Season 2, Episode 5: Yes We Can
Analysis
There are a few stereotypes people from other countries seem to associate with us Brits. Being big tea-drinkers is one of them. Personally, I can't stand the stuff. Another is our famed 'stiff upper lip' which either comes across as stoic or cold, depending on your point of view.
One of the others is illustrated in that old saying, "No sex please, we're British." Although not as true today as in the past, it's a subject that, for a nation which likes to pride itself on its manners and being polite in public, we often find difficult to address.
So you can't possibly expect me to have too much to say on the topic which provided the backdrop for this episode. Well, I'll have a go anyway.
Unsurprisingly, I think, like Ethan, I'd have been a bit freaked out going to that sex club. It made funny viewing as him and Erica tried to take in what they were seeing - Ethan particularly uncomfortable with a lot of the stuff going on.
The exchange with the married couple was interesting too. I actually agree with their fundamental point - all the rules we have about sex are unnatural. They have been created around a very natural act by religion or society.
For me, sex is just like eating, drinking, staying alive - it's just a natural animal instinct. It's a carnal need, an impulsive desire and urge. It's a lasting indication that, despite all the advances and discoveries the human race have made, we are still only highly-evolved animals.
However, as a society, we have tried to set and implement boundaries on what is and isn't acceptable when it comes to sex, particularly in a religious context and in marriage.
As cynical as it sounds, I do believe that it's unnatural for us to have simply one sexual partner, and it's no wonder why so many people stray and cheat to satisfy their sexual appetite.
It doesn't mean they don't love their partner, but they are caught in a terrible conflict. The brain is telling them one thing - that they are doing something wrong, breaking someone's trust, and hurting someone.
However, at the same time, their body is telling them something completely different - to give in to their feelings and carnal needs. I guess, in the end, it all comes down to self control.
This is another of the beauties of Being Erica, in that it a show that deals with such an issue when most simply don't.
The experience in the sex club of course leads to, a naked, Dr. Tom stepping in to help Erica, although with a twist. We have already seen a 'do-over' at the end of Season 1, Episode 12. Here though, Erica is presented with a whole day to do whatever she wants.
It leads to one of the funniest episodes of the season in my opinion. Right from the start as Erica relishes destroying Ethan's beanbag in an act of destruction that actually looked pretty cathartic.
Her sticking it to Friedkin and Julianne - impersonating their mannerisms and telling some home truths - including how The Secret Of Now "SUCKED!" and also confronting the guy whose ass she had been admiring was hilarious.
Not everything is great in her 'do over' day though, as Erica discovers when she meddles with Sam and Josh's relationship, again, with disastrous consequences, again. You can see Sam's point of view, who is Erica to lecture anybody on their relationship? Terrific acting from Joanna, incidentally, to stir such rage.
It's that awkward scenario you find yourself in, wanting to help someone and caring about them but not really in a position where you're qualified to speak. Do you come across as arrogant and help them, or stay quiet and let them potentially suffer?
We see more difficulties between Erica and Josh in this episode. His being the only plate she doesn't clear from the table, and him being the only one not to rush to the door when she arrives late to dinner.
Maybe a bit of hidden depth to his comment that Erica doesn't care about him and never has - were those the words of the disliked brother-in-law or those of the spurned guy who had to settle for second best?
Speaking of relationship problems, the triangle between Erica, Kai, and Ethan is further complicated in this episode. Incidentally, the count for endings to episodes featuring Erica and Kai now three out of five. That tells its own story.
Of course, the question is whether Erica's interest with Kai is down to the fact they are fellow time travellers and he is somebody she wants to hang out with. Or is it more than that, and she is actually attracted to him. At this point, even she doesn't know.
However, as a guy, it's always unnerving when you see your girl take an interest in another guy. As I've said before girls, we're very jealous creatures. So never try and use jealousy as a game, it doesn't work well.
You can tell, too, as Ethan can that Erica is a bit smitten with Kai. From his singing a song which she maybe takes more meaning from than others, to spending 20 minutes talking to him. Then spending her 'do over' day hanging out with him.
Watching this episode back again, it's interesting to note another clue about Kai's real identity when he's driving the car and comments how they don't make cars like it anymore. Funny how obvious these things are when you know what's coming in the future.
Of course, everything begins to spiral out of control for Erica - or becomes a nightmare, as she suggests - outside her mom's as she admits to Ethan about her time travelling. It must be a horrible realisation that you will never be able to discuss something with anyone ever - as is the case with her time travelling.
It ends with her and Kai, on the run from the cops, kissing. Clearly Kai initiated it and she pulled away after a few seconds. Poor form on his part though, you just don't go for another guy's girl. As we discover later though, this is classic Kai.
Afterwards her heart-to-heart with Ethan is amazing. You can so clearly see the absolute devastation over the guilt she feels for kissing Kai. She would do anything to take it back, but however good she behaves from now on, she knows she can't.
And then Ethan realising how she has betrayed him - although he probably thinks it was worse than the reality - when Erica pulls away from the kiss. An incredible scene and great acting from Erin and Tyron.
Just a note on Ethan's jealousy, and I know it sounds like I'm defending him, but I think it's right to. Quite simply someone whose marriage broke down because of Claire's infidelity, he is just going to be naturally less trusting. That's just a fact, and Erica should be more sympathetic.
However, there is a line, and you just can't tell someone not to be friends with someone of the opposite sex just because they're in a relationship. There has to be some trust there because, without it, no relationship has any hope at all.
Eventually, Erica of her own volition - although for his sake - decides to stop being friends with Kai. Clearly she's going for the old 'out of sight, out of mind' tactic. Looking to avoid seeing him, hoping her confused emotions and feelings will go away. They never do though. Only confronting them does that.
We see throughout the season how her kiss with Kai during the 'do over' plays on her mind, and although events can be erased, her memories can't. Then again, didn't Dr. Tom warn her of as much?
Indeed, you get the feeling throughout this whole episode that Dr. Tom - in classic devil's advocate and sarcastic mode - is trying to teach Erica a lesson. Of course, it's about how her actions will always have consequences and how she has to consider others when she takes her actions.
You'd think having given her a speech in Season 1, Episode 11 about how we're not islands she'd have known as much. Then again, I guess it's realistic that sometimes the same messages have to be hammered home in different ways from different angles.
While life is full of options, choices, possibilities, and opportunities all bring consequences with them. We may not have a crystal ball and know what they'll be, but that shouldn't stop us considering what they might be. For our good, and the good of others.
Thursday, March 10, 2011
Yes We Can
Season 2, Episode 5: Yes We Can
Episode Guide
Erica and Ethan are bringing boxes of his belongings into her apartment as he moves in. They progressively move more and more stuff in until Ethan brings the final thing - a bean bag chair.
He puts it down in the living room, and Erica tells him it can't go there. Ethan asks her why it can't and as she tries to explain they end up making out. She narrates:
"Why can't I? It's a question that never goes away. Our whole lives are spent chafing against the rules, pushing back the boundaries, trying to find the loophole."
That evening, Erica and Ethan are at Goblins with Judith and Anthony. Erica explains why the bean bag can't be in the living room describing it as too old and big and Ethan chips in that she doesn't think it matches the couch.
Judith tells her that, as soon as you cohabitate, "mine becomes ours" and Kai then walks past the table and encourages Erica to learn to love the bean bag. She sarcastically thanks him for his input.
At that moment, the Goblins manager, Dave, goes to the mic on stage and announces that Kai will be performing a song for them. Kai is surprised at this, and is clearly reluctant to perform. However, he eventually relents as the audience begin to clap.
Judith asks Erica if she knew Kai could sing, and she confirms that she didn't. Kai gets on stage, with a guitar, and performs a song, Alien Like You, with Ethan noticing how mesmerised Erica appears watching Kai. At the end she gets up and enthusiastically applauds Kai.
Afterwards, Erica spots Kai heading outside for some air and she goes to to follow him, saying she'll be right back after telling him how amazing he was.
She finds Kai outside and tells him how well he sung. He thanks her, and she asks him why he didn't tell her he was a musician. Erica asks him if he's in a band, wondering whether he's a barista by day and a rock star by night. He merely smiles without replying.
Taking the hint, Erica remarks that talking about singing, like speaking about Kai's therapy, is a non-starter and enquires what they can talk about, suggesting latte art. Kai asks her what she wants to know.
Meanwhile, back inside, Anthony is explaining to Ethan about their feeding of Max - which Judith can tell Ethan is not that interested in. She asks him whether he'd like her to go and fetch Erica from outside, but he assures her it's OK.
Outside, Erica asks Kai why him telling her his doctor's name is such a big deal. He replies that it isn't, but he just doesn't want to. She laughs and tells him he's so annoying. Kai then looks at his watch and tells her his break has already overrun.
Erica wonders why everything has to be a secret with him, but Kai simply goes back inside without answering. She follows him, returning to the table and asks what she's missed, with Ethan replying "the entire evening."
She's surprised by this remark and, sensing the mood, Judith and Anthony go to pay the bill leaving Erica and Ethan alone. Erica suggests he is mad, and Ethan tells her she was gone for 20 minutes.
Erica explains she was just talking to a friend, who Ethan refers to as "the 22-year-old barista." She asks him if he's mad because she went AWOL or because she was talking to Kai. He doesn't answer, and she wonders if Ethan wants her to stop being Kai's friend.
He replies that it would be a good start and gets up to go, leaving Erica astounded. She eventually follows him out of Goblins, turning around to watch Kai working before she leaves.
"Over and over we resist any attempt to box us in, to curtail our freedom. We ask the question 'Why can't I?' and, when the answer comes back, we never like what we hear."
The next morning, Erica wakes up and gets out of bed. On her way out of the bedroom though, she almost trips over Ethan's bean bag lying on the floor. She kicks it in anger and goes into the bathroom, informing a showering Ethan that she almost broke her neck when the bean bag chair "attacked" her.
She asks him why it's in the middle of the bedroom, and he sarcastically tells her it's because it's not in the living room. He pokes his head out of the shower curtains and Erica hands him a towel. Ethan then notices how tired she looks.
Erica explains that it was hard to sleep considering he was mad at her. Ethan gets out of the shower and says he doesn't understand her friendship with Kai and begins to explain about people in relationships.
She interrupts him, suggesting that he thinks that they can't be trusted with someone from the opposite sex. Ethan tells her that getting her morning coffee from him and talking to him while waiting in line is cool, but that he is opposed to anything else.
Erica responds by saying she's not Claire, to which Ethan remarks that Claire did it all the time to him. She relents, and Ethan thanks her before going.
Later that morning, Erica and Judith - pushing Max in a stroller - are walking past a fountain in the city centre with Erica explaining that Ethan didn't exactly say she couldn't be friends with Kai. Judith takes it that that is what he meant though.
Exasperated, Erica asks why, but her attention is then drawn to Judith smiling at another mom sitting with a baby near the fountain. She asks Judith if the mom is part of her group, but Judith explains that she's just seen her around and that her baby is around Max's age.
Erica suggests she goes and introduces herself but Judith says she doesn't even know her name and stops an enthusiastic Erica from doing so as it would be "weird." She suggests Judith sounds like Ethan, but Judith tells her that he is probably feeling threatened and is a little jealous.
She asks Judith why though, stressing she hasn't done anything wrong. Jude assures her she knows, but comments that being good friends with Kai is something Erica just can't do. Erica questions this though, describing how she and Ethan were friends for years whilst he was married to Claire.
Judith says that that is the point, reminding her of who Ethan is with now. Erica is lost for words, and Judith asks if they're going to Goblins for coffee. Erica replies that she feels like Starbucks, and Judith laughs at this.
Later on, at River Rock, Erica is addressing Julianne and Friedkin about the sex book, explaining about a fascinating article from an author she has read. Friedkin seems unimpressed with this and Julianne adds that she's bored. She asks Erica about ideas for the book's title.
Erica lists her suggestions, but they also fail to impress. Julianne tells Erica that there is a disconnect between what she pitched to them, what they want, and what she is now presenting. Friedkin adds that it's "shite."
He tells Erica she came to them with a fresh concept and Julianne reminds her that they want the book to be transgressive and push boundaries. Friedkin suggests Erica stops being a prude and makes the title more raw, basic, and animal, before proceeding to make a series of "pow" noises.
Erica replies that she could get Meeri to set her up on an interview with a dominatrix, and Julianne exclaims "delicious." Erica is pleased to hear this, but Julianne explains she means the sex club Delicious where "anything goes."
She seems perturbed by this, but Friedkin instructs her to go that evening, broaden her mind, and find someone who lives and breathes sex. Erica unconvincingly tells them she's on it and leaves.
That evening, Erica and Ethan are round at Barbara's for dinner. Sam and Josh are also there. Erica apologises for not being able to take Sam and Josh to the airport and Sam replies that she understands that work is work.
Barbara comments that going to a sex club doesn't sound like work to her and Josh adds that Ethan will need to keep an eye on Erica, joking that the last thing he will want is for her to nibble on some forbidden fruit and suggesting he keeps her on a leash.
Sam is unimpressed by this and Erica doesn't react, and instead asks Sam what part of London they are looking for a house in. She replies that it's a huge city with lots of cute parts but Josh interrupts her declaring they will be moving to the West End "period."
Erica is surprised at this, and reminds him that Sam is the one who will be spending most of her time at home. Sam insists the West End is great as there is theatre and stuff to do when Erica visits.
Everyone having finished eating, Erica then clears the plates, although she doesn't take Josh's. He follows her into the kitchen carrying his plate, and jokes that all she needs to be wearing now is a French maid's outfit. Erica is typically unamused.
He says that London will be good for Sam as it will take her out of her comfort zone, remarking that she practically lives at Barbara's. Erica suggests this is because they are her family and Josh replies that he is her husband.
Erica doesn't respond to this, although Josh can tell she wants to and tries to goad her to "enlighten him" on his own marriage and "put her nose where it doesn't belong again." Annoyed, Erica is just about to speak when Ethan comes in carrying the chicken from dinner and explaining her mom wants it wrapped up.
Josh goes back to the table for dessert. Ethan can tell Erica is frustrated over something and she describes how Josh is pushing her buttons trying to get her to react and say something she'll regret.
Ethan replies that it was good that she didn't and minded her own business. He suggests that they leave Barbara's, go home, and get ready for their "big, weird" night out, and they hug.
That night, Erica and Ethan are in Delicious, trying to take in the surroundings of people, some dressed up in costumes, performing all kinds of sexual acts to one another.
Ethan asks what one particular couple are doing and Erica suggests he doesn't want to know. They continue exploring the club, shocked and surprised as they wander past couples having sex.
Later, they sit down to talk to a husband and wife who explain that, despite being married for ten years, they sleep with other people. Erica asks if it causes problems, but the husband explains that their marriage is just more open than others, with the wife adding both sexually and emotionally.
He says that they don't hide anything from one another, are completely honest, and wonders what there is nothing to be jealous of. Ethan suggests the fact that they're having sex with other people.
They laugh, replying that sex is completely natural but that all the rules surrounding it aren't. Erica asks if they don't think they're there for a reason, but the wife challenges Erica to give her a good reason which doesn't involve religion or morals.
She can't, but insists that she couldn't do what they do, and the husband replies that there is only one way for her to know for sure. The couple begin making out and the wife informs Erica and Ethan that they can join in at any time. Ethan takes this as his cue to leave though.
Erica hurriedly follows Ethan, who admits to being freaked out by the idea of a foursome, adding that he has never even had a threesome. Erica jokes that they are overrated and he admits he finds it all very weird.
She enquires whether it doesn't turn him on though, and moves behind him, running her hands down his back and down to his ass. Ethan asks her what she's doing and Erica replies that she's being bad and wonders whether he has ever wanted to just be bad with her.
Erica moves back around to face him and they begin making out. However, Ethan is very conscious that some people have stopped to watch them and he breaks the kiss, informing Erica that they have an audience.
She fails to see the big deal, reminding him that they are in a sex club and that they have seen much worse. Erica begins to kiss him again, but he stops her. She insists it's not a big deal and tells Ethan to just kiss her.
He replies that it is a big deal to him and asks if they can go. Surprised, Erica agrees and heads to fetch their jackets. However, when she goes to the coat rack and pulls the coats back she reveals Dr. Tom's office.
She enters, pulling the coats back together behind her. However, she is stunned to see Dr. Tom, sitting behind his desk, is completely naked. She turns around in horror and, preparing to stand up, he wonders if she needs a hand.
Erica insists she doesn't and advises Dr. Tom to stay where he is. He asks her what the matter is and she points out that he is naked. Dr. Tom wonders why this bothers her so much and Erica replies that the night has been of the most weirdest of her life.
He asks her to take a seat and to bear her soul to him. Erica laughs nervously at this suggestion, but she slowly walks backwards before sitting down on her chair - avoiding making eye contact with him.
Erica explains how she had never seen people having sex live before and describes how people had everything - "their kinks and bits and pieces" - hanging out. Dr. Tom responds, saying that she didn't run away screaming from all the conventions and taboos being broken though.
She admits that, at first, it was shocking, but suggests that it didn't seem as much after a while. Erica then points to the couple who cheat on one another all the time saying they seem happier than her parents ever did and wonders if they have it right.
"Nobody realises that some people expend a tremendous energy merely to be normal," he quotes to her, and Erica responds by discussing Ethan and how it was too much for him to have a couple of people watching them kiss.
Dr. Tom suggests that Ethan prefers being affectionate in private but Erica replies that he is hung up on the rules, drawing a comparison to how he says she can't be friends with Kai. Dr. Tom chuckles at this comment.
She bemoans why she should have to turn her back on the other patient she knows just because he is a guy, calling it "insane." Dr. Tom then leans forward and suggests to Erica that they should do a little experiment.
Erica stops him, checking that it doesn't involve him standing up. He confirms it doesn't, but tells her that their session will not be about a regret. She is confused by this, but he explains that, from the moment she woke up to when she walked through his door, he will give her a 'do over' day.
Dr. Tom says that nothing will stick and everything new will be erased. Intrigued, Erica checks that everything can be undone and he confirms that it can and will be, but for her own memories. He instructs Erica to go back and do whatever she wants, adding rules be damned.
He suggests she tries jumping out of a plane or gambling away her life savings and Erica chips in with "walking around naked." Pleased she has the idea, he comments that she has spent the day being bound by the rules and she should now go back and try living without any.
Erica smiles and suddenly finds herself back in bed, waking up that morning. She gets out of bed and, once more, almost trips over Ethan's bean bag chair. She is just about to walk past it when she remembers she is on a 'do over' day.
She proceeds to attack the bean bag, ripping it open and making a mess as the insides scatter all over the room and herself. Erica then walks into the bathroom, where Ethan is showering, and flushes the toilet making him exclaim in shock.
Erica explains that they need to talk about the previous night and that it can't wait. She hands him a towel and says that she knows he doesn't want her to be friends with Kai. Ethan replies that he never said that.
She continues though, telling him that she knows it comes from the fact Claire cheated on him and hurt him, but reminds him that she is not Claire. Ethan steps out of the shower, with the towel tied around his waist, and admits that he knows she isn't.
He tries to explain how he feels about her and Kai's friendship, but Erica interrupts him, saying she understands he thinks it's weird and unconventional and asks Ethan why he feels like that. Ethan admits he doesn't know and Erica insists that her friendship with Kai will never come between them.
Ethan seems reassured by this and she then runs her hands over his body, telling him it's too bad he's all clean. He asks why and she removes his towel, saying that once she's done with him he'll have to take a shower all over again. She removes her robe and they begin making out.
Walking through the city with Judith again, Erica is spinning around and acting a little crazy. Judith asks what's gotten into her as Erica jumps onto the edge of the fountain and begins dancing.
Judith apologises to some of the other people around for her friend's behaviour. She asks Erica to stop, but Erica refuses to and instead tells Judith to join her. Judith then walks past the mom and her baby from earlier, apologising for Erica's conduct.
Judith and Claudia discover both of their sons are around the same age and, with the pair chatting, Erica tells them she has to go and leaves them talking as she takes off - still spinning around and twirling.
She heads to Goblins, where an unhappy customer is raging at Kai for the coffee he has been served. Kai tries to calm him down, explaining he will make him another. Erica then enters and says hello, although Kai tells her he can't talk at the moment.
