity to collect welfare. He suggests that she's always wanted to work in fiction and that she now has the chance to apply for those kinds of jobs but she insists that Ethan doesn't realise just how small the industry is.

She says that everyone reads reviews and that no-one is going to hire her after this. Ethan disagrees, and says he will help her. He reaches over to her laptop and goes to open it up. Erica asks what he's doing, and he suggests they update her CV.

He says the best thing she can do is to get right back into the game. Erica sighs at this suggestion and closes the laptop. She concedes that Ethan's trying to make her feel better but, taking the laptop and walking towards the bedroom, says all she wants to do is crawl into bed and disappear.

However, when she goes to open her bedroom door she finds the laptop disappearing from her hand and her walking into Dr. Tom's office. Sitting in her usual chair, he reads a review from a paper, commenting that The None is a "refreshing take on love and tells it like it is."

He states this isn't bad and puts the paper on his desk. Erica heads to lie down on his couch and suggests that he goes and tells Larry Horowitz that. She adds that it doesn't matter anyway, seeing as she got fired.

Erica wonders why it has to be so hard, and Dr. Tom asks what would make things better, suggesting a vacation, a good book, or some perspective. She replies that a lottery ticket would, to which he assumes she means money.

Dr. Tom contemplates this, interested. He wonders what Erica thinks this would solve for her, speculating that it could buy her a little happiness. She replies that it's not about buying anything but that it's about freedom.

Hearing this, he gets out of her chair and says it brings them to her list, which he picks up off his desk. Dr. Tom asks her if she wants to take a stab and guess which regret he's talking about. Erica immediately replies "meandyoumakes2.com" and he congratulates her on being right.

Dr. Tom asks her what happened there, and she explains it was a dot-com company she worked for in the boom. Erica says she quit a few months before they were bought out and that it was the lottery ticket she threw away.

She states that it doesn't matter anyway, as he has previously told her she can't go back to win the lottery. Dr. Tom reminds her he said she can't go back and buy a ticket, but that this is different as it's a legitimate regret.

He asks her to indulge him and, sitting up on the couch, Erica suggests that, had she stayed, she'd have been rich in her 20s and could have paid off all her student loans and never had to work at a call centre.

Erica continues, describing how she would have had the time and means to dedicate to her writing and how her life would have been completely different. Suddenly, she finds herself transported back to where she stands in front of a mirror, applying lipstick.

She's then shocked to find a guy wearing just a towel around his waist come in behind her. He wonders why she's so surprised, and she smiles nervously. He tells her he has made reservations for them at Canoe.

Erica tries to digest this, and, noting her lack of enthusiasm informs her he had to call in some serious favours to get them a table at the last minute, before suggesting a "thanks Luke" is in order.

Realising that he's referring to himself, Erica thanks him and smiles. She's then shocked when he turns around, removes his towel and dries his hair, leaving himself naked in front of her.

She tries to take in the luxurious surroundings she finds herself in, with its fine interior and furnishings. Luke then comes down the stairs, informing her he's got a meeting at Goldman Sachs and asking her to call him after her meeting as he wants to hear all about it.

Erica is unsure what meeting he's referring to, and he reminds her she's going to River Rock about her book. She's surprised to hear this, although Luke concedes that while it's not a book yet he believes in her.

He then goes to the front door to leave, opens it, before handing Erica "her paper," with her believing for a moment that his words refer to her owning the newspaper title itself, rather than it simply being the one she has delivered.

Erica nervously says she'll read it with her coffee, and Luke checks she's OK before kissing her goodbye and leaving. She shuts the door behind him and continues exploring her house, becoming almost giddy with excitement when she spots a first edition of Ulysses on a shelf.

The doorbell then rings, and Erica opens it to find Dr. Tom, dressed as a fashion designer, entering - pushing a rack of clothing. He informs her he's got the 2004 Fall collection with him, to which she reminds him that she worked at the dot-com business in 2001.

Dr. Tom explains that she didn't quit and it's three years later on - after she made millions. Erica smiles at this news, as he holds a dress up against her, describing it as looking "fierce." She asks if he's her personal shopper, and he replies that he prefers "stylist."

He removes the sunglasses he's wearing, and informs her that the dress is for her meeting, with Erica checking he's referring to the one at River Rock about the book she's apparently been writing in her big fancy mansion that she bought with her millions.