Erica asks him if he's ever seen the movie Groundhog Day, reminding him that Bill Murray's characters gets to relive the same day over and announces, loudly, that her therapist is doing the same thing for her.
Kai is shocked at her behaviour, but she assures him that nobody is going to remember. He is intrigued and checks that she really gets to re-do the day, and Erica confirms that is just what she is doing - with nothing she does for the rest of the day sticking.
The angry customer calls out to Kai, who tells him he'll be with him in a second, as he continues talking to Erica. He wonders, if everything Erica does is erased, what will happen if he is by her side.
She confirms everything he does will also be undone and informs him that is why she has come to see him - as he is the only one who can truly appreciate it.
The angry customer then rages at Kai that, if he receives a parking ticket, he will take the money out of the tip jar to pay for it. Erica advises the guy to tone it down, blowing him a kiss.
Kai checks that Erica's doctor isn't pulling her leg and, satisfied, proceeds to turn back to the rude customer and stick his finger in his coffee before handing it to him. He then turns back around to Erica, who calling him a "big rebel" asks him if he is ready.
He confirms he is, suggesting he is pretty much fired anyway after what he's just done. He jumps over the counter, swiping some car keys as he does and Erica also steals something to eat.
They leave Goblins together and Erica asks what trouble they should get into. Kai uses the keys to open a flash car parked outside and she asks him what he's doing. He explains that his "favourite customer" left his car keys on the counter and says they should call it a tip.
Erica suggests they call it Grand Theft Auto and tells Kai to forget about stealing the car. He replies that the first rule of 'do over' day is there are no rules and Kai gets into the car.
With no choice but to follow him, Erica gets in too, warning Kai that she'll never forgive him if she spends the rest of the day behind bars. He jokes that he will never be able to remember though.
They speed out of the city, enjoying the open road. Kai begins to explain about the Mercedes Benz car they're in, commenting that they don't make cars like it anymore. Erica finds this confusing, seeing as the car looks brand new.
He doesn't respond, but she suggests that he is enjoying the perks of therapy, pointing to the fact that it's not all bad. Kai insists he never said it was and, encouraged, Erica asks him once again what his doctor's name is.
Kai hesistates, but she reminds him that he isn't going to remember. He eventually tells her it's Dr. Fred. Erica's cell phone then rings and she is unhappy to see it's Julianne calling.
She comments that she is late for work but the last thing she needs is to have her boss bitch her out. Erica throws the phone onto the back seat, and Kai suggests that she goes and does the bitching instead - which Erica likes the sound of.
At River Rock, Erica emerges from the elevator, swaggering into the office. In the boardroom, Julianne, sitting with Friedkin, is trying to control her anger and compose herself, saying that a "good boss is a calm boss."
Erica enthusiastically enters the room and sits down. Julianne questions since when coming to work two hours late has been OK, and she asks Erica who the hell she thinks she is and where she has been. Erica explains that she has been with Kai her "22-year-old friend" who Meeri would describe as "righteous."
Julianne wonders what is going on with Erica and Friedkin begins to explain a theory from chapter five of The Mystery Of Tomorrow. Erica interrupts him though, suggesting that his self love knows no bounds considering he's quoting from a book not even published yet.
This shocks Julianne, but Erica continues her speech, impersonating Julianne and using air quotes when saying she is going to "break it down" for her. She labels Friedkin a dog who turns Julianne into a giggling idiot. Erica says it is embarrassing and tells her she can do better.
She then turns to Friedkin, imitating the noises he makes, and advises he gets over himself as The Secret Of Now "sucked."
Erica then spots a male colleague outside in the office and runs off to follow him into the elevator. She admits that they've never actually met but tells him she has spent the last year admiring his ass. He tells her he's married and she says she is with someone too, but this doesn't stop her grabbing his ass.
He gets out of the elevator, disturbed, and a pleased Erica waves goodbye to everyone, saying she'll see them tomorrow as the elevator doors close and she leaves.
Back in the city, Erica and Kai are walking across the Humber Bridge with Kai wearing just a cowboy hat and his underwear. Erica tells him he looks "smokin' hot" but he suggests he looks like the gayest cowboy since Brokeback Mountain. She reminds him that it was his idea to play Truth or Dare.
Kai begins to put his clothes back on and Erica asks him whether he will choose a truth or a dare. He replies truth, which pleases Erica, and she asks Kai why he won't talk to her about his therapy. He says that he did something in his past that he wants to forget.
Erica insists that he hasn't really answered her question and that, in her experience, if the regret is on the list then he has to relive it. She asks Kai what he is trying to forget but he responds by saying she doesn't get two questions.
She says that she isn't playing the game anymore, but asking him as a friend. Kai confesses that someone died because of him. This shocks Erica, but she tells him that they are called regrets for a reason and she isn't going to judge him.
Kai replies that she owes him now and asks her whether she will take a truth or dare. Erica opts for a dare and he challenges her to face a real fear and do something she's always wanted to but couldn't. Erica thinks for a while before asking how quickly they can get up to North York in the Mercedes.
At Barbara's house, dinner is taking place with Erica missing from the table. They hear someone at the door and Ethan, Barbara, and Sam get up from the table to find Erica coming in. Barbara asks where she's been and why she didn't call, and Ethan adds that Meeri said she had left work hours ago.
Erica spots Josh, who didn't go to the door, making his way into the kitchen and tells her family to sit down while she grabs something to eat before explaining everything to them. Josh goes to the fridge to get a beer which Erica then snatches from him and opens.
Josh says it was nice work of her to get Ethan and Barbara freaked out, adding that Sam was too, although she didn't show it. Erica questions how he would know if Sam was upset or not and he replies that he knows her - reminding her that they are married.
He suggests Erica must have blocked it out seeing as her maid of honour speech was to tell Sam "not to marry that asshole Josh as he doesn't love you." She states that she knows he doesn't, adding that her mom is starting to figure it out and that Sam knows it deep down too.
Josh rejects this, saying she doesn't know anything but Erica tells him she doesn't want to point fingers or attack him but does have something she needs to say. Josh is unenthusiastic to hear this, and Erica says that dragging Sam off to England won't fix their broken relationship.
He replies that Sam wants to go and he's not dragging her but Erica asks him if he's sure and wonders if he's even checked with Sam. Erica suggests that she is only going for him but Josh, having heard enough, tries to leave - telling her its none of her business.
Erica blocks his path though - saying that it is her business as Sam is her sister. She tells Josh she's known him since he was 14 and, now 30, he's still not happy, and she wants her sister to be happy. Erica pleads with him to go and do the right thing for once in his life.
Josh walks past her, silently, and Erica breathes out deeply, contemplating what she has just done and wondering whether she has got through to him.
Erica wanders back into the dining room, where Barbara tells her something is wrong as Sam and Josh have locked themselves in her bedroom. Ethan asks what she said to Josh and Erica replies that she told the truth - what they should have done a long time ago.
There's then a ring at the door and Erica goes to answer it. She opens the door to find Dr. Tom, masquerading as a Greenpeace volunteer, on the other side. She exclaims to him that "it is the end of the world" as they know it.
He wonders if she's aware that by the end of the century the planet would have warmed by six degrees. Erica replies that she actually meant that Sam and Josh are finally having "the talk" about their relationship - crossing her fingers and admitting to him that she has meddled.
"To succeed in life you need two things: ignorance and confidence," he tells her, and Erica responds by saying she is tired of holding herself back because of the rules. Dr. Tom says this is great and she explains that, in future, she is going to do and say exactly what she wants.
Dr. Tom takes this to mean that she will only answer to herself in life, and that it is every man for himself. Erica says this isn't exactly what she means.
He continues though, flippantly asking her whether she thinks an SUV driver cares about how much Carbon Dioxide they pump into the atmosphere and pointing to how they look happy.
Dr. Tom sarcastically suggests that she should go for whatever she wants, when she wants, and that everything else will sort itself out. He then leaves, telling her to enjoy, and Erica is left pondering this encounter.
She heads back to the table as Josh and Sam emerge from her bedroom. Josh says he'll put their bags in the car and Barbara asks Sam if she's OK. Sam turns to Erica, repeating her sister's words that she thinks she is making a mistake and that she is just following Josh and is too weak to stand up for what she wants.
Erica tries to explain she's just worried, but Sam rages at her, telling Erica she is the last person to tell anyone how to live. She wonders what makes her life so perfect that Erica can constantly judge her.
She sarcastically praises her for finally getting a real job and relationship and, at 32, is now so wise she can finally pay her rent without anyone's help. Sam accuses Erica of being so arrogant and thinking that she can say anything she wants to her or Josh and constantly rip apart her decisions.
Sam says she wants to move to London so she can get herself and her husband far away from Erica. She then storms out, leaving a distraught Erica who tries to appeal to Josh. He tells her that she doesn't care, and never has cared, about him though and he follows Sam.
Afterwards, Erica and Ethan are making their way to his car as he asks her if she even thought about what she would do to Sam. Erica replies that she doesn't need a lecture but he accuses her of just plowing ahead without caring about the consequences.
Erica insists that she had been trying to help Sam, but Ethan suggests that her sister clearly doesn't want or need her help.
At this point, Kai gets out of the parked Mercedes and asks if everything is OK. Ethan asks what Kai is doing there and Erica puts her hands to her head, describing things as a "nightmare." Ethan then realises that she has spent the day with Kai instead of going to work.
Kai tries to calm Ethan down, but Erica tells him to stay out of it. She assures Ethan that things are not what they look like and he guesses she is going to say that her and Kai are just friends.
Erica reiterates this, before hesistating, and after Ethan demands to know what they are, she tells him they are time travellers. Ethan is astounded by this remark and Erica admits that, although it sounds crazy, it's the truth.
She tries to recount to him the story from the previous year of when she had to go to hospital after her allergic reaction and explains how she met a therapist. Erica accepts that it sounds insane.
Ethan tells her he's the last guy to get in the way of Kai and Erica's time travelling friendship though and, as Erica tries to protest she's telling the truth, he gets in his car and drives off leaving her devastated.
Later that evening, Erica and Kai pull up back in the city in the Mercedes. She sighs deeply, and he tries to cheer her up, reminding her that, in a couple of hours, everything will have been erased and that what has happened wasn't technically real.
Erica replies that it felt pretty real and laments the fact that she will never be able to tell Ethan about her therapy. She turns to Kai, saying he is the only person she can talk to it about.
They then hear a police car, which has pulled up nearby, calling out to them to step out of the car. Erica and Kai do so but, as the cop begins to approach them, they decide to run away and manage to lose the cop in a case by darting down an alley and hiding.
Erica beings to laugh, hysterically, unable to believe how weird the past 24 hours of her life have been. She asks who she is and Kai comments that none of it matters as it's a 'do over' day and they get to do whatever they want.
She laughs, but suddenly Kai leans forward and kisses her. Erica pulls away after a few seconds, disgusted with herself. He assures her that he kissed her and she asks him why. Kai admits that he wanted to see what it would be like and Erica walks off, upset.
Erica walks back home, contemplating the events of the day, and returns to her apartment to find Ethan sitting on the couch, waiting for her. She heads towards the bedroom but he calls out to her.
She says she just wants to go to bed, but Ethan, angry, insists that she doesn't get to just walk away and asks her if she knows what she has put him and everyone else through. Sitting down on the bed, Erica, struggling to hold back the tears, apologises.
He kneels down in front of her and begs Erica to just talk to him. She says she can't but Ethan asks her to be honest and tell him the truth about what she has done during the day. Upset, Erica assures him that she has done being insensitive and selfish and awful.
Ethan tells her it's OK, but she replies that it's not. She admits that she has hurt him and made him worry and says that she loves him so much. They hug, but when Ethan goes to kiss her Erica instincitvely pulls her head away.
Shocked, he asks her again what she has done and Erica can only cry more. Ethan stands up and leaves and a distraught Erica tries to follow him. However, she suddenly finds herself back at the coat rack in Delicious.
She picks up their jackets and turns around to find Ethan waiting for her. He notices she seems flustered and asks if she's OK. Erica tells him to just take her home and they leave.
They arrive back at the apartment, with Ethan commenting that the night had been interesting. Pointing to the remainder of his stuff, he promises her that he will have it all put away by the next day. Erica tells him not to worry about it though.
She asks if they can talk about the weirdness from the morning but Ethan says it was all his fault and that he let his issues with Claire turn him into a crazy man. Erica replies that he had a right, but Ethan insists he didn't and that she was right - agreeing that Erica could never do what Claire did.
Erica looks away at this comment, but he puts his hands either side of her face and tells her that she can be friends with whoever she wants and that he trusts her. They kiss and he begins to pack away more of his stuff as Erica thinks.
The next morning, Erica arrives at River Rock and spots Julianne and Friedkin deep in conversation. She walks into the boardroom and Julianne greets her as "their little sex tourist," and Friedkin asks her how it felt to take a walk on the wild side.
As Erica stutters a reply, Julianne comments that she smells disappointment and desperation. Erica admits that she didn't find any inspiration at Delicious and doesn't think she will with the direction they're taking the book.
Friedkin suggests that she has fallen into old habits and brands Erica a "sexual luddite" with hang ups and issues. Erica replies by saying that he can think what he wants but argues there is a reason why 99.9 per cent of the population don't walk around in leather harnesses or have group sex with multiple partners.
He repeats his assertion that they have hang ups and issues, but Erica argues that if they make a book aimed specifically at the fringe then that is all they will have buying it. Julianne asks her what her proposal is, and Erica suggests she wants the book to fall somewhere in the middle.
She agrees that it should make a nod to the more "out there" aspects of sexuality and fantasies but is adamant that they shouldn't forget the core. Erica insists that, for the most part, real people prefer to keep their fantasies safely stored away in their heads.
Friedkin comments that if he went to Delicious he'd come back with enough "juice" to fill half a book. Julianne dismisses this remark, reminding him that Erica is editing the book. She instructs her to follow her direction and find the right author, but warns Erica that there will be a price to pay if she brings in a piece of garbage.
Later, Erica is walking through the city towards a tram stop where she spots Dr. Tom, reading a paper, waiting for her. He greets her by saying she's back in the real world and Erica admits that the look on Ethan's face keeps running on repeat in her head.
Dr. Tom reminds her that, technically, it never happened and Erica points to how he told her she'd live regret free. He disagrees with this though, recalling he told her to live the day as she wanted and that nothing would stick, he adds that something has though.
Erica concurs, admitting she has no idea what to do about it. Dr. Tom tells her everything has a consequence and that: "Every action has a reaction." He says that she now has a choice of whether to do something about her predicament or not.
He advises that, regardless of what road she chooses, there will still be consequences and she bemoans that there always are. A tram then pulls up and Erica gets on it, leaving Dr. Tom at the stop. She narrates:
"Consequences. When we ask the question, 'Why can't I?' they're right there, staring us in the face. The answers that we don't want to hear."
She sits down on a seat next to an open window and, as the tram drives away, calls out to Dr. Tom that next time she just wants their regular scheduled therapy and no experiments. He smiles and walks off.
Erica heads for Goblins where she greets Kai and comments that it has been a while since they hung out. Confused, Kai tells her they never have and Erica, realising he doesn't remember, agrees they probably haven't.
Kai asks whether she has been avoiding him in the morning because he had blocked her efforts to get inside his head. Erica rejects this idea, and he admits that if she was willing to treat a poor barista to a fancy dinner that he'll tell her anything she wants to know.
Erica tells him she can't, and Kai asks what he has done. She assures him nothing, and begins to explain how he refuses to talk about his therapy and Dr. Fred. Kai is shocked to discover that she knows his therapist's name and questions her how.
She replies that she just does and that she is now refusing to make her boyfriend's life a living hell. Kai wonders whether she is cool about Ethan telling her who she can and can't be friends with.
Erica says that it is her decision, although Kai doubts this. She insists that it is and he replies that he will just see her for her morning latte. Erica walks away, reflecting on what she has just done.
Episode Guide
Erica and Ethan are bringing boxes of his belongings into her apartment as he moves in. They progressively move more and more stuff in until Ethan brings the final thing - a bean bag chair.
He puts it down in the living room, and Erica tells him it can't go there. Ethan asks her why it can't and as she tries to explain they end up making out. She narrates:
"Why can't I? It's a question that never goes away. Our whole lives are spent chafing against the rules, pushing back the boundaries, trying to find the loophole."
That evening, Erica and Ethan are at Goblins with Judith and Anthony. Erica explains why the bean bag can't be in the living room describing it as too old and big and Ethan chips in that she doesn't think it matches the couch.
Judith tells her that, as soon as you cohabitate, "mine becomes ours" and Kai then walks past the table and encourages Erica to learn to love the bean bag. She sarcastically thanks him for his input.
At that moment, the Goblins manager, Dave, goes to the mic on stage and announces that Kai will be performing a song for them. Kai is surprised at this, and is clearly reluctant to perform. However, he eventually relents as the audience begin to clap.
Judith asks Erica if she knew Kai could sing, and she confirms that she didn't. Kai gets on stage, with a guitar, and performs a song, Alien Like You, with Ethan noticing how mesmerised Erica appears watching Kai. At the end she gets up and enthusiastically applauds Kai.
Afterwards, Erica spots Kai heading outside for some air and she goes to to follow him, saying she'll be right back after telling him how amazing he was.
She finds Kai outside and tells him how well he sung. He thanks her, and she asks him why he didn't tell her he was a musician. Erica asks him if he's in a band, wondering whether he's a barista by day and a rock star by night. He merely smiles without replying.
Taking the hint, Erica remarks that talking about singing, like speaking about Kai's therapy, is a non-starter and enquires what they can talk about, suggesting latte art. Kai asks her what she wants to know.
Meanwhile, back inside, Anthony is explaining to Ethan about their feeding of Max - which Judith can tell Ethan is not that interested in. She asks him whether he'd like her to go and fetch Erica from outside, but he assures her it's OK.
Outside, Erica asks Kai why him telling her his doctor's name is such a big deal. He replies that it isn't, but he just doesn't want to. She laughs and tells him he's so annoying. Kai then looks at his watch and tells her his break has already overrun.
Erica wonders why everything has to be a secret with him, but Kai simply goes back inside without answering. She follows him, returning to the table and asks what she's missed, with Ethan replying "the entire evening."
She's surprised by this remark and, sensing the mood, Judith and Anthony go to pay the bill leaving Erica and Ethan alone. Erica suggests he is mad, and Ethan tells her she was gone for 20 minutes.
Erica explains she was just talking to a friend, who Ethan refers to as "the 22-year-old barista." She asks him if he's mad because she went AWOL or because she was talking to Kai. He doesn't answer, and she wonders if Ethan wants her to stop being Kai's friend.
He replies that it would be a good start and gets up to go, leaving Erica astounded. She eventually follows him out of Goblins, turning around to watch Kai working before she leaves.
"Over and over we resist any attempt to box us in, to curtail our freedom. We ask the question 'Why can't I?' and, when the answer comes back, we never like what we hear."
The next morning, Erica wakes up and gets out of bed. On her way out of the bedroom though, she almost trips over Ethan's bean bag lying on the floor. She kicks it in anger and goes into the bathroom, informing a showering Ethan that she almost broke her neck when the bean bag chair "attacked" her.
She asks him why it's in the middle of the bedroom, and he sarcastically tells her it's because it's not in the living room. He pokes his head out of the shower curtains and Erica hands him a towel. Ethan then notices how tired she looks.
Erica explains that it was hard to sleep considering he was mad at her. Ethan gets out of the shower and says he doesn't understand her friendship with Kai and begins to explain about people in relationships.
She interrupts him, suggesting that he thinks that they can't be trusted with someone from the opposite sex. Ethan tells her that getting her morning coffee from him and talking to him while waiting in line is cool, but that he is opposed to anything else.
Erica responds by saying she's not Claire, to which Ethan remarks that Claire did it all the time to him. She relents, and Ethan thanks her before going.
Later that morning, Erica and Judith - pushing Max in a stroller - are walking past a fountain in the city centre with Erica explaining that Ethan didn't exactly say she couldn't be friends with Kai. Judith takes it that that is what he meant though.
Exasperated, Erica asks why, but her attention is then drawn to Judith smiling at another mom sitting with a baby near the fountain. She asks Judith if the mom is part of her group, but Judith explains that she's just seen her around and that her baby is around Max's age.
Erica suggests she goes and introduces herself but Judith says she doesn't even know her name and stops an enthusiastic Erica from doing so as it would be "weird." She suggests Judith sounds like Ethan, but Judith tells her that he is probably feeling threatened and is a little jealous.
She asks Judith why though, stressing she hasn't done anything wrong. Jude assures her she knows, but comments that being good friends with Kai is something Erica just can't do. Erica questions this though, describing how she and Ethan were friends for years whilst he was married to Claire.
Judith says that that is the point, reminding her of who Ethan is with now. Erica is lost for words, and Judith asks if they're going to Goblins for coffee. Erica replies that she feels like Starbucks, and Judith laughs at this.
Later on, at River Rock, Erica is addressing Julianne and Friedkin about the sex book, explaining about a fascinating article from an author she has read. Friedkin seems unimpressed with this and Julianne adds that she's bored. She asks Erica about ideas for the book's title.
Erica lists her suggestions, but they also fail to impress. Julianne tells Erica that there is a disconnect between what she pitched to them, what they want, and what she is now presenting. Friedkin adds that it's "shite."
He tells Erica she came to them with a fresh concept and Julianne reminds her that they want the book to be transgressive and push boundaries. Friedkin suggests Erica stops being a prude and makes the title more raw, basic, and animal, before proceeding to make a series of "pow" noises.
Erica replies that she could get Meeri to set her up on an interview with a dominatrix, and Julianne exclaims "delicious." Erica is pleased to hear this, but Julianne explains she means the sex club Delicious where "anything goes."
She seems perturbed by this, but Friedkin instructs her to go that evening, broaden her mind, and find someone who lives and breathes sex. Erica unconvincingly tells them she's on it and leaves.
That evening, Erica and Ethan are round at Barbara's for dinner. Sam and Josh are also there. Erica apologises for not being able to take Sam and Josh to the airport and Sam replies that she understands that work is work.
Barbara comments that going to a sex club doesn't sound like work to her and Josh adds that Ethan will need to keep an eye on Erica, joking that the last thing he will want is for her to nibble on some forbidden fruit and suggesting he keeps her on a leash.
Sam is unimpressed by this and Erica doesn't react, and instead asks Sam what part of London they are looking for a house in. She replies that it's a huge city with lots of cute parts but Josh interrupts her declaring they will be moving to the West End "period."
Erica is surprised at this, and reminds him that Sam is the one who will be spending most of her time at home. Sam insists the West End is great as there is theatre and stuff to do when Erica visits.
Everyone having finished eating, Erica then clears the plates, although she doesn't take Josh's. He follows her into the kitchen carrying his plate, and jokes that all she needs to be wearing now is a French maid's outfit. Erica is typically unamused.
He says that London will be good for Sam as it will take her out of her comfort zone, remarking that she practically lives at Barbara's. Erica suggests this is because they are her family and Josh replies that he is her husband.
Erica doesn't respond to this, although Josh can tell she wants to and tries to goad her to "enlighten him" on his own marriage and "put her nose where it doesn't belong again." Annoyed, Erica is just about to speak when Ethan comes in carrying the chicken from dinner and explaining her mom wants it wrapped up.
Josh goes back to the table for dessert. Ethan can tell Erica is frustrated over something and she describes how Josh is pushing her buttons trying to get her to react and say something she'll regret.
Ethan replies that it was good that she didn't and minded her own business. He suggests that they leave Barbara's, go home, and get ready for their "big, weird" night out, and they hug.
That night, Erica and Ethan are in Delicious, trying to take in the surroundings of people, some dressed up in costumes, performing all kinds of sexual acts to one another.
Ethan asks what one particular couple are doing and Erica suggests he doesn't want to know. They continue exploring the club, shocked and surprised as they wander past couples having sex.
Later, they sit down to talk to a husband and wife who explain that, despite being married for ten years, they sleep with other people. Erica asks if it causes problems, but the husband explains that their marriage is just more open than others, with the wife adding both sexually and emotionally.
He says that they don't hide anything from one another, are completely honest, and wonders what there is nothing to be jealous of. Ethan suggests the fact that they're having sex with other people.
They laugh, replying that sex is completely natural but that all the rules surrounding it aren't. Erica asks if they don't think they're there for a reason, but the wife challenges Erica to give her a good reason which doesn't involve religion or morals.
She can't, but insists that she couldn't do what they do, and the husband replies that there is only one way for her to know for sure. The couple begin making out and the wife informs Erica and Ethan that they can join in at any time. Ethan takes this as his cue to leave though.
Erica hurriedly follows Ethan, who admits to being freaked out by the idea of a foursome, adding that he has never even had a threesome. Erica jokes that they are overrated and he admits he finds it all very weird.
She enquires whether it doesn't turn him on though, and moves behind him, running her hands down his back and down to his ass. Ethan asks her what she's doing and Erica replies that she's being bad and wonders whether he has ever wanted to just be bad with her.
Erica moves back around to face him and they begin making out. However, Ethan is very conscious that some people have stopped to watch them and he breaks the kiss, informing Erica that they have an audience.
She fails to see the big deal, reminding him that they are in a sex club and that they have seen much worse. Erica begins to kiss him again, but he stops her. She insists it's not a big deal and tells Ethan to just kiss her.
He replies that it is a big deal to him and asks if they can go. Surprised, Erica agrees and heads to fetch their jackets. However, when she goes to the coat rack and pulls the coats back she reveals Dr. Tom's office.
She enters, pulling the coats back together behind her. However, she is stunned to see Dr. Tom, sitting behind his desk, is completely naked. She turns around in horror and, preparing to stand up, he wonders if she needs a hand.
Erica insists she doesn't and advises Dr. Tom to stay where he is. He asks her what the matter is and she points out that he is naked. Dr. Tom wonders why this bothers her so much and Erica replies that the night has been of the most weirdest of her life.
He asks her to take a seat and to bear her soul to him. Erica laughs nervously at this suggestion, but she slowly walks backwards before sitting down on her chair - avoiding making eye contact with him.
Erica explains how she had never seen people having sex live before and describes how people had everything - "their kinks and bits and pieces" - hanging out. Dr. Tom responds, saying that she didn't run away screaming from all the conventions and taboos being broken though.
She admits that, at first, it was shocking, but suggests that it didn't seem as much after a while. Erica then points to the couple who cheat on one another all the time saying they seem happier than her parents ever did and wonders if they have it right.
"Nobody realises that some people expend a tremendous energy merely to be normal," he quotes to her, and Erica responds by discussing Ethan and how it was too much for him to have a couple of people watching them kiss.
Dr. Tom suggests that Ethan prefers being affectionate in private but Erica replies that he is hung up on the rules, drawing a comparison to how he says she can't be friends with Kai. Dr. Tom chuckles at this comment.
She bemoans why she should have to turn her back on the other patient she knows just because he is a guy, calling it "insane." Dr. Tom then leans forward and suggests to Erica that they should do a little experiment.
Erica stops him, checking that it doesn't involve him standing up. He confirms it doesn't, but tells her that their session will not be about a regret. She is confused by this, but he explains that, from the moment she woke up to when she walked through his door, he will give her a 'do over' day.
Dr. Tom says that nothing will stick and everything new will be erased. Intrigued, Erica checks that everything can be undone and he confirms that it can and will be, but for her own memories. He instructs Erica to go back and do whatever she wants, adding rules be damned.
He suggests she tries jumping out of a plane or gambling away her life savings and Erica chips in with "walking around naked." Pleased she has the idea, he comments that she has spent the day being bound by the rules and she should now go back and try living without any.
Erica smiles and suddenly finds herself back in bed, waking up that morning. She gets out of bed and, once more, almost trips over Ethan's bean bag chair. She is just about to walk past it when she remembers she is on a 'do over' day.
She proceeds to attack the bean bag, ripping it open and making a mess as the insides scatter all over the room and herself. Erica then walks into the bathroom, where Ethan is showering, and flushes the toilet making him exclaim in shock.
Erica explains that they need to talk about the previous night and that it can't wait. She hands him a towel and says that she knows he doesn't want her to be friends with Kai. Ethan replies that he never said that.
She continues though, telling him that she knows it comes from the fact Claire cheated on him and hurt him, but reminds him that she is not Claire. Ethan steps out of the shower, with the towel tied around his waist, and admits that he knows she isn't.
He tries to explain how he feels about her and Kai's friendship, but Erica interrupts him, saying she understands he thinks it's weird and unconventional and asks Ethan why he feels like that. Ethan admits he doesn't know and Erica insists that her friendship with Kai will never come between them.
Ethan seems reassured by this and she then runs her hands over his body, telling him it's too bad he's all clean. He asks why and she removes his towel, saying that once she's done with him he'll have to take a shower all over again. She removes her robe and they begin making out.
Walking through the city with Judith again, Erica is spinning around and acting a little crazy. Judith asks what's gotten into her as Erica jumps onto the edge of the fountain and begins dancing.
Judith apologises to some of the other people around for her friend's behaviour. She asks Erica to stop, but Erica refuses to and instead tells Judith to join her. Judith then walks past the mom and her baby from earlier, apologising for Erica's conduct.
Erica congratulates her on making "first contact" with the mom and encourages Judith to talk to her more. Judith is reluctant, but Erica takes it upon herself and goes over and introduces them to the mom, Claudia, who is with her baby son, Hassan.
Judith and Claudia discover both of their sons are around the same age and, with the pair chatting, Erica tells them she has to go and leaves them talking as she takes off - still spinning around and twirling.
She heads to Goblins, where an unhappy customer is raging at Kai for the coffee he has been served. Kai tries to calm him down, explaining he will make him another. Erica then enters and says hello, although Kai tells her he can't talk at the moment.
Erica asks him if he's ever seen the movie Groundhog Day, reminding him that Bill Murray's characters gets to relive the same day over and announces, loudly, that her therapist is doing the same thing for her.
Kai is shocked at her behaviour, but she assures him that nobody is going to remember. He is intrigued and checks that she really gets to re-do the day, and Erica confirms that is just what she is doing - with nothing she does for the rest of the day sticking.
The angry customer calls out to Kai, who tells him he'll be with him in a second, as he continues talking to Erica. He wonders, if everything Erica does is erased, what will happen if he is by her side.
She confirms everything he does will also be undone and informs him that is why she has come to see him - as he is the only one who can truly appreciate it.
The angry customer then rages at Kai that, if he receives a parking ticket, he will take the money out of the tip jar to pay for it. Erica advises the guy to tone it down, blowing him a kiss.
Kai checks that Erica's doctor isn't pulling her leg and, satisfied, proceeds to turn back to the rude customer and stick his finger in his coffee before handing it to him. He then turns back around to Erica, who calling him a "big rebel" asks him if he is ready.
He confirms he is, suggesting he is pretty much fired anyway after what he's just done. He jumps over the counter, swiping some car keys as he does and Erica also steals something to eat.
They leave Goblins together and Erica asks what trouble they should get into. Kai uses the keys to open a flash car parked outside and she asks him what he's doing. He explains that his "favourite customer" left his car keys on the counter and says they should call it a tip.
Erica suggests they call it Grand Theft Auto and tells Kai to forget about stealing the car. He replies that the first rule of 'do over' day is there are no rules and Kai gets into the car.
With no choice but to follow him, Erica gets in too, warning Kai that she'll never forgive him if she spends the rest of the day behind bars. He jokes that he will never be able to remember though.
They speed out of the city, enjoying the open road. Kai begins to explain about the Mercedes Benz car they're in, commenting that they don't make cars like it anymore. Erica finds this confusing, seeing as the car looks brand new.
He doesn't respond, but she suggests that he is enjoying the perks of therapy, pointing to the fact that it's not all bad. Kai insists he never said it was and, encouraged, Erica asks him once again what his doctor's name is.
Kai hesistates, but she reminds him that he isn't going to remember. He eventually tells her it's Dr. Fred. Erica's cell phone then rings and she is unhappy to see it's Julianne calling.
She comments that she is late for work but the last thing she needs is to have her boss bitch her out. Erica throws the phone onto the back seat, and Kai suggests that she goes and does the bitching instead - which Erica likes the sound of.
At River Rock, Erica emerges from the elevator, swaggering into the office. In the boardroom, Julianne, sitting with Friedkin, is trying to control her anger and compose herself, saying that a "good boss is a calm boss."
Erica enthusiastically enters the room and sits down. Julianne questions since when coming to work two hours late has been OK, and she asks Erica who the hell she thinks she is and where she has been. Erica explains that she has been with Kai her "22-year-old friend" who Meeri would describe as "righteous."
Julianne wonders what is going on with Erica and Friedkin begins to explain a theory from chapter five of The Mystery Of Tomorrow. Erica interrupts him though, suggesting that his self love knows no bounds considering he's quoting from a book not even published yet.
This shocks Julianne, but Erica continues her speech, impersonating Julianne and using air quotes when saying she is going to "break it down" for her. She labels Friedkin a dog who turns Julianne into a giggling idiot. Erica says it is embarrassing and tells her she can do better.
She then turns to Friedkin, imitating the noises he makes, and advises he gets over himself as The Secret Of Now "sucked."
Erica then spots a male colleague outside in the office and runs off to follow him into the elevator. She admits that they've never actually met but tells him she has spent the last year admiring his ass. He tells her he's married and she says she is with someone too, but this doesn't stop her grabbing his ass.
He gets out of the elevator, disturbed, and a pleased Erica waves goodbye to everyone, saying she'll see them tomorrow as the elevator doors close and she leaves.
Back in the city, Erica and Kai are walking across the Humber Bridge with Kai wearing just a cowboy hat and his underwear. Erica tells him he looks "smokin' hot" but he suggests he looks like the gayest cowboy since Brokeback Mountain. She reminds him that it was his idea to play Truth or Dare.
Kai begins to put his clothes back on and Erica asks him whether he will choose a truth or a dare. He replies truth, which pleases Erica, and she asks Kai why he won't talk to her about his therapy. He says that he did something in his past that he wants to forget.
Erica insists that he hasn't really answered her question and that, in her experience, if the regret is on the list then he has to relive it. She asks Kai what he is trying to forget but he responds by saying she doesn't get two questions.
She says that she isn't playing the game anymore, but asking him as a friend. Kai confesses that someone died because of him. This shocks Erica, but she tells him that they are called regrets for a reason and she isn't going to judge him.
Kai replies that she owes him now and asks her whether she will take a truth or dare. Erica opts for a dare and he challenges her to face a real fear and do something she's always wanted to but couldn't. Erica thinks for a while before asking how quickly they can get up to North York in the Mercedes.
At Barbara's house, dinner is taking place with Erica missing from the table. They hear someone at the door and Ethan, Barbara, and Sam get up from the table to find Erica coming in. Barbara asks where she's been and why she didn't call, and Ethan adds that Meeri said she had left work hours ago.
Erica spots Josh, who didn't go to the door, making his way into the kitchen and tells her family to sit down while she grabs something to eat before explaining everything to them. Josh goes to the fridge to get a beer which Erica then snatches from him and opens.
Josh says it was nice work of her to get Ethan and Barbara freaked out, adding that Sam was too, although she didn't show it. Erica questions how he would know if Sam was upset or not and he replies that he knows her - reminding her that they are married.
He suggests Erica must have blocked it out seeing as her maid of honour speech was to tell Sam "not to marry that asshole Josh as he doesn't love you." She states that she knows he doesn't, adding that her mom is starting to figure it out and that Sam knows it deep down too.
Josh rejects this, saying she doesn't know anything but Erica tells him she doesn't want to point fingers or attack him but does have something she needs to say. Josh is unenthusiastic to hear this, and Erica says that dragging Sam off to England won't fix their broken relationship.
He replies that Sam wants to go and he's not dragging her but Erica asks him if he's sure and wonders if he's even checked with Sam. Erica suggests that she is only going for him but Josh, having heard enough, tries to leave - telling her its none of her business.
Erica blocks his path though - saying that it is her business as Sam is her sister. She tells Josh she's known him since he was 14 and, now 30, he's still not happy, and she wants her sister to be happy. Erica pleads with him to go and do the right thing for once in his life.
Josh walks past her, silently, and Erica breathes out deeply, contemplating what she has just done and wondering whether she has got through to him.
Erica wanders back into the dining room, where Barbara tells her something is wrong as Sam and Josh have locked themselves in her bedroom. Ethan asks what she said to Josh and Erica replies that she told the truth - what they should have done a long time ago.
There's then a ring at the door and Erica goes to answer it. She opens the door to find Dr. Tom, masquerading as a Greenpeace volunteer, on the other side. She exclaims to him that "it is the end of the world" as they know it.
He wonders if she's aware that by the end of the century the planet would have warmed by six degrees. Erica replies that she actually meant that Sam and Josh are finally having "the talk" about their relationship - crossing her fingers and admitting to him that she has meddled.
"To succeed in life you need two things: ignorance and confidence," he tells her, and Erica responds by saying she is tired of holding herself back because of the rules. Dr. Tom says this is great and she explains that, in future, she is going to do and say exactly what she wants.
Dr. Tom takes this to mean that she will only answer to herself in life, and that it is every man for himself. Erica says this isn't exactly what she means.
He continues though, flippantly asking her whether she thinks an SUV driver cares about how much Carbon Dioxide they pump into the atmosphere and pointing to how they look happy.
Dr. Tom sarcastically suggests that she should go for whatever she wants, when she wants, and that everything else will sort itself out. He then leaves, telling her to enjoy, and Erica is left pondering this encounter.
She heads back to the table as Josh and Sam emerge from her bedroom. Josh says he'll put their bags in the car and Barbara asks Sam if she's OK. Sam turns to Erica, repeating her sister's words that she thinks she is making a mistake and that she is just following Josh and is too weak to stand up for what she wants.
Erica tries to explain she's just worried, but Sam rages at her, telling Erica she is the last person to tell anyone how to live. She wonders what makes her life so perfect that Erica can constantly judge her.
She sarcastically praises her for finally getting a real job and relationship and, at 32, is now so wise she can finally pay her rent without anyone's help. Sam accuses Erica of being so arrogant and thinking that she can say anything she wants to her or Josh and constantly rip apart her decisions.
Sam says she wants to move to London so she can get herself and her husband far away from Erica. She then storms out, leaving a distraught Erica who tries to appeal to Josh. He tells her that she doesn't care, and never has cared, about him though and he follows Sam.
Afterwards, Erica and Ethan are making their way to his car as he asks her if she even thought about what she would do to Sam. Erica replies that she doesn't need a lecture but he accuses her of just plowing ahead without caring about the consequences.
Erica insists that she had been trying to help Sam, but Ethan suggests that her sister clearly doesn't want or need her help.
At this point, Kai gets out of the parked Mercedes and asks if everything is OK. Ethan asks what Kai is doing there and Erica puts her hands to her head, describing things as a "nightmare." Ethan then realises that she has spent the day with Kai instead of going to work.
Kai tries to calm Ethan down, but Erica tells him to stay out of it. She assures Ethan that things are not what they look like and he guesses she is going to say that her and Kai are just friends.
Erica reiterates this, before hesistating, and after Ethan demands to know what they are, she tells him they are time travellers. Ethan is astounded by this remark and Erica admits that, although it sounds crazy, it's the truth.
She tries to recount to him the story from the previous year of when she had to go to hospital after her allergic reaction and explains how she met a therapist. Erica accepts that it sounds insane.
Ethan tells her he's the last guy to get in the way of Kai and Erica's time travelling friendship though and, as Erica tries to protest she's telling the truth, he gets in his car and drives off leaving her devastated.
Later that evening, Erica and Kai pull up back in the city in the Mercedes. She sighs deeply, and he tries to cheer her up, reminding her that, in a couple of hours, everything will have been erased and that what has happened wasn't technically real.
Erica replies that it felt pretty real and laments the fact that she will never be able to tell Ethan about her therapy. She turns to Kai, saying he is the only person she can talk to it about.
They then hear a police car, which has pulled up nearby, calling out to them to step out of the car. Erica and Kai do so but, as the cop begins to approach them, they decide to run away and manage to lose the cop in a case by darting down an alley and hiding.
Erica beings to laugh, hysterically, unable to believe how weird the past 24 hours of her life have been. She asks who she is and Kai comments that none of it matters as it's a 'do over' day and they get to do whatever they want.