She then tells him about the first edition copy of Ulysses she owns. He whistles, impressed with this, and she runs over to pick it up and show him, wondering if it's signed. However, Dr. Tom picks up a manuscript from a table and suggests Erica focuses on it instead.

Erica is shocked to see the manuscript is Little Feats which she recalls was a short story from her class with Professor Lozar. Dr. Tom replies that it's now the first chapter of her first novel, and points to how she's already started to expand it.

She's surprised she's managed to snag a meeting at River Rock, guessing that it's because of her wealth. Dr. Tom confirms that she's now in good company, and that it turns out she frequents the same private club as Frank Galvin's daughter.

He tells Erica that: "Success is often achieved by those who don't know that failure is inevitable," before putting his sunglasses back on and she thanks him before he leaves.

She heads to River Rock, where she emerges from the elevator - surprised to see how different it looks. Erica spots Galvin in his office, who waves for her to come in.

In his office, he flicks through her pages as she explains how her book is about a girl from rural Ontario who suffers hardship after hardship and how she falls in love. Galvin looks on intrigued, although Erica senses he may be unsure about how "sexy" Ontario and hardship is.

She states that the story has been important to her since university though, and that she really connects with the protagonist, describing herself as an "underdog." At this point, Galvin stops her, and informs Erica he was born after the Great Depression and had seven siblings.

Erica confirms she knows this, as he continues to describe how he built his company from nothing. He states that he's lived through poverty whereas she became wealthy overnight. She concedes this point, and he reminds her of the saying to write what you know.

Galvin tells her that authenticity is everything and wonders how she could possibly know anything about her protagonist. Erica is surprised at this, but accepts his point, suggesting that she could make her character more urban.

He says that would be a start, but proposes they start from scratch. Erica tries to respond, but he interrupts her, advising her to stop trying to be the next Margaret Atwood and be what she is. Galvin recommends she writes the next Devil Wears Prada or Shopaholic book.

She looks disappointed that this is his impression of her, as he once again concludes that she should write what she knows. He gets out of his chair, telling Erica that's the best advice he give her. They shake hands and she thanks him as he wishes her good luck and she leaves.

Erica returns home and, as she enters, her cell phone begins to ring. She answers it, and the person on the other end asks her where she is. Not recognising the voice, Erica asks who she's speaking to, and is told it's Shana - who suggests Erica's forgotten about their shiatsus.
She denies so, although has to ask her where they're meeting.

At the massage parlour, Erica enjoys being given her massage, telling Shana that she could get used to it. Shana agrees, stating that one a week really isn't enough. She then says she needs to know whether Erica is coming with them that evening.

Once more unsure what she means, Erica asks Shana to remind her and is informed that there's a Noam Chomsky lecture about his new book. Erica says this sounds amazing, and asks if they get to meet him. Shana confirms so, adding that they'll have drinks with him.

Shana explains that the plan is to pick up Jenny and Tassie - with Erica excited to hear the mention of Jenny's name - in her new car. She says she'll then swing round to pick up Erica - who'll then spend the evening finding her a future husband.

Erica replies that it sounds perfect, before wondering about Judith coming, stating that Noam Chomsky is right up her alley.

Shana is surprised to hear Erica mention Judith's name though, and wonders if they ever talk seeing as Judith is so jealous of Erica. She tells Erica she can invite who she wants, but that she's not picking Judith up - which shocks Erica.

Erica arranges to meet up with Judith in a coffee house, and is pleased to see her turn up. She thanks her for coming, and Judith asks what the emergency is. Erica replies that she wants to know why they don't talk anymore - which astounds Judith.

She pleads with Judith to tell her why she stopped talking to her. Annoyed, Judith questions Erica's motives, but Erica insists that she knows Judith will tell her the truth, and asks her to lay it on her and not hold anything back.

After taking this in, Judith agrees to and informs Erica that she used to be ambitious and reminds her that she wanted to be an author and win a Booker. She says that ever since cashing in, all Erica has done is shop or travel or to go parties and lectures and silent auctions.

Erica looks ashamed to hear this as Judith concludes that she doesn't even try anymore. She asks Judith what happened between them, and Judith replies that she stills loves Erica as they were best friends for years.