She laughs, but suddenly Kai leans forward and kisses her. Erica pulls away after a few seconds, disgusted with herself. He assures her that he kissed her and she asks him why. Kai admits that he wanted to see what it would be like and Erica walks off, upset.
Erica walks back home, contemplating the events of the day, and returns to her apartment to find Ethan sitting on the couch, waiting for her. She heads towards the bedroom but he calls out to her.
She says she just wants to go to bed, but Ethan, angry, insists that she doesn't get to just walk away and asks her if she knows what she has put him and everyone else through. Sitting down on the bed, Erica, struggling to hold back the tears, apologises.
He kneels down in front of her and begs Erica to just talk to him. She says she can't but Ethan asks her to be honest and tell him the truth about what she has done during the day. Upset, Erica assures him that she has done being insensitive and selfish and awful.
Ethan tells her it's OK, but she replies that it's not. She admits that she has hurt him and made him worry and says that she loves him so much. They hug, but when Ethan goes to kiss her Erica instincitvely pulls her head away.
Shocked, he asks her again what she has done and Erica can only cry more. Ethan stands up and leaves and a distraught Erica tries to follow him. However, she suddenly finds herself back at the coat rack in Delicious.
She picks up their jackets and turns around to find Ethan waiting for her. He notices she seems flustered and asks if she's OK. Erica tells him to just take her home and they leave.
They arrive back at the apartment, with Ethan commenting that the night had been interesting. Pointing to the remainder of his stuff, he promises her that he will have it all put away by the next day. Erica tells him not to worry about it though.
She asks if they can talk about the weirdness from the morning but Ethan says it was all his fault and that he let his issues with Claire turn him into a crazy man. Erica replies that he had a right, but Ethan insists he didn't and that she was right - agreeing that Erica could never do what Claire did.
Erica looks away at this comment, but he puts his hands either side of her face and tells her that she can be friends with whoever she wants and that he trusts her. They kiss and he begins to pack away more of his stuff as Erica thinks.
The next morning, Erica arrives at River Rock and spots Julianne and Friedkin deep in conversation. She walks into the boardroom and Julianne greets her as "their little sex tourist," and Friedkin asks her how it felt to take a walk on the wild side.
As Erica stutters a reply, Julianne comments that she smells disappointment and desperation. Erica admits that she didn't find any inspiration at Delicious and doesn't think she will with the direction they're taking the book.
Friedkin suggests that she has fallen into old habits and brands Erica a "sexual luddite" with hang ups and issues. Erica replies by saying that he can think what he wants but argues there is a reason why 99.9 per cent of the population don't walk around in leather harnesses or have group sex with multiple partners.
He repeats his assertion that they have hang ups and issues, but Erica argues that if they make a book aimed specifically at the fringe then that is all they will have buying it. Julianne asks her what her proposal is, and Erica suggests she wants the book to fall somewhere in the middle.
She agrees that it should make a nod to the more "out there" aspects of sexuality and fantasies but is adamant that they shouldn't forget the core. Erica insists that, for the most part, real people prefer to keep their fantasies safely stored away in their heads.
Friedkin comments that if he went to Delicious he'd come back with enough "juice" to fill half a book. Julianne dismisses this remark, reminding him that Erica is editing the book. She instructs her to follow her direction and find the right author, but warns Erica that there will be a price to pay if she brings in a piece of garbage.
Later, Erica is walking through the city towards a tram stop where she spots Dr. Tom, reading a paper, waiting for her. He greets her by saying she's back in the real world and Erica admits that the look on Ethan's face keeps running on repeat in her head.
Dr. Tom reminds her that, technically, it never happened and Erica points to how he told her she'd live regret free. He disagrees with this though, recalling he told her to live the day as she wanted and that nothing would stick, he adds that something has though.
Erica concurs, admitting she has no idea what to do about it. Dr. Tom tells her everything has a consequence and that: "Every action has a reaction." He says that she now has a choice of whether to do something about her predicament or not.
He advises that, regardless of what road she chooses, there will still be consequences and she bemoans that there always are. A tram then pulls up and Erica gets on it, leaving Dr. Tom at the stop. She narrates:
"Consequences. When we ask the question, 'Why can't I?' they're right there, staring us in the face. The answers that we don't want to hear."
She sits down on a seat next to an open window and, as the tram drives away, calls out to Dr. Tom that next time she just wants their regular scheduled therapy and no experiments. He smiles and walks off.
Erica heads for Goblins where she greets Kai and comments that it has been a while since they hung out. Confused, Kai tells her they never have and Erica, realising he doesn't remember, agrees they probably haven't.
Kai asks whether she has been avoiding him in the morning because he had blocked her efforts to get inside his head. Erica rejects this idea, and he admits that if she was willing to treat a poor barista to a fancy dinner that he'll tell her anything she wants to know.
Erica tells him she can't, and Kai asks what he has done. She assures him nothing, and begins to explain how he refuses to talk about his therapy and Dr. Fred. Kai is shocked to discover that she knows his therapist's name and questions her how.
She replies that she just does and that she is now refusing to make her boyfriend's life a living hell. Kai wonders whether she is cool about Ethan telling her who she can and can't be friends with.
Erica says that it is her decision, although Kai doubts this. She insists that it is and he replies that he will just see her for her morning latte. Erica walks away, reflecting on what she has just done.
Saturday, March 05, 2011
Cultural Revolution: Analysis
Season 2, Episode 4: Cultural Revolution
Analysis
In Series 1, Episode 5, we were given the chance to see the huge difference between Erica's two best friends, Judith and Jenny. The beginning of Season 2 allows us to do the same.
After the previous episode focusing on Erica's struggles to maintain proper contact with Judith, we're now given another chance to examine the dynamic of her friendship with Jenny.
I think I've said before that the pair balance Erica out very well. If Erica is the 'wacky aunt' in Judith's eyes, then she is, according to Jenny, like "her Nana."
This episode is focused on risks. Now, I have to admit, like Erica, I'm terrible for not taking risks. It's just not in my nature. I am a 'play it safe' kind of guy. I analyse everything before I do something, thinking about the consequences before acting.
Sometimes it's a good thing, being sensible and pragmatic rather than risky and adventurous. However, as Erica muses, you can't help but wonder about all the things you're potentially missing out on by being safe and not taking chances.
Overall, this is another excellent episode, typical of Season 2 in how it pushes the boundaries - taking Erica to a whole different country and culture in her, this time, making the trip with Jenny to Taipei.
Now travelling is something I guess all young folk like to do. It's not something I've had the opportunity to do myself, although I'd like to. It's not like I've ever passed up the opportunity, but nor have I ever really actively made an effort to do it.
It leads to a fun time travel, albeit I'm afraid I am going to have to have a very rare rant at the writers. This episode is almost spoiled by the inclusion of the incredibly annoying supposed-Brit Laurie.
Now, my biggest annoyance with TV from across the pond is the terrible English accents that some actors try and put on. I'm afraid to say that Laurie's was poor. No way in a million years would she pass for being from the UK.
However, she wasn't helped by the fact the writers decided to make her from Bristol, a city with one of the most discernible and unique accents in England. She sounded nothing like a Bristolian, and I found her generally irritating.
Thankfully, the writers don't make too many errors, so I'll let them off. How about actually hiring a British actor or actress if they want a character from this part of the world though?
Having said that, it's not like I could tell the difference between a Canadian and a American accent for example, so viewers across the Atlantic probably couldn't tell Laurie wasn't a natural Brit.
For me, this episode probably has the funniest introduction - with Erica and Ethan's attempt to be spontaneous in sex ending up with him being kneed in the groin and her stepping barefoot on glass. Very amusing.
Things are certainly spicing up at River Rock too, with Brent's plotting against Julianne being discussed with Galvin. Notice how keen he was to absolve Erica from any blame involving Julianne's impulsive decision to get her to write "the sex book."
That was even after she had changed her mind and dashed his hopes of taking over Erica's portfolio. It shows that Brent is a good friend and does care about Erica.
In truth, it was typical Julianne really - not helped by the encouragement of the typically barmy Friedkin - rushing into something on a whim without really thinking about it. You could tell Erica wasn't keen on the idea, even after saying yes.
Of course, her mind is helped made up by the intervention of Dr. Tom, on fine form as the backpacker eating "stinky tofu." We also once again see his pain over his daughter and the regrets she once took - a recurring theme during Season 2 before inevitably being confronted.
The Taipei experience was great viewing, albeit only on TV could people try and get off paying a bar bill, and then get to live somewhere for free off the back of a poor Celine Dion impression. Incidentally, Erica the spitting image of her? Sorry, but Erin is far better looking.
Difficult not to dislike Kendrick. Maybe it's because I'm just not a trusting person in life, but I'm always suspicious of overly-generous people. If something is too good to be true, then it usually is.
Erica has to wrestle with her trying to take risks and enjoy herself with her commitment to the ESL class she is teaching - including the funny scene where she tries to keep them calm only be karate chopped.
Eventually, Kendrick's behaviour makes her mind up for her, and her principles and responsibility outweigh her desire for taking a chance and just enjoying things. Which is where she differs so much from Jenny.
I guess because of how I am, I'm naturally going to take Erica's side on the whole idea of taking risks. Of course, it leads to a typical emotional confrontation with Jenny at the end of the episode as she tries to make her see how moving to LA with Rob isn't the best idea.
It's similar to how she confessed her worries to Sam over her wedding, after being encouraged by Dr. Tom to do so. I don't doubt Erica was always a fine friend who would always be honest, but I like to think this is the work of Dr. Tom once again permeating through her actions.
I especially liked the truthfulness of the closing line, too. So many of our decisions have an element of chance and risk about them. The important thing is to decide how to respond to them based upon your own feelings, not to be goaded or influenced by others.
After all, you're the one who has to live with the consequences of the risks you take. Speaking of consequences...
Analysis
In Series 1, Episode 5, we were given the chance to see the huge difference between Erica's two best friends, Judith and Jenny. The beginning of Season 2 allows us to do the same.
After the previous episode focusing on Erica's struggles to maintain proper contact with Judith, we're now given another chance to examine the dynamic of her friendship with Jenny.
I think I've said before that the pair balance Erica out very well. If Erica is the 'wacky aunt' in Judith's eyes, then she is, according to Jenny, like "her Nana."
This episode is focused on risks. Now, I have to admit, like Erica, I'm terrible for not taking risks. It's just not in my nature. I am a 'play it safe' kind of guy. I analyse everything before I do something, thinking about the consequences before acting.
Sometimes it's a good thing, being sensible and pragmatic rather than risky and adventurous. However, as Erica muses, you can't help but wonder about all the things you're potentially missing out on by being safe and not taking chances.
Overall, this is another excellent episode, typical of Season 2 in how it pushes the boundaries - taking Erica to a whole different country and culture in her, this time, making the trip with Jenny to Taipei.
Now travelling is something I guess all young folk like to do. It's not something I've had the opportunity to do myself, although I'd like to. It's not like I've ever passed up the opportunity, but nor have I ever really actively made an effort to do it.
It leads to a fun time travel, albeit I'm afraid I am going to have to have a very rare rant at the writers. This episode is almost spoiled by the inclusion of the incredibly annoying supposed-Brit Laurie.
Now, my biggest annoyance with TV from across the pond is the terrible English accents that some actors try and put on. I'm afraid to say that Laurie's was poor. No way in a million years would she pass for being from the UK.
However, she wasn't helped by the fact the writers decided to make her from Bristol, a city with one of the most discernible and unique accents in England. She sounded nothing like a Bristolian, and I found her generally irritating.
Thankfully, the writers don't make too many errors, so I'll let them off. How about actually hiring a British actor or actress if they want a character from this part of the world though?
Having said that, it's not like I could tell the difference between a Canadian and a American accent for example, so viewers across the Atlantic probably couldn't tell Laurie wasn't a natural Brit.
For me, this episode probably has the funniest introduction - with Erica and Ethan's attempt to be spontaneous in sex ending up with him being kneed in the groin and her stepping barefoot on glass. Very amusing.
Things are certainly spicing up at River Rock too, with Brent's plotting against Julianne being discussed with Galvin. Notice how keen he was to absolve Erica from any blame involving Julianne's impulsive decision to get her to write "the sex book."
That was even after she had changed her mind and dashed his hopes of taking over Erica's portfolio. It shows that Brent is a good friend and does care about Erica.
In truth, it was typical Julianne really - not helped by the encouragement of the typically barmy Friedkin - rushing into something on a whim without really thinking about it. You could tell Erica wasn't keen on the idea, even after saying yes.
Of course, her mind is helped made up by the intervention of Dr. Tom, on fine form as the backpacker eating "stinky tofu." We also once again see his pain over his daughter and the regrets she once took - a recurring theme during Season 2 before inevitably being confronted.
The Taipei experience was great viewing, albeit only on TV could people try and get off paying a bar bill, and then get to live somewhere for free off the back of a poor Celine Dion impression. Incidentally, Erica the spitting image of her? Sorry, but Erin is far better looking.
Difficult not to dislike Kendrick. Maybe it's because I'm just not a trusting person in life, but I'm always suspicious of overly-generous people. If something is too good to be true, then it usually is.
Erica has to wrestle with her trying to take risks and enjoy herself with her commitment to the ESL class she is teaching - including the funny scene where she tries to keep them calm only be karate chopped.
Eventually, Kendrick's behaviour makes her mind up for her, and her principles and responsibility outweigh her desire for taking a chance and just enjoying things. Which is where she differs so much from Jenny.
I guess because of how I am, I'm naturally going to take Erica's side on the whole idea of taking risks. Of course, it leads to a typical emotional confrontation with Jenny at the end of the episode as she tries to make her see how moving to LA with Rob isn't the best idea.
It's similar to how she confessed her worries to Sam over her wedding, after being encouraged by Dr. Tom to do so. I don't doubt Erica was always a fine friend who would always be honest, but I like to think this is the work of Dr. Tom once again permeating through her actions.
I especially liked the truthfulness of the closing line, too. So many of our decisions have an element of chance and risk about them. The important thing is to decide how to respond to them based upon your own feelings, not to be goaded or influenced by others.
After all, you're the one who has to live with the consequences of the risks you take. Speaking of consequences...
Cultural Revolution
Season 2, Episode 4: Cultural Revolution
Episode Guide
Erica and Jenny are in a bar on a night out. As the barman pours them both a shot, Erica remarks that she thought they were just going out for a glass of wine. The barman then proceeds to set fire to the two shots and pushes one towards Erica.
She finds this confusing, but Jenny can't believe she's never had one before and tells her to relax. Erica reminds Jenny that she has work the next day and looks at the shot anxiously. She narrates:
"When faced with decision, no matter how small, we all do the same thing - we calculate the risk. Some of us play it safe while others dive right in."
Jenny downs her shot and questions what's wrong with Erica as she hesitates to. Erica points to the fact it's on fire and insists that she can't drink it because the next day is a huge one for her at work. Jenny tells her it's not a big deal and says she feels as though she's out with her Nana.
Erica reminds her she has a big presentation for "the sex book," which Jenny replies is all she talks about before suggesting Erica doesn't even have a sex life of her own. She scoffs at this comment, telling Jenny that her and Ethan "do it all the time."
Jenny guesses this occurs on her bed, with the lights out, in the missionary position, with a condom. Erica can't believe her, but Jenny says that, although being a "hot shot editor" she isn't living the life herself. She says Erica can't bring any excitement or spark to her work when she is a "lights out by ten" girl.
Goaded, Erica downs the shot, although she doesn't seem to enjoy it. Jenny instructs the barman to pour them another each though. She tells Erica that living in fear results in getting the dregs and suggests that you have to be willing to take a risk to go after what you want.
She points to a guy on the other side of the bar and bets Erica $20 that she will take him home later. Erica laughs at this, bringing to Jenny's attention the fact that the guy is already with a girl. Undeterred, Jenny goes over to the guy as Erica watches on in disbelief - and downs another shot.
Later that evening, a tipsy Erica returns to her apartment - helped in through the door by Ethan. She says he should have seen Jenny in action, describing her as like a "heat seeking missile." Erica removes her shoes and jumps up to sit on the kitchen counter.
Ethan goes to walk past her, but she entraps him between her legs and pulls him towards her. Erica suggests they should be spontaneous and rips open her top. They begin to make out and she removes Ethan's top before informing him they're going to have "crazy, risky kitchen counter sex."
In her eagerness though, she accidentally knocks some things off the kitchen counter. She laughs and remarks that it is nothing to worry about before proceeding to deliberately knock some glassware off the counter - which shatters into pieces on the floor.
Erica then picks up a glass vase, although reconsiders her decision to smash something she wants to keep. She gets up off the counter, and gestures for Ethan to take her place. He sits down in her place, then Erica - with her top off - goes to jump up on the counter herself.
However, in doing so she inadvertently knees Ethan in the groin, and he recoils in pain. Erica apologises profusely before getting down off the counter. However, she ends up hurting herself when stepping barefoot onto the smashed glass.
Ethan gets off the counter himself, still in pain, and makes his way to the bedroom - suggesting to her that they stick to just having sex there in the future. Erica sits down, tending to her feet, looking gutted over how her attempt to be spontaneous has turned out.
"Taking the risk. Diving in. It comes more naturally to some than others. Trouble is, when you're standing safely back from the edge, you can't help wondering if you're missing out."
The next morning, Erica is giving her presentation on "the sex book" to Friedkin. She remarks that sex is something everyone does but no-one does it the same way. She is struggling to make her thoughts clear to him and Friedkin loses patience as she flicks through her notes.
He begins making a beeping sound, telling Erica it's the sound of the milk truck backing far away from her. Friedkin asks her to tell him what she wants the book to be, before reminding a flustered Erica that there is no try but only do.
Friedkin asks her if she thinks Michelangelo paused when painting the Sistine Chapel. Erica concedes not, but wonders whether her take on the book will be different to Julianne's. Losing his temper, he shouts at her to stop being "a little bitch" and tell him what the book should be.
Erica replies that it should be a fast-paced compendium of how to have sex - with who and how, "from Vanilla to Tiger Tail." Friedkin seems impressed, wondering whether it will be all 32 flavours with sprinkles on top.
She concurs, suggesting they'll include tantric sex, mutual masturbation, and pony play. Excited, Friedkin tells Erica to go and fetch Julianne while she is still "feeling the fire." Erica leaves the boardroom and discovers Julianne talking in the office with Jenny.
They are discussing the weirdest place they have had sex, with Jenny revealing hers was in an owl shed. Erica tries to interrupt them, but Julianne stops her as Jenny finishes her story - leaving Julianne impressed.
Erica watches on, uncomfortably, before informing Julianne that Friedkin needs to see her in the boardroom. Julianne leaves them, although not before telling Erica that her friends are a lot more interesting than her.
Alone, Erica drags Jenny away to chat, unhappy that she has been talking to Julianne about her "bestiality story." Jenny tells her to relax and informs Erica she had said she was waiting for "the best sex book editor ever," before Julianne had asked about her own sexual experiences.
Erica tells Jenny that she can't go for lunch, that she is still hungover from the previous night, and reveals her foot hurts - although tells Jenny not to ask about it. Jenny replies that she has just come to collect the $20 from her and Erica's bet.
She tells a disbelieving Erica that the guy - Rob, a record executive, slept over and stayed for breakfast and now lunch. Jenny adds that the downside is that he lives in LA but says that she really likes him as he's sweet and exciting.
Excited to hear this, Erica wonders whether she can save her debrief until the evening. She agrees to invite Jenny and Rob over for dinner at hers, where they can order take out and she will suss Rob out for her. Erica tells Jenny how good it is and Jenny agrees that she feels great before leaving.
Meanwhile, Brent encounters Galvin in a corridor who raises the issue of the email he sent him. He tells Brent to come and find him the next day to discuss it further, which Brent agrees to.
In the boardroom, Erica explains her idea for the book to Julianne, as Friedkin watches on too. Julianne tells her she digs the "pan-sexual encyclopedia in a naughty way" idea and says that Erica has surprised her.
She then asks Erica who she thinks the writer should be, and Erica admits she's still working on it. Julianne recommends a couple of people, but Friedkin disagrees with her choice of a newspaper columnist, reminding her that the box is supposed to revolutionise sex.
Julianne responds by asking him who he thinks should write it, hoping he doesn't say himself. Friedkin suggests a sex trade worker, a pimp, and a 400lb midget who likes to wear diapers before suggesting Erica - who had the vision and idea originally.
Erica laughs at this thought and assures a bemused Julianne that Friedkin was joking. He tells her he wasn't though, explaining that he'd never written a word before Julianne asked him to do The Secret Of Now.
Julianne points to its success and, suddenly stirred, recalls that Erica wants to be an author. She tells Erica that she is willing to let her write "the sex book" if she is too.
Erica chuckles nervously and asks about the books she is currently editing. Julianne responds that she wouldn't be able to remain an editor with them if she wrote the book and awaits for Erica to agree. However, Erica asks if she can think it over, and a slightly disappointed Julianne agrees that she can overnight.
That evening, Erica, Ethan, Jenny, and Rob are all sitting round the table eating Chinese. Erica explains how she is still thinking over Julianne's offer but Jenny can't see what there is for her to consider. Erica reminds her that she'd have to give up her job.
Jenny replies that she'd have the chance to be an author, which she has wanted to be since Grade 1. Erica acknowledges this, but admits to having reservations about writing a sex book. She turns to Ethan for his opinion, and he tells her she's smart to sleep on it as there are no guarantees the book will turn out.
Erica then looks to Rob for his view, although he is reluctant having only just met her. She argues this makes him the objective third party and he relents. Rob comments that he divides the world into two camps.
He says there are rock stars who make the music and roadies who set up the equipment before concluding by saying "no guts, no glory." Jenny clinks wine glasses with him at this comment as Erica continues to ponder.
The next morning, Erica is in the elevator going up to the River Rock office, still going over her decision. As she walks out into the office, Friedkin and Julianne are discussing another book in the coffee lounge.
Erica approaches them and clears her throat to get their attention. She tells them that her answer to whether she will write the book is "yes." Julianne can't hide her surprise, saying that she thought Erica would chicken out, but Erica simply smiles back and repeats her answer of "yes."
Friedkin tries to get her to say this with a bit more conviction, sensing a little doubt in her answer. Uncomfortable with this, Erica decides to make an exit and slowly backs out through a set of double doors.
However, she is shocked to find herself entering Dr. Tom's office and turns around to see him standing by the window shaking a Magic 8-Ball. He declares to Erica that, for the fifth time in ten shakes, "the answer is yes."
He remarks that the law of averages is interesting and Erica tells him that "yes" works for her. Dr. Tom hands her the ball suggesting it's fascinating how some people put so much faith into a piece of plastic to tell their fortune.
Erica shakes the Magic 8-Ball and is perturbed when the answer comes back as "no." She tries to hand him back the ball, saying "no" is for cowards. Dr. Tom replies that that is harsh and, instead of taking the ball from her, sits down behind his desk.
She says it may be harsh, but that it is also kind of true. Erica confesses she has said "no" a lot and as a result has missed out. Dr. Tom picks up her list and asks her about regret number 18, "Taipei." She chuckles and says that that is a perfect example.
Erica explains that it was the worst summer of her life when, between undergrad and her masters, she took a well-paying but dead boring job with the government - her first call centre gig - to help pay off her school debts.
She says that Jenny thought she was making the safe choice as usual and tells Dr. Tom that the pair of them had always talked about going travelling together after undergrad.
She smiles as she recounts Jenny's idea for the pair of them to go to Taiwan for the summer, make a ton of money teaching ESL, and then use their savings to travel across Asia before coming back to "the real world."
Sensing the dismissive tone in her words, Dr. Tom suggests that the real world is overrated and Erica admits that she had thought so. She describes to him how she had quit her job, bought her ticket to Taipei, and had hoped it would be her grand awakening. However, right before they were about to leave, she had chickened out.
Erica says she had realised their only plan when they were to arrive was to wing it - to stay in a youth hostel and work some jobs they had found on a sketchy website. She says instead of forcing herself to get into the cab to leave she walked away.
Instead, she got her job back and spent the summer bored and miserable. Standing up, leaning on the back of her chair, she bemoans being afraid and wonders what would have happened had she gone.
Dr. Tom suggests that it's time she found out and Erica throws the Magic 8-Ball up into the air before finding herself suddenly back in time - standing on the sidewalk watching the cab pull away with Jenny inside it.
She suddenly calls out and runs after it and the cab stops. She opens the door and tells Jenny she's changed her mind. Excited, Jenny asks if she's sure, Erica says she's a million per cent, takes off her backpack, and gets into the cab which drives them off.
In Taipei, Erica and Jenny stand outside looking unimpressed at the hostel they are booked to stay in - the Palace Youth Hostel. Jenny suggests that "Palace" is a stretch and Erica replies that it is authentic.
Jenny insists it is filthy and, telling Erica that she has her parents' credit card in case of emergencies, informs her that there is a five star hotel down the street they can stay at instead.
Erica is tempted at this thought, but reminds her that they came for an adventure and she pushes Jenny inside the Palace remarking that it's in a great location.
As they climb the stairs looking for their room they have to negotiate their way past puddles of vomit, which Jenny sarcastically refers to as "living on the edge." They then pass a guy on the way up the stairs who Erica takes a fancy to, and she suggests that Taipei does have its merits.
Jenny bemoans that she needs some sleep but, when they go to enter their room, they discover another girl in bed having sex with a guy. Erica and Jenny are shocked at this and the guy, naked, quickly makes an exit.
The girl gets out of bed and introduces herself as being Laurie from Bristol, England. Erica reciprocates explaining her and Jenny are from Toronto and suggests that they can come back later. Laurie jokes that she will go and find the guy so they can finish what they started and leaves.
Erica checks with Jenny that Laurie was joking, but Jenny merely replies that their "adventure" is continuing and wonders if a nervous-looking Erica has brought earplugs with her.
The next day they walk around the city streets trying to find the school where they will be teaching ESL. Jenny tries to ask local for directions in English without any luck. Erica is focusing on the map, trying to ensure they don't get lost, and doesn't see Jenny follow a guy into a shop to ask for directions.
She continues to wander on and is surprised when she can't find Jenny. Then she hears someone asking if they can help her in English. Erica is relieved to hear this and looks up to see it is Dr. Tom - dressed as backpacker and eating something from a bowl.
Erica compliments him on his backpack and he asks her how the big adventure is going. She replies that it's been an experience and that Taipei is interesting, before admitting that it's been pretty awful so far.
Dr. Tom remarks that he thought it was supposed to be the most amazing summer ever and Erica suggests that her call centre job is now looking pretty comfy. He then offers her to try some of the "stinky tofu" he has been eating.
Erica smells it, commenting that it smells like rotten garbage. Dr. Tom explains how it has been fermented in shrimp brine, mustard greens, and Chinese herbs and explains that, like donuts in Canada, it is the unofficial snack food in Taipei.
He hands her the bowl, saying that the stinkier the tofu the better the taste. Erica tries it, surprised to find it isn't that bad. Dr. Tom laughs and tells her: "It doesn't work to leap a twenty foot chasm in two ten foot jumps."
Then, pointing her towards the road she has been looking for, he tells her to enjoy and leaves. Jenny then returns and explains that she followed a guy into a shop and got some directions.
She then smells Erica's bowl of tofu and, taking it from her and putting it aside, suggests they go for a Big Mac instead. Erica insists that they need to get work though.
At the school they are going to be teaching at, Erica and Jenny are shown around by their boss, Mrs Li. She explains how they will be paid 300 a week. Erica says that the ad said they'd be paid 400 but is told that this is only the case if they are on a work visa and Erica agrees that 300 sounds fair.
Mrs Li then informs Jenny that she will be taking the 4 year-olds, which pleases Jenny, who comments that little kids love her. Erica is told that, due to her camp experience, she has been given a bit more of a challenge.
She opens the door to a classroom full of noisy children who quickly sit down at their desks. Mrs Li explains to Erica how their teacher had an emergency and had to leave. She tells Erica that the class is busy learning a song for their upcoming parents showcase.
Erica asks what song and is pleased to discover it is fellow Canadian Celine Dion's Where Does My Heart Beat Now? Mrs Li suggests that Erica looks like her, saying her and Celine could be sisters. Jenny laughs and recommends she doesn't ask to hear Erica sing as the comparisons end with the looks.
Mrs Li explains that the kids know the words to the song but just need to practise. Erica jokes that she'll sign some autographs and Mrs Li introduces her to the kids, telling them in Mandarin to be "kind to this one."
However, the kids are soon running riot - chasing one another and throwing things around. Erica stands at the front, trying to calm them down, and holding up a sign for them to be quiet. She then opens her book of Mandarin and tries to tell them to be quiet.
One boy, hearing her attempt, stops and approaches her. Erica wonders if he speaks English and asks if he can tell the others to stand in a line so they can practise the song. Instead, the boy karate chops Erica's palm and she backs away from him as he threatens her again.
That evening, Erica, Jenny, and Laurie are sitting at a table in a bar. Erica looks at her hand and wonders if it may be ruptured. Laurie comments she looks pathetic and Jenny laughs that Erica was karate chopped. She suggests that, after a few drinks, Erica won't feel a thing.
Erica informs Jenny that, with their Cosmos costing $20, she'll only be able to have one. Jenny senses that she hates Taipei which Erica denies, but she admits she needs to stop living in fear and starting living life.
Laurie tells Erica that she needs to start walking the walk and Erica suggests they leave the bar and go and do something crazy and wild and risky. They are excited at this idea, and Jenny asks for their cheque.
Erica muses about how they could hitchhike out of Taipei and go bohemian - take on jobs, sleep in the countryside, and really live for the moment. As she describes this, Jenny is handed their cheque and is stunned at how much it is. She hands it to Erica who is similarly shocked and the girls realise they don't have enough money to cover it.
They try to leave without paying it, Laurie advising them not to draw any attention their way. However, they find the exit blocked by an imposing bouncer who prevents them from leaving.
A guy sitting near the exit advises them to pay their bill, remarking that the bouncer eats dishonest Westerners for breakfast. Erica replies that the owner told them their drinks were complimentary and Jenny adds that they are VIP guests.
The guy responds by telling them that he is very generous and they are shocked that he is the owner. He asks them if they're Americans, and Erica explains that her and Jenny are from Canada and Laurie Britain.
He tells Erica that he didn't remember there being any Canadians on the VIP list and asks Erica to remind him of her name. She hesitates before introducing herself as Celine Dion. He laughs at this, unable to believe that he could have missed her name.
Realising they're lying, he stands up and announces to everyone Celine Dion's presence and suggests that Erica honours them with a song. Erica tries to make an excuse about saving her throat and he replies that her not repaying him waiving her bill with one song isn't very generous.
Sensing they can escape without paying, Jenny chips in, adding that "Celine" is being rude and Erica reluctantly agrees.
Up on stage, Erica performs Where Does My Heart Beat Now? as everyone watches on, clapping enthusiastically despite her off-key performance. Erica finishes to much applause, including the entertained owner.
Later, Erica, Jenny, and Laurie are at a party the owner, Kendrick, is hosting in a plush building he owns. He explains to them how he uses it for parties over the summer and Erica asks him if anyone is living there currently.
She asks him how much he'd charge them to live there, describing the three of them as "very nice and responsible but severely underpaid." Kendrick replies that it depends what's in it for him, and Erica offers some free English lessons as well as their rent - although she recognises he doesn't need the lessons.
To their surprise, Kendrick replies that they can keep their money and English lessons and stay for free as his guests. Lawrie and Jenny are very enthusiastic over this offer, and Jenny tries to persuade a sceptical Erica not to reject it. Erica insists Kendrick's offer is too generous though.
Kendrick assures her there are no strings attached to his gesture, explaining that the three of them would move in and enjoy themselves, suggesting that "whatever happens, happens." Erica enquires about what will happen if nothing does, but Kendrick says he is fine with that too.
He admits that he finds them all charming and beautiful and hopes they won't hold his honesty against him, before reminding them that he didn't hold their earlier deception against them. Erica laughs nervously and Jenny concludes that they'd love to stay and they all toast this agreement.
The girls move in and, after teaching during the day, enjoy partying in the evening at Kendrick's - who is soon making out with Jenny before sleeping with her.
The next morning, Erica wakes up on the couch, hungover, and surrounded by mess from the party. She is shocked to see the time and staggers over to the other couch, where Jenny lies asleep.
She wakes her up, telling Jenny they are late for teaching. Jenny tells Erica go alone as she is too tired. When Erica eventually arrives at the school she tries to excuse her tardiness to Mrs Li by blaming problems with the public transport.
Mrs Li suggests that actually Erica stayed up all night partying and woke up late. She reminds Erica that the showcase is happening the next evening and that she needs her to be there, instead of partying. Erica promises Mrs Li that she will before taking over the class.
When she returns home that evening, Erica finds another party taking place. She heads over to Jenny and Kendrick, who are sitting together on the couch. Erica admits that teaching hungover is not fun and tells them she is going straight to bed.
Jenny stops her though and, making Erica sit down next to her, says she must first say "yes." Erica does so, and Jenny informs her that she has agreed to fly to Hong Kong with them for the weekend.
She is shocked to hear this, and Jenny explains that Kendrick has rented out an entire floor in a luxury hotel. Erica tries to explain that she can't come, but Jenny tells her the flight only takes an hour, it won't cost anything, and she will have a whole room to herself as she will be sharing with Kendrick.
Erica reminds Jenny that the showcase is taking place and says she promised Mrs Li she would be there. Jenny replies that, despite being underpaid, Erica has given Mrs Li her blood, sweat, and tears and now has to work for free on a Saturday too.
She reminds Erica that they came to Taipei for an adventure and asks when she is going to have such a chance again. Kendrick then hands her a drink, and Erica relents, suggesting the kids already know the song and she will give Mrs Li some warning.
Jenny hugs Erica, telling her they are going to have an incredible time before leaving to get Kendrick's cell phone so she can call Mrs Li.
Outside, Erica leaves Mrs Li a voicemail explaining how something has come up and she won't be able to make the showcase. She apologises for the short notice but assures her that the kids did a great job in the dress rehearsal and how she is sure they'll be great.
She hangs up, clearly feeling guilty at breaking her promise. She makes her way back inside to the party, trying to find Jenny. When she goes to look in the kitchen though she spots Kendrick and Laurie making out. She backs away horrified.
Erica heads back into the main room where she discovers Jenny dancing, and tells her they need to talk. She explains what she saw, and Jenny tries to hide her hurt, insisting that it is OK. Erica wonders how this can be though, considering her and Kendrick have been "all over each other."
Jenny says that she's not worrying about it and nor should Erica. Kendrick and Laurie then join them, and he hands Jenny some money. Kendrick explains that he wants them to buy some nice clothes for Hong Kong and informs them he will be sending a car to pick them up.
Laurie and Jenny look excited at this news, but Erica is unimpressed and has to shrug off a guy who tries to dance with her. She sits down on the couch and watches on, disturbed, as Kendrick encourages Jenny and Laurie to start making out as he kisses Laurie's neck.
Later, Erica catches up with Jenny and questions her about her "performance" earlier with Kendrick, but Jenny insists that it's fine. Erica wonders if that is because he gave her money and enquires as to whether Jenny is his girlfriend or mistress.
Jenny brands Erica a drama queen and tells her to calm down. Erica remarks that she can't understand how Jenny can be OK with it, but Jenny replies that it's none of Erica's business and goes to leave.
Erica follows her though, reminding her that she is her friend and says that Kendrick is treating her like a piece of meat. Jenny suggests he is doing the same with Erica, but she reminds Jenny that she hasn't been making out with him or Laurie because of money.
Jenny guesses that Erica is suggesting she is acting like a whore and points to the fact that, although not making out with him, Erica herself is happy to eat his food and stay in his place and she asks what that makes her.
She tells Erica her problem is she is scared of everything. Erica disagrees, but Jenny continues, accusing her of ruining the great thing they have going by looking for problems which don't exist.
Erica responds by saying she needs to pack, although Jenny tells her that there is no need to at the moment as they are not leaving for Hong Kong until late the next day. However, Erica corrects her and says she is actually packing to return to the Palace.
Jenny begs her not to, apologising for arguing with her, and tells her not to miss out on Hong Kong just because she is drunk and not watching what she is saying.
Erica agrees though that what Jenny does is none of her business and that, even though she doesn't like what's going on, it's her life and her call. She concludes though that it's not for her and ignores Jenny pleas with her not to go.
At the school the next day, the kids are all lined up ready to go into the showcase with Mrs Li when Erica comes running in. She apologises and says that she is there to do the showcase if she is still wanted.
Mrs Li tells Erica she is pleased to see her and the kids begin to walk into the showcase with Erica following them at the back of the line. However, instead of following the kids in she suddenly finds herself walking into the corridor at River Rock back in the present day.
There, Dr. Tom is waiting for her. She suggests that he could have sent her to Taipei the same way he brought her back - saving her a 24 hour flight. He reminds her that she wanted the full adventure and says he just gave it to her.
Erica replies that she has discovered she is not the full adventure type, although Dr. Tom questions how true this is and says he thinks it depends on what the adventure is. Erica laments that everyone knows that the people who take the risk get the reward.
She notices that Dr. Tom considers this statement at length and asks him what he is thinking about. He walks up to her, and explains that his daughter, Sarah, used to take risks all the time - describing it as the thing that defined her and terrified him.
He says he used to think there was nothing that Sarah wouldn't try and that her friends admired that about her. Dr. Tom concludes that he thinks that sometimes the biggest risk of all can be the willingness to say "no."
At that moment, Brent pops his head round the door and tells Erica they are waiting for her. She follows him, looking back around to Dr. Tom who watches her go, thinking.
Erica walks into the boardroom, where everyone is sitting down already. She asks to talk to Julianne, but Julianne tells her she'll be spending all day speaking with her right after they make things official.
She sits down, as Julianne explains to a happy-looking Brent that he will be taking on Erica's slates - Stahl's book Rocket Man, and The None - which she comments is her personal favourite, a sentiment Erica concurs with.
This seems to inspire Erica to have the confidence to declare that what she wants to say is that she can't write "the sex book." Julianne is shocked to hear this, and Erica apologises, insisting that she is not the person they need as she is not a self help writer.
Friedkin suggests she has cold feet, but Erica replies that it is more than that, declaring that it's not for her and that she doesn't want to quit her job.
Brent looks disappointed at this news and Erica admits that she knows it's an incredible opportunity and Julianne reminds her that she wants to be an author. Erica admits she does and that her dream is to write literature, short stories, and essays - but not a sex book.
Julianne then turns to Brent and, calling him "chicken," apologises, saying Erica has "come back to roost." Erica looks sheepish at this and Brent pushes the slates back to Erica before asking to be excused and gets up and leaves.
Erica tries to apologise to him and admits that she's making everything so complicated, which Julianne echoes. She admits that, although she doesn't love the turn of events, she can't force Erica to write a book that her heart is clearly not into.
Friedkin checks with Erica for one last time that she is sure of her decision and Erica, looking down at her slates, replies that is she completely.
Later, Brent and Galvin are discussing the email he sent, and Brent insists he only sent the email because he cares about River Rock and would hate to see Non Fiction falter because Julianne is having an affair with one of her authors.
Galvin realises he means Friedkin and Brent suggests it is compromising Julianne's leadership - causing her to be distracted and make snap decisions like asking Junior Editors to be writers. Galvin asks to know which Junior Editor and Brent reluctantly reveals it was Erica.
He insists that it was Julianne and Friedkin's doing though and says Julianne is not thinking clearly. Galvin is concerned to hear this, explaining he only cares about books and that he will know immediately if Brent is right when he sees the quarter's work roll out.
Galvin concludes that it was a "ballsy" move from Brent to come to him and walks off, leaving Brent to breathe a sigh of relief and reflect on his actions.
That evening, Erica is in her apartment when there's a knock at the door. Jenny is there and enters, carrying a bottle of champagne. She hugs Erica and explains they are celebrating Erica's book and her finding a great guy.
She notices that there are clothes strewn across the couch and asks what's going on. Erica tells her that she is making space in her closet for Ethan's things as he is moving in with her. Jenny says this is fantastic wondering, after moving in with Ethan and being a published writer, what is next for Erica.