She states that they're in different places right now, which disappoints Erica. Judith says she has to go back to work, but before leaving informs Erica that she was the one who stopped calling. She leaves a sad Erica deep in thought.

That evening, Erica returns home to find Luke sitting on the bed, in just his boxers, reading. He says he thought she was going to see Chomsky, but she informs him she cancelled before sitting down on the end of the bed.

Luke asks why, and she tells him she ended up meeting Judith for coffee. He sarcastically replies that that must have been fun, which Erica doesn't appreciate. He presumes her meeting at River Rock didn't go well, and she sighs and asks him what she does.

He thinks she means about Judith, but she says she means what she does day after day. Erica concludes that she doesn't have a job, she goes for massages with Shana, and wonders if the rest of her day is spent sitting around eating bonbons and talking about politics.

Luke reminds her she's writing a book, before suggesting she doesn't need River Rock and that she should self publish. Erica can't take him seriously, but he rejects the idea that she needs to go in and beg on her knees, stating she can publish herself or buy a publishing company.

Erica doubts it's that easy and disagrees with the view that if she can't do it herself that she should just buy it. As she then sarcastically doubts the idea about money not being able to buy happiness, she suddenly finds herself transported again.

She ends up sitting behind a desk at a cell centre, and is shocked to hear a caller's voice in her headset and an instructor standing over her telling her to answer with "WTP Insurance, how can I help you?"

Overwhelmed by where she finds herself though, Erica is unable to, and her instructor removes her headset and goes to answer the call herself - only to find the line dead. She apologises to Erica, and suggests she's going too fast.

Patronising Erica, she points to the phone on the desk and tells her that it's what they use in 2009 to transmit voices. Erica then looks down to see a badge on her top which says she's a trainee.

The instructor wonders if Erica is understanding her, but Erica is still dumbfounded by what has happened and how. Her instructor suggests it isn't happening and begins to suggest that Erica is putting the "u in incompetent" before realising her spelling error.

Erica tells Vera, the instructor, that she just needs a second. Vera tells her not to move or answer the phone though, which she writes on a post-it note and sticks on Erica's nose. Erica removes it, throwing it away in anger.

The phone then rings, and Erica answers it to find Dr. Tom on the other line. Annoyed, she asks him where he is and she puts down her headset to go and search for him. She heads to the ladies washroom where she confidently opens the door and, as expected, enters Dr. Tom's office.

He is sitting behind his desk, and she marches in and asks him what the hell is going on. Dr. Tom replies that he thinks Vera has made it perfectly clear and, pointing to her badge, says Erica is in training.

Erica asks him what she is doing at WTP in 2009, because she doesn't work there then. Dr. Tom explains that she does now and that, after living the good life for a while, the well ran dry.

He adds that it didn't help having Luke as her boyfriend and financial advisor, as he was apparently terrible at both. Panicking, Erica asks him to wait and wonders what he's saying.
She is stunned when Dr. Tom says all her money is gone and that she is at WTP because she had nothing to fall back on.

Erica can't believe it, and asks about Little Feats. Leaning back in his chair, Dr. Tom says little came of it as, after her and Luke broke up, rather than work on the book she decided she wanted to get away from it all and went on a safari to Tanzania.

Seemingly making it up as he goes along, Dr. Tom describes how she saw lots of lions, a giraffe or two, and monkeys. Erica struggles to come to terms with the fact she didn't finish her book and now has nothing.

Dr. Tom replies that she still has her mom, who she lives with - which stuns Erica. He gets up from his chair and moves over to the door, opening it for her and suggesting she doesn't want to keep Vera waiting.

Erica, anxious, checks that he's going to send her back to the real 2009. Dr. Tom wonders who said that it isn't the real 2009. She can't believe this, but he instructs her to go and enjoy the first day of the rest of her life.

She angrily rips off her badge though, throwing it down on the desk, and refuses to. She goes to sit down on her chair, telling Dr. Tom she's not going anywhere. However, as she does, Erica finds herself sitting back down on her chair at WTP - with her badge back on.

Erica looks around at all the other call centre workers there, and Vera then comes up, asking where she was. She tries to reply, and Vera guesses that she had to use the washroom. She reminds Erica that the rest of them have to wait until the scheduled break - in forty two and half minutes.