Erica reveals that she has passed on the book though, and Jenny suggests that Ethan talked her out of it. She insists that it wasn't the right thing for her and that she's happy where she is now. Jenny tells her that if she's happy then she is too.
She says that she wants to still open the champagne so they can celebrate the fact that she is moving to LA. Erica is stunned at this news, but Jenny tells her she is so into Rob that she is going to quit her job, hop on a plane, and give it a shot.
Erica reminds her that she barely knows him and Jenny concedes as much, but states that she has a really good feeling about Rob. Concerned though, Erica admits that she doesn't think it's a good idea to pick up and leave her whole life for a guy she doesn't know.
She asks if Rob even knows about her idea and wonders where Jenny is going to live when she gets there. Jenny tells her with Rob, but Erica questions what will happen if it doesn't work out.
Jenny responds that, if it doesn't, at least she will know she didn't chicken out which Erica, realising what she is implying, thinks is unfair. Jenny disagres though, and suggests that when Erica turned down the book deal she was turning down her dream, which she thinks was a bad idea.
Erica insists her dream is to write fiction and says that it will happen one day and that she is not letting go of her dream. Jenny replies that, although Erica has let the opportunity to publish something that she has written go, she is not attacking her for it. Erica says that is not what she is doing though.
She tells Jenny she cares about her and thinks her moving to LA on a whim is not a risk but reckless. Jenny digests this, hurt, and she suggests that having a boyfriend has made Erica a stuck up girl who thinks a safe, boring life is the only way to go.
Erica states that she's just worried about her, but Jenny doesn't want to hear her, and goes to leave. However, Erica stops her from going and tells her to listen, even though she is not going to like it.
She says that Jenny thinks she is a big risk taker but tells her she's not and that she does the same thing with guys all the time. Erica describes how she hooks up with them for a couple of months before breaking it off and that her flying to LA is not taking a risk but par for the course.
Erica suggests that taking a risk for Jenny would be taking it slow and showing Rob the side of her that the men she dates never get to see. She concludes that that would be taking a risk. Jenny shakes her head at this comment and leaves an upset Erica.
She narrates over images of Julianne laughing on her phone, being watched from his desk by Brent, and Jenny having sex with Rob.
"Risks. How we feel about them says a lot about us. Every day, every moment, we calculate and assess, debate and decide."
Finally, Erica sits down with a drink at her computer, smiles to herself, and begins to type.
"But when you get right down to it, the truth is that, when it comes to risk, the only thing that matters is that you take the ones that are right for you."
Episode Guide
Erica and Jenny are in a bar on a night out. As the barman pours them both a shot, Erica remarks that she thought they were just going out for a glass of wine. The barman then proceeds to set fire to the two shots and pushes one towards Erica.
She finds this confusing, but Jenny can't believe she's never had one before and tells her to relax. Erica reminds Jenny that she has work the next day and looks at the shot anxiously. She narrates:
"When faced with decision, no matter how small, we all do the same thing - we calculate the risk. Some of us play it safe while others dive right in."
Jenny downs her shot and questions what's wrong with Erica as she hesitates to. Erica points to the fact it's on fire and insists that she can't drink it because the next day is a huge one for her at work. Jenny tells her it's not a big deal and says she feels as though she's out with her Nana.
Erica reminds her she has a big presentation for "the sex book," which Jenny replies is all she talks about before suggesting Erica doesn't even have a sex life of her own. She scoffs at this comment, telling Jenny that her and Ethan "do it all the time."
Jenny guesses this occurs on her bed, with the lights out, in the missionary position, with a condom. Erica can't believe her, but Jenny says that, although being a "hot shot editor" she isn't living the life herself. She says Erica can't bring any excitement or spark to her work when she is a "lights out by ten" girl.
Goaded, Erica downs the shot, although she doesn't seem to enjoy it. Jenny instructs the barman to pour them another each though. She tells Erica that living in fear results in getting the dregs and suggests that you have to be willing to take a risk to go after what you want.
She points to a guy on the other side of the bar and bets Erica $20 that she will take him home later. Erica laughs at this, bringing to Jenny's attention the fact that the guy is already with a girl. Undeterred, Jenny goes over to the guy as Erica watches on in disbelief - and downs another shot.
Later that evening, a tipsy Erica returns to her apartment - helped in through the door by Ethan. She says he should have seen Jenny in action, describing her as like a "heat seeking missile." Erica removes her shoes and jumps up to sit on the kitchen counter.
Ethan goes to walk past her, but she entraps him between her legs and pulls him towards her. Erica suggests they should be spontaneous and rips open her top. They begin to make out and she removes Ethan's top before informing him they're going to have "crazy, risky kitchen counter sex."
In her eagerness though, she accidentally knocks some things off the kitchen counter. She laughs and remarks that it is nothing to worry about before proceeding to deliberately knock some glassware off the counter - which shatters into pieces on the floor.
Erica then picks up a glass vase, although reconsiders her decision to smash something she wants to keep. She gets up off the counter, and gestures for Ethan to take her place. He sits down in her place, then Erica - with her top off - goes to jump up on the counter herself.
However, in doing so she inadvertently knees Ethan in the groin, and he recoils in pain. Erica apologises profusely before getting down off the counter. However, she ends up hurting herself when stepping barefoot onto the smashed glass.
Ethan gets off the counter himself, still in pain, and makes his way to the bedroom - suggesting to her that they stick to just having sex there in the future. Erica sits down, tending to her feet, looking gutted over how her attempt to be spontaneous has turned out.
"Taking the risk. Diving in. It comes more naturally to some than others. Trouble is, when you're standing safely back from the edge, you can't help wondering if you're missing out."
The next morning, Erica is giving her presentation on "the sex book" to Friedkin. She remarks that sex is something everyone does but no-one does it the same way. She is struggling to make her thoughts clear to him and Friedkin loses patience as she flicks through her notes.
He begins making a beeping sound, telling Erica it's the sound of the milk truck backing far away from her. Friedkin asks her to tell him what she wants the book to be, before reminding a flustered Erica that there is no try but only do.
Friedkin asks her if she thinks Michelangelo paused when painting the Sistine Chapel. Erica concedes not, but wonders whether her take on the book will be different to Julianne's. Losing his temper, he shouts at her to stop being "a little bitch" and tell him what the book should be.
Erica replies that it should be a fast-paced compendium of how to have sex - with who and how, "from Vanilla to Tiger Tail." Friedkin seems impressed, wondering whether it will be all 32 flavours with sprinkles on top.
She concurs, suggesting they'll include tantric sex, mutual masturbation, and pony play. Excited, Friedkin tells Erica to go and fetch Julianne while she is still "feeling the fire." Erica leaves the boardroom and discovers Julianne talking in the office with Jenny.
They are discussing the weirdest place they have had sex, with Jenny revealing hers was in an owl shed. Erica tries to interrupt them, but Julianne stops her as Jenny finishes her story - leaving Julianne impressed.
Erica watches on, uncomfortably, before informing Julianne that Friedkin needs to see her in the boardroom. Julianne leaves them, although not before telling Erica that her friends are a lot more interesting than her.
Alone, Erica drags Jenny away to chat, unhappy that she has been talking to Julianne about her "bestiality story." Jenny tells her to relax and informs Erica she had said she was waiting for "the best sex book editor ever," before Julianne had asked about her own sexual experiences.
Erica tells Jenny that she can't go for lunch, that she is still hungover from the previous night, and reveals her foot hurts - although tells Jenny not to ask about it. Jenny replies that she has just come to collect the $20 from her and Erica's bet.
She tells a disbelieving Erica that the guy - Rob, a record executive, slept over and stayed for breakfast and now lunch. Jenny adds that the downside is that he lives in LA but says that she really likes him as he's sweet and exciting.
Excited to hear this, Erica wonders whether she can save her debrief until the evening. She agrees to invite Jenny and Rob over for dinner at hers, where they can order take out and she will suss Rob out for her. Erica tells Jenny how good it is and Jenny agrees that she feels great before leaving.
Meanwhile, Brent encounters Galvin in a corridor who raises the issue of the email he sent him. He tells Brent to come and find him the next day to discuss it further, which Brent agrees to.
In the boardroom, Erica explains her idea for the book to Julianne, as Friedkin watches on too. Julianne tells her she digs the "pan-sexual encyclopedia in a naughty way" idea and says that Erica has surprised her.
She then asks Erica who she thinks the writer should be, and Erica admits she's still working on it. Julianne recommends a couple of people, but Friedkin disagrees with her choice of a newspaper columnist, reminding her that the box is supposed to revolutionise sex.
Julianne responds by asking him who he thinks should write it, hoping he doesn't say himself. Friedkin suggests a sex trade worker, a pimp, and a 400lb midget who likes to wear diapers before suggesting Erica - who had the vision and idea originally.
Erica laughs at this thought and assures a bemused Julianne that Friedkin was joking. He tells her he wasn't though, explaining that he'd never written a word before Julianne asked him to do The Secret Of Now.
Julianne points to its success and, suddenly stirred, recalls that Erica wants to be an author. She tells Erica that she is willing to let her write "the sex book" if she is too.
Erica chuckles nervously and asks about the books she is currently editing. Julianne responds that she wouldn't be able to remain an editor with them if she wrote the book and awaits for Erica to agree. However, Erica asks if she can think it over, and a slightly disappointed Julianne agrees that she can overnight.
That evening, Erica, Ethan, Jenny, and Rob are all sitting round the table eating Chinese. Erica explains how she is still thinking over Julianne's offer but Jenny can't see what there is for her to consider. Erica reminds her that she'd have to give up her job.
Jenny replies that she'd have the chance to be an author, which she has wanted to be since Grade 1. Erica acknowledges this, but admits to having reservations about writing a sex book. She turns to Ethan for his opinion, and he tells her she's smart to sleep on it as there are no guarantees the book will turn out.
Erica then looks to Rob for his view, although he is reluctant having only just met her. She argues this makes him the objective third party and he relents. Rob comments that he divides the world into two camps.
He says there are rock stars who make the music and roadies who set up the equipment before concluding by saying "no guts, no glory." Jenny clinks wine glasses with him at this comment as Erica continues to ponder.
The next morning, Erica is in the elevator going up to the River Rock office, still going over her decision. As she walks out into the office, Friedkin and Julianne are discussing another book in the coffee lounge.
Erica approaches them and clears her throat to get their attention. She tells them that her answer to whether she will write the book is "yes." Julianne can't hide her surprise, saying that she thought Erica would chicken out, but Erica simply smiles back and repeats her answer of "yes."
Friedkin tries to get her to say this with a bit more conviction, sensing a little doubt in her answer. Uncomfortable with this, Erica decides to make an exit and slowly backs out through a set of double doors.
However, she is shocked to find herself entering Dr. Tom's office and turns around to see him standing by the window shaking a Magic 8-Ball. He declares to Erica that, for the fifth time in ten shakes, "the answer is yes."
He remarks that the law of averages is interesting and Erica tells him that "yes" works for her. Dr. Tom hands her the ball suggesting it's fascinating how some people put so much faith into a piece of plastic to tell their fortune.
Erica shakes the Magic 8-Ball and is perturbed when the answer comes back as "no." She tries to hand him back the ball, saying "no" is for cowards. Dr. Tom replies that that is harsh and, instead of taking the ball from her, sits down behind his desk.
She says it may be harsh, but that it is also kind of true. Erica confesses she has said "no" a lot and as a result has missed out. Dr. Tom picks up her list and asks her about regret number 18, "Taipei." She chuckles and says that that is a perfect example.
Erica explains that it was the worst summer of her life when, between undergrad and her masters, she took a well-paying but dead boring job with the government - her first call centre gig - to help pay off her school debts.
She says that Jenny thought she was making the safe choice as usual and tells Dr. Tom that the pair of them had always talked about going travelling together after undergrad.
She smiles as she recounts Jenny's idea for the pair of them to go to Taiwan for the summer, make a ton of money teaching ESL, and then use their savings to travel across Asia before coming back to "the real world."
Sensing the dismissive tone in her words, Dr. Tom suggests that the real world is overrated and Erica admits that she had thought so. She describes to him how she had quit her job, bought her ticket to Taipei, and had hoped it would be her grand awakening. However, right before they were about to leave, she had chickened out.
Erica says she had realised their only plan when they were to arrive was to wing it - to stay in a youth hostel and work some jobs they had found on a sketchy website. She says instead of forcing herself to get into the cab to leave she walked away.
Instead, she got her job back and spent the summer bored and miserable. Standing up, leaning on the back of her chair, she bemoans being afraid and wonders what would have happened had she gone.
Dr. Tom suggests that it's time she found out and Erica throws the Magic 8-Ball up into the air before finding herself suddenly back in time - standing on the sidewalk watching the cab pull away with Jenny inside it.
She suddenly calls out and runs after it and the cab stops. She opens the door and tells Jenny she's changed her mind. Excited, Jenny asks if she's sure, Erica says she's a million per cent, takes off her backpack, and gets into the cab which drives them off.
In Taipei, Erica and Jenny stand outside looking unimpressed at the hostel they are booked to stay in - the Palace Youth Hostel. Jenny suggests that "Palace" is a stretch and Erica replies that it is authentic.
Jenny insists it is filthy and, telling Erica that she has her parents' credit card in case of emergencies, informs her that there is a five star hotel down the street they can stay at instead.
Erica is tempted at this thought, but reminds her that they came for an adventure and she pushes Jenny inside the Palace remarking that it's in a great location.
As they climb the stairs looking for their room they have to negotiate their way past puddles of vomit, which Jenny sarcastically refers to as "living on the edge." They then pass a guy on the way up the stairs who Erica takes a fancy to, and she suggests that Taipei does have its merits.
Jenny bemoans that she needs some sleep but, when they go to enter their room, they discover another girl in bed having sex with a guy. Erica and Jenny are shocked at this and the guy, naked, quickly makes an exit.
The girl gets out of bed and introduces herself as being Laurie from Bristol, England. Erica reciprocates explaining her and Jenny are from Toronto and suggests that they can come back later. Laurie jokes that she will go and find the guy so they can finish what they started and leaves.
Erica checks with Jenny that Laurie was joking, but Jenny merely replies that their "adventure" is continuing and wonders if a nervous-looking Erica has brought earplugs with her.
The next day they walk around the city streets trying to find the school where they will be teaching ESL. Jenny tries to ask local for directions in English without any luck. Erica is focusing on the map, trying to ensure they don't get lost, and doesn't see Jenny follow a guy into a shop to ask for directions.
She continues to wander on and is surprised when she can't find Jenny. Then she hears someone asking if they can help her in English. Erica is relieved to hear this and looks up to see it is Dr. Tom - dressed as backpacker and eating something from a bowl.
Erica compliments him on his backpack and he asks her how the big adventure is going. She replies that it's been an experience and that Taipei is interesting, before admitting that it's been pretty awful so far.
Dr. Tom remarks that he thought it was supposed to be the most amazing summer ever and Erica suggests that her call centre job is now looking pretty comfy. He then offers her to try some of the "stinky tofu" he has been eating.
Erica smells it, commenting that it smells like rotten garbage. Dr. Tom explains how it has been fermented in shrimp brine, mustard greens, and Chinese herbs and explains that, like donuts in Canada, it is the unofficial snack food in Taipei.
He hands her the bowl, saying that the stinkier the tofu the better the taste. Erica tries it, surprised to find it isn't that bad. Dr. Tom laughs and tells her: "It doesn't work to leap a twenty foot chasm in two ten foot jumps."
Then, pointing her towards the road she has been looking for, he tells her to enjoy and leaves. Jenny then returns and explains that she followed a guy into a shop and got some directions.
She then smells Erica's bowl of tofu and, taking it from her and putting it aside, suggests they go for a Big Mac instead. Erica insists that they need to get work though.
At the school they are going to be teaching at, Erica and Jenny are shown around by their boss, Mrs Li. She explains how they will be paid 300 a week. Erica says that the ad said they'd be paid 400 but is told that this is only the case if they are on a work visa and Erica agrees that 300 sounds fair.
Mrs Li then informs Jenny that she will be taking the 4 year-olds, which pleases Jenny, who comments that little kids love her. Erica is told that, due to her camp experience, she has been given a bit more of a challenge.
She opens the door to a classroom full of noisy children who quickly sit down at their desks. Mrs Li explains to Erica how their teacher had an emergency and had to leave. She tells Erica that the class is busy learning a song for their upcoming parents showcase.
Erica asks what song and is pleased to discover it is fellow Canadian Celine Dion's Where Does My Heart Beat Now? Mrs Li suggests that Erica looks like her, saying her and Celine could be sisters. Jenny laughs and recommends she doesn't ask to hear Erica sing as the comparisons end with the looks.
Mrs Li explains that the kids know the words to the song but just need to practise. Erica jokes that she'll sign some autographs and Mrs Li introduces her to the kids, telling them in Mandarin to be "kind to this one."
However, the kids are soon running riot - chasing one another and throwing things around. Erica stands at the front, trying to calm them down, and holding up a sign for them to be quiet. She then opens her book of Mandarin and tries to tell them to be quiet.
One boy, hearing her attempt, stops and approaches her. Erica wonders if he speaks English and asks if he can tell the others to stand in a line so they can practise the song. Instead, the boy karate chops Erica's palm and she backs away from him as he threatens her again.
That evening, Erica, Jenny, and Laurie are sitting at a table in a bar. Erica looks at her hand and wonders if it may be ruptured. Laurie comments she looks pathetic and Jenny laughs that Erica was karate chopped. She suggests that, after a few drinks, Erica won't feel a thing.
Erica informs Jenny that, with their Cosmos costing $20, she'll only be able to have one. Jenny senses that she hates Taipei which Erica denies, but she admits she needs to stop living in fear and starting living life.
Laurie tells Erica that she needs to start walking the walk and Erica suggests they leave the bar and go and do something crazy and wild and risky. They are excited at this idea, and Jenny asks for their cheque.
Erica muses about how they could hitchhike out of Taipei and go bohemian - take on jobs, sleep in the countryside, and really live for the moment. As she describes this, Jenny is handed their cheque and is stunned at how much it is. She hands it to Erica who is similarly shocked and the girls realise they don't have enough money to cover it.
They try to leave without paying it, Laurie advising them not to draw any attention their way. However, they find the exit blocked by an imposing bouncer who prevents them from leaving.
A guy sitting near the exit advises them to pay their bill, remarking that the bouncer eats dishonest Westerners for breakfast. Erica replies that the owner told them their drinks were complimentary and Jenny adds that they are VIP guests.
The guy responds by telling them that he is very generous and they are shocked that he is the owner. He asks them if they're Americans, and Erica explains that her and Jenny are from Canada and Laurie Britain.
He tells Erica that he didn't remember there being any Canadians on the VIP list and asks Erica to remind him of her name. She hesitates before introducing herself as Celine Dion. He laughs at this, unable to believe that he could have missed her name.
Realising they're lying, he stands up and announces to everyone Celine Dion's presence and suggests that Erica honours them with a song. Erica tries to make an excuse about saving her throat and he replies that her not repaying him waiving her bill with one song isn't very generous.
Sensing they can escape without paying, Jenny chips in, adding that "Celine" is being rude and Erica reluctantly agrees.
Up on stage, Erica performs Where Does My Heart Beat Now? as everyone watches on, clapping enthusiastically despite her off-key performance. Erica finishes to much applause, including the entertained owner.
Later, Erica, Jenny, and Laurie are at a party the owner, Kendrick, is hosting in a plush building he owns. He explains to them how he uses it for parties over the summer and Erica asks him if anyone is living there currently.
She asks him how much he'd charge them to live there, describing the three of them as "very nice and responsible but severely underpaid." Kendrick replies that it depends what's in it for him, and Erica offers some free English lessons as well as their rent - although she recognises he doesn't need the lessons.
To their surprise, Kendrick replies that they can keep their money and English lessons and stay for free as his guests. Lawrie and Jenny are very enthusiastic over this offer, and Jenny tries to persuade a sceptical Erica not to reject it. Erica insists Kendrick's offer is too generous though.
Kendrick assures her there are no strings attached to his gesture, explaining that the three of them would move in and enjoy themselves, suggesting that "whatever happens, happens." Erica enquires about what will happen if nothing does, but Kendrick says he is fine with that too.
He admits that he finds them all charming and beautiful and hopes they won't hold his honesty against him, before reminding them that he didn't hold their earlier deception against them. Erica laughs nervously and Jenny concludes that they'd love to stay and they all toast this agreement.
The girls move in and, after teaching during the day, enjoy partying in the evening at Kendrick's - who is soon making out with Jenny before sleeping with her.
The next morning, Erica wakes up on the couch, hungover, and surrounded by mess from the party. She is shocked to see the time and staggers over to the other couch, where Jenny lies asleep.
She wakes her up, telling Jenny they are late for teaching. Jenny tells Erica go alone as she is too tired. When Erica eventually arrives at the school she tries to excuse her tardiness to Mrs Li by blaming problems with the public transport.
Mrs Li suggests that actually Erica stayed up all night partying and woke up late. She reminds Erica that the showcase is happening the next evening and that she needs her to be there, instead of partying. Erica promises Mrs Li that she will before taking over the class.
When she returns home that evening, Erica finds another party taking place. She heads over to Jenny and Kendrick, who are sitting together on the couch. Erica admits that teaching hungover is not fun and tells them she is going straight to bed.
Jenny stops her though and, making Erica sit down next to her, says she must first say "yes." Erica does so, and Jenny informs her that she has agreed to fly to Hong Kong with them for the weekend.
She is shocked to hear this, and Jenny explains that Kendrick has rented out an entire floor in a luxury hotel. Erica tries to explain that she can't come, but Jenny tells her the flight only takes an hour, it won't cost anything, and she will have a whole room to herself as she will be sharing with Kendrick.
Erica reminds Jenny that the showcase is taking place and says she promised Mrs Li she would be there. Jenny replies that, despite being underpaid, Erica has given Mrs Li her blood, sweat, and tears and now has to work for free on a Saturday too.
She reminds Erica that they came to Taipei for an adventure and asks when she is going to have such a chance again. Kendrick then hands her a drink, and Erica relents, suggesting the kids already know the song and she will give Mrs Li some warning.
Jenny hugs Erica, telling her they are going to have an incredible time before leaving to get Kendrick's cell phone so she can call Mrs Li.
Outside, Erica leaves Mrs Li a voicemail explaining how something has come up and she won't be able to make the showcase. She apologises for the short notice but assures her that the kids did a great job in the dress rehearsal and how she is sure they'll be great.
She hangs up, clearly feeling guilty at breaking her promise. She makes her way back inside to the party, trying to find Jenny. When she goes to look in the kitchen though she spots Kendrick and Laurie making out. She backs away horrified.
Erica heads back into the main room where she discovers Jenny dancing, and tells her they need to talk. She explains what she saw, and Jenny tries to hide her hurt, insisting that it is OK. Erica wonders how this can be though, considering her and Kendrick have been "all over each other."
Jenny says that she's not worrying about it and nor should Erica. Kendrick and Laurie then join them, and he hands Jenny some money. Kendrick explains that he wants them to buy some nice clothes for Hong Kong and informs them he will be sending a car to pick them up.
Laurie and Jenny look excited at this news, but Erica is unimpressed and has to shrug off a guy who tries to dance with her. She sits down on the couch and watches on, disturbed, as Kendrick encourages Jenny and Laurie to start making out as he kisses Laurie's neck.
Later, Erica catches up with Jenny and questions her about her "performance" earlier with Kendrick, but Jenny insists that it's fine. Erica wonders if that is because he gave her money and enquires as to whether Jenny is his girlfriend or mistress.
Jenny brands Erica a drama queen and tells her to calm down. Erica remarks that she can't understand how Jenny can be OK with it, but Jenny replies that it's none of Erica's business and goes to leave.
Erica follows her though, reminding her that she is her friend and says that Kendrick is treating her like a piece of meat. Jenny suggests he is doing the same with Erica, but she reminds Jenny that she hasn't been making out with him or Laurie because of money.
Jenny guesses that Erica is suggesting she is acting like a whore and points to the fact that, although not making out with him, Erica herself is happy to eat his food and stay in his place and she asks what that makes her.
She tells Erica her problem is she is scared of everything. Erica disagrees, but Jenny continues, accusing her of ruining the great thing they have going by looking for problems which don't exist.
Erica responds by saying she needs to pack, although Jenny tells her that there is no need to at the moment as they are not leaving for Hong Kong until late the next day. However, Erica corrects her and says she is actually packing to return to the Palace.
Jenny begs her not to, apologising for arguing with her, and tells her not to miss out on Hong Kong just because she is drunk and not watching what she is saying.
Erica agrees though that what Jenny does is none of her business and that, even though she doesn't like what's going on, it's her life and her call. She concludes though that it's not for her and ignores Jenny pleas with her not to go.
At the school the next day, the kids are all lined up ready to go into the showcase with Mrs Li when Erica comes running in. She apologises and says that she is there to do the showcase if she is still wanted.
Mrs Li tells Erica she is pleased to see her and the kids begin to walk into the showcase with Erica following them at the back of the line. However, instead of following the kids in she suddenly finds herself walking into the corridor at River Rock back in the present day.
There, Dr. Tom is waiting for her. She suggests that he could have sent her to Taipei the same way he brought her back - saving her a 24 hour flight. He reminds her that she wanted the full adventure and says he just gave it to her.
Erica replies that she has discovered she is not the full adventure type, although Dr. Tom questions how true this is and says he thinks it depends on what the adventure is. Erica laments that everyone knows that the people who take the risk get the reward.
She notices that Dr. Tom considers this statement at length and asks him what he is thinking about. He walks up to her, and explains that his daughter, Sarah, used to take risks all the time - describing it as the thing that defined her and terrified him.
He says he used to think there was nothing that Sarah wouldn't try and that her friends admired that about her. Dr. Tom concludes that he thinks that sometimes the biggest risk of all can be the willingness to say "no."
At that moment, Brent pops his head round the door and tells Erica they are waiting for her. She follows him, looking back around to Dr. Tom who watches her go, thinking.
Erica walks into the boardroom, where everyone is sitting down already. She asks to talk to Julianne, but Julianne tells her she'll be spending all day speaking with her right after they make things official.
She sits down, as Julianne explains to a happy-looking Brent that he will be taking on Erica's slates - Stahl's book Rocket Man, and The None - which she comments is her personal favourite, a sentiment Erica concurs with.
This seems to inspire Erica to have the confidence to declare that what she wants to say is that she can't write "the sex book." Julianne is shocked to hear this, and Erica apologises, insisting that she is not the person they need as she is not a self help writer.
Friedkin suggests she has cold feet, but Erica replies that it is more than that, declaring that it's not for her and that she doesn't want to quit her job.
Brent looks disappointed at this news and Erica admits that she knows it's an incredible opportunity and Julianne reminds her that she wants to be an author. Erica admits she does and that her dream is to write literature, short stories, and essays - but not a sex book.
Julianne then turns to Brent and, calling him "chicken," apologises, saying Erica has "come back to roost." Erica looks sheepish at this and Brent pushes the slates back to Erica before asking to be excused and gets up and leaves.
Erica tries to apologise to him and admits that she's making everything so complicated, which Julianne echoes. She admits that, although she doesn't love the turn of events, she can't force Erica to write a book that her heart is clearly not into.
Friedkin checks with Erica for one last time that she is sure of her decision and Erica, looking down at her slates, replies that is she completely.
Later, Brent and Galvin are discussing the email he sent, and Brent insists he only sent the email because he cares about River Rock and would hate to see Non Fiction falter because Julianne is having an affair with one of her authors.
Galvin realises he means Friedkin and Brent suggests it is compromising Julianne's leadership - causing her to be distracted and make snap decisions like asking Junior Editors to be writers. Galvin asks to know which Junior Editor and Brent reluctantly reveals it was Erica.
He insists that it was Julianne and Friedkin's doing though and says Julianne is not thinking clearly. Galvin is concerned to hear this, explaining he only cares about books and that he will know immediately if Brent is right when he sees the quarter's work roll out.
Galvin concludes that it was a "ballsy" move from Brent to come to him and walks off, leaving Brent to breathe a sigh of relief and reflect on his actions.
That evening, Erica is in her apartment when there's a knock at the door. Jenny is there and enters, carrying a bottle of champagne. She hugs Erica and explains they are celebrating Erica's book and her finding a great guy.
She notices that there are clothes strewn across the couch and asks what's going on. Erica tells her that she is making space in her closet for Ethan's things as he is moving in with her. Jenny says this is fantastic wondering, after moving in with Ethan and being a published writer, what is next for Erica.
Erica reveals that she has passed on the book though, and Jenny suggests that Ethan talked her out of it. She insists that it wasn't the right thing for her and that she's happy where she is now. Jenny tells her that if she's happy then she is too.
She says that she wants to still open the champagne so they can celebrate the fact that she is moving to LA. Erica is stunned at this news, but Jenny tells her she is so into Rob that she is going to quit her job, hop on a plane, and give it a shot.
Erica reminds her that she barely knows him and Jenny concedes as much, but states that she has a really good feeling about Rob. Concerned though, Erica admits that she doesn't think it's a good idea to pick up and leave her whole life for a guy she doesn't know.
She asks if Rob even knows about her idea and wonders where Jenny is going to live when she gets there. Jenny tells her with Rob, but Erica questions what will happen if it doesn't work out.
Jenny responds that, if it doesn't, at least she will know she didn't chicken out which Erica, realising what she is implying, thinks is unfair. Jenny disagres though, and suggests that when Erica turned down the book deal she was turning down her dream, which she thinks was a bad idea.
Erica insists her dream is to write fiction and says that it will happen one day and that she is not letting go of her dream. Jenny replies that, although Erica has let the opportunity to publish something that she has written go, she is not attacking her for it. Erica says that is not what she is doing though.
She tells Jenny she cares about her and thinks her moving to LA on a whim is not a risk but reckless. Jenny digests this, hurt, and she suggests that having a boyfriend has made Erica a stuck up girl who thinks a safe, boring life is the only way to go.
Erica states that she's just worried about her, but Jenny doesn't want to hear her, and goes to leave. However, Erica stops her from going and tells her to listen, even though she is not going to like it.
She says that Jenny thinks she is a big risk taker but tells her she's not and that she does the same thing with guys all the time. Erica describes how she hooks up with them for a couple of months before breaking it off and that her flying to LA is not taking a risk but par for the course.
Erica suggests that taking a risk for Jenny would be taking it slow and showing Rob the side of her that the men she dates never get to see. She concludes that that would be taking a risk. Jenny shakes her head at this comment and leaves an upset Erica.
She narrates over images of Julianne laughing on her phone, being watched from his desk by Brent, and Jenny having sex with Rob.
"Risks. How we feel about them says a lot about us. Every day, every moment, we calculate and assess, debate and decide."
Finally, Erica sits down with a drink at her computer, smiles to herself, and begins to type.
"But when you get right down to it, the truth is that, when it comes to risk, the only thing that matters is that you take the ones that are right for you."
Saturday, February 19, 2011
Mama Mia: Analysis
Season 2, Episode 3: Mama Mia
Analysis
There's an old saying about how you shouldn't be so quick to criticise someone until you've walked a mile in their shoes. It gets to the very heart of trying to be empathetic rather than judgement, understanding rather than harsh.
We're all quick to do it - jump to conclusions, take things at face value, and think the grass is greener for someone else. However, until we know exactly what they're going through, then perhaps we should try and exercise more patience and cut folk some slack.
It's the lesson which Erica learns in this particular episode as Dr. Tom sends her back in time to try and understand just how hard it is to look after a newborn baby.
Now, being a guy in my early 20s, I can just about manage to look after myself, so the thought of having the responsibility of looking after a baby totally freaks me out. I don't want to be considering that for another decade or so.
However, for women, I guess it's different. Almost all girls are incredibly maternal, and even those who aren't can grow to become so. It wasn't until recently that I actually realised how this idea of caring and looking after babies is ingrained in girls all their lives.
I mean, think about it. While boys play make believe with their action figures, what do girls do? They look after dolls. Pretend babies. Right from an early age, they are conditioned into understanding that this is something they do and, often, something they want to do.
This episode is all about mothers really. From Judith, trying to find her way in caring for baby Max right through to Barbara, who has been there, done it, got the t-shirt and probably now hoping for some grand kids from her two daughters. She'll have to keep waiting...
Of course, as Erica struggles to look after Max back in 1995, it's to Barbara who Judith recommends she goes to. Someone with experience. However, telling too is that we see Barbara giving advice to Sam on how to keep Josh feeling important when it comes to what to do with her hair.
I think it's a great example of the very clever writing in this particular episode, as what do we see in the present day? Only Sam trying to keep Josh happy with his new important promotion and move to London. And who is not so keen on what she's doing? Her mom.
Of course, it's very possible Sam has got the idea in her head of accepting to live her husband's lifestyle from her mother, certainly from what we saw in '95. However, now the roles are reversed.
Not that Sam is totally in favour of the move, she knows she's the one making the sacrifice, and we've already seen in Season 1 how she can often just go along with things that Josh wants, even if she's not convinced of it herself.
It's shown by the way she breaks down and cries in the car after leaving her Mom's following Barbara expressing her concerns. Interesting too that Erica encouraged her mother to speak our about her worries - just as Dr. Tom implored Erica to before Sam's wedding.
It's also how clever how during her time travel, Erica and Judith almost swap positions. Judith is one who feels alone, abandoned by her friend who seems to moved on without her, and not understanding of what it takes to care for a baby.
Back in the present day, it was Erica feeling as though her friendship with Judith was "on life support" and in need of work. However, on her return, she was better able to understand where Jude was coming from.
She is also reminded of how they have spent time apart before, as Judith recalls back in 1995. Watching it back, too, is there a hint of prolepsis when Judith talks about Erica being a famous author who has moved on without her? Very similar to events in Episode 11.
After being a bit down on the previous episode's time travel, I actually think this is a really fun episode - seeing Jude and Erica struggling to look after their respective youngsters. It was also clever how, after a couple of present day-mentions, Ethan's friend Michael makes an appearance back in '95.
It's also an opportunity for some great mid-1990s tunes, and pay attention to the detail they go to - strands of Erica's hair dyed purple apparently a Frosh Week tradition at the University of Toronto. It's another great example of how well put together Being Erica is.
Having said that though, this was supposed to be "the third regret from the bottom" according to Dr. Tom. Now, we saw the last regret that Erica added in Episode 1, which was "Leo." We then saw her add a couple more in Episode 11 of Season 1.
So unless she's been adding more and more, which is entirely feasible, that we're not aware of then I don't see how Frosh Week could have been the third one from the bottom, as Dr. Tom describes it. That's me being super-pedantic though.
It barely registers a dot on the surface of what is such a great show, and one of the reasons is becase it really does teach you lessons for life. We also see Erica learn and grow at the same time, actually responding to what Dr. Tom is trying to show her.
It's true too, friendships are like any relationships, they need attention and hard work, particularly when other factors play a part to make them more difficult. It's certainly my experience from having been to university and a few different schools.
Having moved around as a kid, I'm no longer in touch with anyone I met before the age of 15. I then went away to university, and met people from all around the UK - who I rarely see now.
Sure, modern technology makes it easier, but actually seeing them in person is hard, and it takes planning and effort.
It's difficult, too, when people's lives take them in different directions and they progress at different speeds. Just as Erica is finding as Jude takes steps into motherhood - something still a long way off for her.
Unfortunately, some friendships don't survive, as the cynical Kai comments. Incidentally, such cynicism at such a young age should really have been a telling sign of his true identity. More on that much later in the season though. However, other friendships do - although they require effort and understanding.
I'm always reminded of one of the only things I ever remember from primary school, when we were told that, "if you want a friend, be a friend." Parent or child, mature mother or wacky aunt, 1995 or 2009, that will always be the case.
Analysis
There's an old saying about how you shouldn't be so quick to criticise someone until you've walked a mile in their shoes. It gets to the very heart of trying to be empathetic rather than judgement, understanding rather than harsh.
We're all quick to do it - jump to conclusions, take things at face value, and think the grass is greener for someone else. However, until we know exactly what they're going through, then perhaps we should try and exercise more patience and cut folk some slack.
It's the lesson which Erica learns in this particular episode as Dr. Tom sends her back in time to try and understand just how hard it is to look after a newborn baby.
Now, being a guy in my early 20s, I can just about manage to look after myself, so the thought of having the responsibility of looking after a baby totally freaks me out. I don't want to be considering that for another decade or so.
However, for women, I guess it's different. Almost all girls are incredibly maternal, and even those who aren't can grow to become so. It wasn't until recently that I actually realised how this idea of caring and looking after babies is ingrained in girls all their lives.
I mean, think about it. While boys play make believe with their action figures, what do girls do? They look after dolls. Pretend babies. Right from an early age, they are conditioned into understanding that this is something they do and, often, something they want to do.
This episode is all about mothers really. From Judith, trying to find her way in caring for baby Max right through to Barbara, who has been there, done it, got the t-shirt and probably now hoping for some grand kids from her two daughters. She'll have to keep waiting...
Of course, as Erica struggles to look after Max back in 1995, it's to Barbara who Judith recommends she goes to. Someone with experience. However, telling too is that we see Barbara giving advice to Sam on how to keep Josh feeling important when it comes to what to do with her hair.
I think it's a great example of the very clever writing in this particular episode, as what do we see in the present day? Only Sam trying to keep Josh happy with his new important promotion and move to London. And who is not so keen on what she's doing? Her mom.
Of course, it's very possible Sam has got the idea in her head of accepting to live her husband's lifestyle from her mother, certainly from what we saw in '95. However, now the roles are reversed.
Not that Sam is totally in favour of the move, she knows she's the one making the sacrifice, and we've already seen in Season 1 how she can often just go along with things that Josh wants, even if she's not convinced of it herself.
It's shown by the way she breaks down and cries in the car after leaving her Mom's following Barbara expressing her concerns. Interesting too that Erica encouraged her mother to speak our about her worries - just as Dr. Tom implored Erica to before Sam's wedding.
It's also how clever how during her time travel, Erica and Judith almost swap positions. Judith is one who feels alone, abandoned by her friend who seems to moved on without her, and not understanding of what it takes to care for a baby.
Back in the present day, it was Erica feeling as though her friendship with Judith was "on life support" and in need of work. However, on her return, she was better able to understand where Jude was coming from.
She is also reminded of how they have spent time apart before, as Judith recalls back in 1995. Watching it back, too, is there a hint of prolepsis when Judith talks about Erica being a famous author who has moved on without her? Very similar to events in Episode 11.
After being a bit down on the previous episode's time travel, I actually think this is a really fun episode - seeing Jude and Erica struggling to look after their respective youngsters. It was also clever how, after a couple of present day-mentions, Ethan's friend Michael makes an appearance back in '95.
It's also an opportunity for some great mid-1990s tunes, and pay attention to the detail they go to - strands of Erica's hair dyed purple apparently a Frosh Week tradition at the University of Toronto. It's another great example of how well put together Being Erica is.
Having said that though, this was supposed to be "the third regret from the bottom" according to Dr. Tom. Now, we saw the last regret that Erica added in Episode 1, which was "Leo." We then saw her add a couple more in Episode 11 of Season 1.
So unless she's been adding more and more, which is entirely feasible, that we're not aware of then I don't see how Frosh Week could have been the third one from the bottom, as Dr. Tom describes it. That's me being super-pedantic though.
It barely registers a dot on the surface of what is such a great show, and one of the reasons is becase it really does teach you lessons for life. We also see Erica learn and grow at the same time, actually responding to what Dr. Tom is trying to show her.
It's true too, friendships are like any relationships, they need attention and hard work, particularly when other factors play a part to make them more difficult. It's certainly my experience from having been to university and a few different schools.
Having moved around as a kid, I'm no longer in touch with anyone I met before the age of 15. I then went away to university, and met people from all around the UK - who I rarely see now.
Sure, modern technology makes it easier, but actually seeing them in person is hard, and it takes planning and effort.
It's difficult, too, when people's lives take them in different directions and they progress at different speeds. Just as Erica is finding as Jude takes steps into motherhood - something still a long way off for her.
Unfortunately, some friendships don't survive, as the cynical Kai comments. Incidentally, such cynicism at such a young age should really have been a telling sign of his true identity. More on that much later in the season though. However, other friendships do - although they require effort and understanding.