Annoyed, Erica tells her to back off and Vera suggests that she's being hostile and doesn't like her attitude. Angrily standing up, Erica is just about to speak when Vera stops her and starts making a beeping sound - saying she's getting a signal. She writes on a post-it note before sticking it on a stunned Erica and leaving.

Back home, Erica is sitting in the kitchen with her mom, describing how she was fired by sticky note, which she concludes is worse than being let go by email. Barbara assures her it will be fine and she'll find something else.

Erica suggests it'll be another call centre job, or that she can go and work for Uncle Ruby at White Dreams. Barbara says that when you hit a bump you pick yourself up and keep going. Erica replies that it isn't a bump but a giant wall.

She wonders if this is her life and whether she needs to accept that this is as good as it will get. Annoyed at her attitude, Barbara reminds Erica that she said she didn't even want the job and tells her she doesn't get it.

Barbara tells her that losing a job is one thing, but that losing a son and then your marriage is another. She stresses she's not trying to diminish what Erica is going through, but Erica agrees with her mom that she's wallowing.

She tells Erica that when her and Gary first got together it felt like she could see their entire future complete with three healthy kids, but that things don't always turn out the way you imagined.

Barbara explains that life deals you a hand and, no matter what cards you're holding, you have to play them. She says that it's hard and never stops being so, but that you learn and change and grow and that, even in her darkest moments, she reminds herself it's the reason why everyone is here.

Hearing this, Erica smiles, and Barbara reflects that, while she got fired and is now back on the bottom again, it could be worse. She implores a teary Erica to get back up and keep fighting.

Erica returns to River Rock and spots Brent in Julianne's usual office, putting some things on a shelf. She marches in, says hello, and introduces herself. He asks if she has an appointment as they both sit down.

Erica confirms she doesn't, but that she hoped to talk to him about working at River Rock. She hands him her resume, and he looks at it as she explains how she loves books and feels as though she has what it takes to work with authors and develop projects.

Brent takes this in, as she accepts that her CV doesn't reflect so. He replies that it reflects she has a Masters in English Lit. from ten years ago, which Erica corrects as nine years before taking his point.

He sighs, and tells her he has a soft spot for go-getters but that she needs a reality check. Brent hands her back her CV and says she has no experience. Erica bows her head, before stopping and handing her resume back, asking him to hire her in the mailroom.

Brent replies that mail sorters don't wear Prada, but Erica guesses that he did. She quotes "Secret Number 34" of dressing to impress, and promises him that she won't stay in the mail room for long.

Impressed by her attitude, he takes another look at her resume, and she confirms to him that both her home and cell numbers are on there. Brent tells her he'll see what he can do and they smile at one another and shake hands before Erica thanks him and leaves.

As she goes to walk back into the elevator though, she finds herself transported home into her apartment, with her laptop, entering her bedroom. Realising where she is, she breathes a sigh of relief and clutches the laptop close to her as she sits down on the bed and reflects.

The next morning, she prints out copies of her updated CV. Ethan comes into the kitchen, suggesting she's up early, and she replies that she had to get her CV ready and has drawn up a list of every publishing company in town.

Ethan comments on the difference a night's sleep makes, and Erica kisses him and tells him he was right. He replies that he usually is and he wishes her good luck as she leaves. She heads around publishing companies in the city, handing them her resume and checking them off her list as she does.

Exhausted, she takes a break and sits down on a bench where she spots a nearby bus shelter carrrying a poster for The None on the side of it. She sighs at she sees it's been vandalised with the words "is for losers" added.

She removes an orange from her bag to eat, and then notices the manuscript from Seth, which she also takes out and starts to read.

Later, she arranges to meet up with Julianne for lunch. She greets Julianne, who removes the sunglasses she's wearing to disguise the fact she's been crying.

Julianne tells Erica she better have a good reason for calling her as she has a half-eaten container of Chunky Monkey and Season 4 of The Golden Girls waiting at home for her.

Erica shows her Seth's manuscript and Julianne asks what it is. She explains that it's amazing and, handing it to her, says that, although it needs some work, it's different from anything else she's ever read.

Julianne reminds her that, in case she's forgotten, they're unemployed and pariahs. Erica asks her to hear her out, and suggests that they publish it. Julianne replies that someone needs to share their anti-depressants.

Erica insists she's being serious and, smiling broadly, says they should start a company together. Julianne says that setting up a company is a big deal and isn't like setting up a lemonade stand. However, Erica tells her to stop being such a "Debbie Downer."

Julianne is shocked to hear her own phrase being used against her, but Erica wonders when she has ever given up without a fight. She concedes that Julianne made a mistake with Friedkin and she herself screwed up on The None.

She's reminded by Julianne that they were fired, but Erica calls it a setback and says that it's an opportunity to try something. Erica suggests it may be the universe's way of giving them a push, and Julianne recalls that: "when the Lord closes a door, somewhere he opens a window."

Erica is surprised to hear this, and Julianne explains it's from The Sound Of Music. She agrees to read the manuscript but can't guarantee that she'll like it. Erica assures her that she'll love it and says she has a tingly feeling, and they smile at one another.

Meanwhile, at Goblins, Travis waits for Kai - who enters and suggests that he's stalking him. Travis sarcastically replies that he's stalking the lead singer of a non-existent band and Kai sits down beside him.

He concedes that he's been acting weird, and Travis says he's been like a completely different person. He reminds Kai that he was talking a few months ago about Head becoming the new U2, and Kai replies that success isn't everything.

Kai says that if they go to V Fest there's a chance they could blow up and wonders if that's what Travis wants.

Travis replies that that is the whole point, and he argues that you either go big or go home. He implores Kai not to back out now, as they can't do it without him. He hold out his first for Kai to bump, and he does, with Travis assuring him he's not going to regret it.

He leaves, telling Kai he'll see him at practice. Kai then notices Dr. Fred's presence, and tells him he doesn't want to hear anything. Dr. Fred accepts this, but sits down besides Kai and tells him he handled it really well.

Kai admits that it's not how he remembered it, and Dr. Fred guesses that Kai thought he was the one who pushed Travis into it, which he confirms. Dr. Fred says that Kai thinks everything he did led to Travis's suicide, but that the way he remembers things aren't how they really happened.

He gets up and suggests it's something for Kai to think about. Dr. Fred tells him to take it easy and Kai thanks him as he walks off.

Erica walks through the city, smiling, when she encounters Dr. Tom, sitting on a bench. She stops to talk, and he suggests that she's happy to be back. He stands up and they walk together as she replies that he has no idea how happy.

He laughs, and wonders about her desire to win the lottery. Erica replies that it's not all it's cracked up to be. Dr. Tom remarks that it gave her the freedom she was talking about, but she says that it gave her the freedom to coast and stop trying.

Erica concludes that having it easy solved some problems but created a whole bunch of new ones. Dr. Tom asks for an example, and she explains that all the hard years and struggle to find her way made her different and better.

He wonders where we'd be without struggle and hardship and pain. Dr. Tom asserts that it's easy to forget how much such moments shape and teach us and how different we'd be without them. Erica admits that it's hard to look at a setback as a gift.

Dr. Tom asks why though, saying that's exactly what it is. He quotes to Erica: "The struggle itself towards the height is enough to fill a man's heart." He leaves her and she smiles and narrates:

"Setbacks. We face them every day. Some cause us to stumble, others bring us to our knees. And along with pain and heartache each setback brings the opportunity to rise up, be stronger, and better, and braver than before."

Back in her apartment, Erica gets out some glasses and a bottle of champagne from the fridge. Ethan then returns home and she lights a candle. He notices everything and wonders if they're celebrating something, which she confirms.

He guesses that she got a new job already and Erica replies that it's more of a new direction and invites him to take a seat as she explains. Ethan sits down and she asks him what he thinks about her and Julianne starting up their own publishing company.

Ethan is surprised, and she concedes that it's crazy. He asks if it was Julianne's idea, and Erica explains it was hers and that she had read a manuscript by a new author that blew her away. She can't help but notice the concerned look on Ethan's face though, and asks him what's wrong.

He replies that starting her own publishing company is a risky move and that it's not something you decide on a whim. Erica tells him she isn't, and admits that she's going to have take out a business loan and that the hours are going to be crazy.

Ethan interjects and reminds her that she's never run a business and that it might not work out. She wonders why he's being so negative, but he disagrees that he is and that he doesn't mean to sound like a jerk but that he thinks they should be practical.

He says he just doesn't think it's a good idea, as Erica looks on aghast and disappointed.

"But, no sooner have we conquered a set back, we'll find another just waiting to take its place."