I'm always reminded of one of the only things I ever remember from primary school, when we were told that, "if you want a friend, be a friend." Parent or child, mature mother or wacky aunt, 1995 or 2009, that will always be the case.
Mama Mia
Season 2, Episode 3: Mama Mia
Episode Guide
Erica is in the kitchen of her apartment, preparing brunch. She goes to the fridge and sees a photo of Judith holding baby Max and smiles. She narrates:
"Friends. They're the people who get you, support you, understand you in ways that others just don't. They're the people you share your life with, but what happens when your life starts to change?"
Ethan then joins her, and tries to take a piece of bacon to eat. Erica smacks his hand away. He asks for one piece, seeing as he's got a six hour drive ahead of him, but she tells him it is for Judith.
He pleads with her and Erica reminds him that he's the one abandoning her for the weekend - to go to his cousin's stag-do - so he shouldn't guilt her out. However, she eventually relents and feeds him one piece, telling him the rest of the bacon and scones are for Judith.
Ethan suggests she's really going all out, and Erica admits she's anxious - which confuses him. Erica says that she can't remember the last time they hung out, compared to when they used to see each other all the time and talk every day.
He reminds her that Judith does have a newborn baby, and Erica comments that she knows but that, every time they make plans, Judith cancels. Ethan recalls how when his friend Michael had kids they went from drinking buddies to "playground patrol."
Erica suggests that they stayed friends though, and Ethan adds that they to make a few adjustments.
She begins to put the scones in a dish when her phone rings. Erica notices Judith is calling her from home and panics, wondering what this means. She answers, and Judith bemoans why babies aren't born with teeth.
Erica guesses she is referring to breast feeding, and Judith informs her she got just three hours sleep. She supposes that Judith is going to have to cancel, but Judith insists she promised she wouldn't.
They arrange to meet up that afternoon at Goblins as Judith has baby yoga to attend nearby.
She hangs up, and Ethan asks Erica if she's OK, and she presents him the scones and bacon for his trip to Montreal before they kiss.
Later, Erica arrives at Goblins to find Judith and Max already sitting at a table. Pleased to see one another, they hug and agree that they've never gone as long without seeing one another. Erica sits down and Judith, having already got her a vanilla latte, tells her she wants to know everything - and asks how Ethan is.
Erica explains that things are good, despite a "weird thing" at Sam's birthday. She begins to tell Judith about Ethan being in Montreal for the weekend when Max starts crying and Judith begins to tend to him.
Despite this, Erica continues to talk about Ethan, expressing her anxiety that Claire is in Montreal, too, and Judith suggests she is obsessing over things which aren't actually happening.
At that moment, Judith's friends Alison and Marie, also there for baby yoga, arrive, and ask to join her and Erica. She appears to be a bit put out by them joining, but Erica nevertheless continues her conversation and disagrees that she's obsessing, although she insists she does want Judith's opinion.
Judith is busy trying to breast feed Max though - and is in pain as he continues to bite her. Alison wonders why baby aren't born with teeth, and Judith comments that she said that same thing to Erica.
Erica then glances over to the counter where Kai is working and they smile at one another. Meanwhile, Judith, Alison, and Marie are all talking about baby-related topics and Judith asks if they're pacifying, which Alison informs her they are because Marie's mother is very pro-pacifier.
Trying to involve herself in the conversation, Erica quips that that would make her a "pacifist," although they fail to see the funny side. Judith continues, explaining how she disagrees with pacifiers as she believes babies need the opportunity to practise self soothing.
Erica nods along, without really understanding, as Judith rants about pacifiers being unhygienic and disgusting. As the three others become engrossed in their baby discussion, Erica wanders up the counter to talk to Kai.
He offers her something to eat, although she orders just a water - which she admits is an excuse to leave the table. She puts her head in her hands and Kai wonders if she's tired. Erica replies that she is - having just got in from 1992 the other day where the air is much cleaner.
Kai refuses to take this bait, and Erica remarks that he really doesn't want to talk about therapy. Instead, he points over to her table and suggests they talk about her friend, describing Judith as "the one who's ignoring" Erica.
Erica explains that she is her best friend - and used to be terrified by kids. Kai says that things change, and, unconvincingly, she tells him that it's good and she's happy for Judith. Kai laughs at this remark though, and doubts Erica.
She insists that she is happy for Judith, but Kai replies that she isn't and he understands why. He suggests that kids come along and people forget their friends. Kai muses that a lot of marriages don't survive kids and bets that even more friendships don't.
Annoyed, Erica asks him how he'd know, commenting that he barely looks like he's out of high school. She thanks him for the water and glances back over at the table.
"Friendships like everything else are not immune to change. The question is, how do you keep a friendship together when your lives are pulling you apart?"
Afterwards, Erica and Judith, along with Max in his baby carriage, are walking through a park. Judith apologises for getting sucked into the "mom talk" and Erica assures it's her OK. Judith reminds Erica that she was beginning to tell her about Ethan, and Erica resumes the conversation.
She describes how lots of little things are starting to "add up" and Judith compares it to how she has to remind Anthony to remember to bring the diaper bag every day. Erica is unsure whether this is a good comparison though.
Judith's phone then rings, where Anthony calls to inform her his mother has a cold, although she can still babysit if needed. Judith says she doesn't want her taking care of Max if she's sick and Anthony suggests she could always stay at home. Judith insists she doesn't want to and will figure it out.
Erica asks what's going on, and Judith explains that Anthony is giving a speech at the bank's diversity dinner in four hours and she's just lost the only babysitter she trusts. Erica volunteers to do it, but Judith replies that Max is teething and being really difficult.
She assures Judith that she used to babysit all the time and can handle it - as long as Judith trusts her. Judith says she does, but she is just really precise about Max's schedule. Erica jokes that she knows schedules as she's being taking the bus since 1987.
Persuaded, Judith asks Erica if she can make it for 6:30pm and Erica tells her she can arrive early. Judith thanks her, although is clearly a little hesitant about the idea.
Later that day, Erica is on the phone to her mom who is surprised that she is babysitting and asks how old Max is. Erica - who is reading a babysitting book - wonders why no-one believes she's an amazing babysitter, reminding her mom she used to babysit Sam.
Barbara points out that Sam was eight at the time and Max is a baby. She says she's sure Erica will do fine, although Erica suggests that her mom doesn't sound convinced about this. She then apologises for missing the dinner they'd arranged to have before hanging up.
As Barbara ends her call with Erica, Sam arrives at the house returning some Tupperware she'd borrowed. She asks Sam what she's doing for dinner and, when informed that Josh was going to barbecue, suggests Sam stays and has the lasagna she had prepared for Erica.
Sam replies that she and Josh have a lot to do at home, and Barbara offers to help them. Forced into telling her mom the truth, Sam reveals that they're moving to London and about Josh's promotion to Senior VP.
Barbara is stunned, and checks Sam means London, England. Sam insists it's good news, which Barbara agrees, although suggesting it's a big change. She asks Sam what she will do about her work, and Sam replies there are hospitals in London and there are worse things than getting European certification and a couple of years of overseas experience.
Her mom is surprised to hear it would be that long, but Sam tells her not to be so "judgy" and "Erica" and to be happy for them. Barbara responds that, if it is what Sam wants, she is happy for her and they hug as Sam insists it is what she wants.
At Judith's house, Erica is with baby Max as Judith explains to her how breast milk shouldn't be put in the microwave and Anthony, entering, jokes that Judith will come after her if she wastes a drop of it.
Erica assures them she's all over it, explaining how she knows breast milk goes in warm water until it reaches body temperature. Anthony is impressed by this knowledge and Erica explains how she's prepared and done her research, and she holds up her "Best Friend's Guide To Babysitting" book.
Judith instructs Erica that Max's bedtime is 7pm on the dot - otherwise he gets overtired. Anthony suggests Erica just need to keep Max alive, but Judith insists she's not joking and that that if Max gets overtired he won't be able to sleep.
Erica is adamant that she understands, and Judith warns her that if she hasn't then Max will be off for days. Judith and Anthony's cab then pulls up outside and they get ready to go, with Judith telling Erica that, once she has put Max down, not to pick him up as she is teaching him to self soothe.
She says not to use any props, or pacifiers, and not to rock him to sleep. Erica replies that research also says that at a certain point a mother has to just go and have some fun. Judith and Anthony then go, with Erica telling Max that "Crazy Aunt Erica" is smarter than Judith thinks she is.
At Barbara's house, the phone rings and she answers to find Erica telling her that her and Max have made it to bedtime without a single tear. Barbara exclaims that this is wonderful and, Erica, sitting on the couch with Max in her arms, adds that snuggling a warm baby is hardly the rough job mothers make it out to be.
Barbara rolls her eyes at this comment and explains how Sam came over to eat her lasagna and she then asks Sam to go down to the basement to fetch her some more paper towel. When she has gone, she informs Erica of Sam and Josh's move to London.
Erica can't believe this, commenting that Sam could hardly handle going to camp and is pleased for Sam. Barbara replies that it's for Josh's promotion, which Erica isn't surprised about.
Barbara suggests that Sam is acting excited but she doesn't think she's that into it and Erica advises her to express her worries to Sam. Her mom remarks how defensive Sam can get, but Erica implores her to, saying Barbara's opinion matters to Sam and if she thinks it's the wrong decision than she needs to speak out.
Erica then spots the time and says she has to take Max to bed so says goodbye to her mom. She takes Max and puts him in his crib, kissing him goodnight. She tells him not to tell his mom it's 7:10pm, and wishes him goodnight.
He begins crying as she leave his room and shuts the door though, and Erica waits on the other side of the door, listening to him. She debates whether to go back inside, telling herself not to, but then can't resist returning.
She opens the door and tells Max that he is breaking her heart. Erica eventually decides to pick Max up again, kissing him, and suggesting that he hangs out with her a little longer.
Meanwhile, Anthony is finishing up his speech at the dinner and, afterwards, Judith mingles with some of the other people there. She overhears two women having a conversation about a company she used to work for and interjects.
They then ask her where she's working now and, after failing to get Judith's joke, she explains that she is on maternity leave. They unenthusiastically congratulate her on this and Judith asks about a case that she had been working on before giving birth.
She discovers it has been settled and they then ask her about another lawsuit, but Judith admits she isn't aware of it - despite being informed that it's all over the news. She jokes that she will have to buy a paper - and then find time to read it.
The women resume their conversation, leaving Judith feeling left out and she walks away, and gets her phone out of her purse. She calls Erica, who is sitting on the couch with Max, and is relieved when Erica tells her everything is fine.
However, she then hears Max making a noise, and Erica admits that, while everything is fine, he just needed a little more tiring out. Judith remarks that it's nearly 8pm and reminds Erica that she told her to put him to bed at 7pm.
Erica replies that she knows, but explains that Max had been crying. Judith reminds her that this was to be expected seeing as Max is a baby. She sighs and wonders why it's always so hard for Erica to follow through. Erica tells her to calm down.
Judith continues though, commenting that it is so hard for Erica to follow a simple rule and wonders about what she'd have done if something serious had happened. Erica suggests that Judith should come back if she thinks she is such a risk to her child and Judith replies she'll be back in 20 minutes before hanging up.
Erica is shocked at this, and tells Max that he will have to go straight to bed because his mom has lost her mind. She opens the door to his bedroom but, instead, finds herself walking into Dr. Tom's office.
He is crouched down on the floor, playing with a baby's bassinet, as Erica enters - exclaiming that cave people raised babies and wondering what the big deal is about Max being a few minutes late for bed is, commenting that he can't tell time anyway.
Dr. Tom stands up and remarks that Erica can and suggests that she was supposed to have put Max down by 7pm. She questions whose side he is on and he replies that he's on the side which makes him wonder whether Erica is in a mood over her friend's parenting style or something more.
Erica tells him that, seeing as she has Max, now isn't the best time, but insists they do need to talk about Kai, who she tells him is a fellow patient. Dr. Tom asks if he can hold Max, and Erica allows him to as she sits down, explaining how Kai is going through what she is and how he doesn't want to talk about it.
She asks Dr. Tom, who sits down opposite her with Max, whether this is weird, but he replies that he's not going to gossip with her about other patients. He reminds her that in his office they talk about her. Dr. Tom then instructs her to look at the third regret from the bottom of her list.
Erica looks at it, recoiling in displeasure and asks him again if they can just talk about Kai instead. Dr. Tom replies no, and asks her to tell him about Frosh Week.
She explains that it was her second year at university and she'd just moved into a house off campus with Ethan and a couple of other students and that Judith and her had supposed to have been Frosh leaders.
Erica recalls how she had insisted signing them both up for it, although Judith didn't want to, before bailing on her. She describes how, over the summer, she had read up on women's theory and, by the time Frosh Week came, she really wanted to commit herself to women's issues.
She recalls whipping off her shirt in a public rally and marching around campus until getting majorly sunburned. Dr. Tom, ironically, suggests that this was much more dignified than Frosh Week, and Erica concedes that, at the time, it had seemed to matter.
He asks her about Judith, and she explains how she left her to manage a massive group of 30 Frosh kids single handed. She says that Judith stuck it out after Erica had bailed, despite hating every second of it.
Erica comments that, ever since, there's been a dynamic between them where Judith is the grown up and her the flake. She points to not even being trusted to look after Max for a few hours and confesses to Dr. Tom that while her and Judith are supposed to be best friends, she never sees her anymore.
She says their friendship is on life support and Dr. Tom advises that she goes back and resuscitates it. Suddenly, Erica spins around and finds herself back in 1995. She is in the lounge of her house where Judith is raging at her and describing her as juvenile.
Realising where she is, Erica calms Judith down and insists she's not doing Feminist Frosh Week anymore and will be staying with her. Just then, they hear a baby crying and both look down to where Max is lying on the floor.
Shocked, Erica picks him up and Judith comments if the baby is some kind of Frosh Week hazing joke that she's not laughing. Erica insists she isn't joking and Judith wonders why she is babysitting as Erica introduces her to Max.
Jude accuses Erica of bailing on doing Frosh Week with her but says it's no problem when one of Erica's "girl buddies" needs help. Erica assures Judith she's there for her and isn't bailing. She asks Judith to hold Max while she goes and freshens up, joking they look cute together. Judith reminds Erica she can't stand babies and asks Max where his mother is.
Later, Erica is holding Max as Judith tries to organise a car wash. She instructs Erica where to help out, but Erica wonders whether, seeing as Max is cranky, she can just stick to supervising. Judith reminds her that she said she'd be there for her.
Erica puts a t-shirt down on the grass and lays Max don it as she picks up a hose. However, she soon has to pick up him again as he cries and cradles him as she tries to think of a song to soothe him.
At the same time, a guy and a girl taking part in the car wash get into a water fight and the guy throws a sponge which narrowly misses Erica and Max. She turns around and berates him, but Judith reminds her that she has brought a baby to a car wash.
Judith then notices that Max is smelling and needs his diaper changing and Erica asks Judith for two minutes to do so. After finishing changing him, she goes to throw away the used diaper but misses the garbage and it ends up landing on a car hood.
This angers the car's owner who Erica apologises to, and Judith apologises for Erica before telling her and Max to go and disposing of the diaper herself.
Erica heads to get some baby supplies for Max, and pushes him out of the store in the shopping cart. However, she is then apprehended by Dr. Tom, dressed as a policeman, who informs her that stealing a cart is against the law.
She is unhappy at him, and replies that she's borrowing it and brands him unbelievable and a disgrace to his uniform. Dr. Tom picks up some of the diapers Erica has bought, and suggests that such a small body has a lot of needs.
Erica reminds him she came back to show Judith she's not a flake and instead she is a baby-toting flake, which she argues is much worse. Erica says she wants Max back where he belongs and insists she can't do what she came back for.
Dr. Tom agrees with her, but tells her she can do what he brought her back for. Erica asks him what that is and he replies, "Diaper backwards spells 'repaid.' Think about it," before walking off to leave Erica wondering.
Back at her house, Erica is asleep on the couch with Max - being watched by Michael and Judith. He suggests that she has to move out, but Ethan comes in and reminds him that Erica only has Max for a few days. However, Michael complains that, with the smell the baby makes, he can't bring girls home.
Erica then wakes up, surprised to see she has an audience watching her. Judith tells her to go back to sleep and says she will do 'pub night' herself, lamenting that she only has to hand out six carton of condoms all by herself. Erica says she promised herself she wouldn't cancel and insists she and Max will come with Judith.
Judith suggests that Erica leaves Max at home in bed though, wondering whether Ethan wouldn't mind looking after him. However, Ethan replies that he's not comfortable looking after someone else's baby and Michael then drags him away to go to a party.
Erica assures Judith that everything will be fine and they'll have a good time at the pub with Max asleep on her shoulder.
At the pub, Erica, holding Max, introduces the next event of the evening which she tells everyone is the "Best Ass." A crying Max keeps diverting her attention though - which makes some of the audience restless and Erica assures them he's just tired.
One of the contestants in the competition then suggests he needs to be in bed and Erica, angered, recommends that someone in the "Best Ass" contest shouldn't be passing judgement. Judith pulls Erica to one side and asks what she's doing and Erica explains that Max is teething and tired and she thinks she needs to take him back home to bed.
Annoyed, Judith reminds Erica it was her idea for them to be Frosh leaders and she only did it for Erica. She continues, saying she did the car wash and reiterates her belief that looking after Max is stupid.
Erica wonders whether Judith thinks she should have just left Max at home and reminds her when Judith suggests getting a babysitter that that's exactly what she is. Judith tells Erica to take Max back to his mother, giving her some condoms to take to her as well.
She accuses Erica of flaking out on her and doesn't believe her when she insists that that's not the case. Irritated, Erica tells Judith she has a baby that needs to go to bed and her yelling is not making the situation any better or helping. Judith, frustrated, tells Erica to go and that she'll be fine by herself.
Back home, Erica tries in vain to get Max to stop crying while Judith struggles to maintain control teenagers being sick. Eventually the police turn up to the pub and Erica takes to using a blow dryer to try and quieten Max down.
Michael comes into the room and unplugs the blow dryer, and suggests to Erica that he is going to pass out from the heat. She points to it stopping Max from crying, but he rants at her saying Ethan had said she was an awesome roommate but now he doesn't want to live with chicks because their lives are too complicated.
Erica points the blow dryer at him, telling Michael to stop yelling, but he suggests she should go and live someplace else. Ethan then comes in and tells Michael to back off, but Michael storms off saying that either Max leaves tomorrow or he will go.
Struggling not to cry, Erica thanks Ethan for being there and tries to offload Max onto him. However, he informs her he's too loaded and can barely stand so can't take care of Max.
Come the morning, Erica is outside in the front yard, not having got any sleep, bouncing Max up and down while making noises. Judith them comes storming back from the pub and yells at Erica, asking if she has any idea what's she been doing all night.
Erica tries to quieten Judith down as she keeps up her bouncing routine with Max. Judith sees what a bad state she is in and wonders if Max is OK. Erica illustrates to her that if she stops her routine then Max cries. Judith tells her she can't go on and that she is calling her a cab.
In the cab, Erica, holding Max, sits next to Judith in the back and asks where they are going. Judith tells her they are going to see Barbara, as she will know what to do.
Erica then recalls that at Frosh Week the previous year they had had so much fun, reminding Judith how they were chased by the cops after driving into a fountain. Judith wonders how within a year Erica could have dumped her for her feminist friends, which Erica denies.
Judith insists it is the case, calling it Erica's "speciality." She tells Erica she just wishes she could understand why Max and his mother are more important to Erica than her, and says she doesn't even know who Erica is anymore. Erica replies that she's still the same person, but just trying to deal with her situation.
Max begins to cry and Judith, once more, says he needs to home. Erica tells her that what she needs is some patience and support, causing Judith to question why everyone acts like taking care of children is the hardest thing ever. Erica chuckles at this comment.
She tells Judith she has no idea what she is talking about and to wait until she has a baby. Judith exclaims that there's fat chance of that happening and Erica smiles knowingly to herself.
At Erica's parents', Barbara is in the kitchen talking to Sam, who explains her friend Stephanie has told her that she doesn't have to wear her hair as Josh prefers. Barbara reminds her that Stephanie isn't Josh's girlfriend and that, when you love someone, it's nice to make them happy.
She then sees Erica and Judith enter with Max, and Barbara, puzzled, asks Erica what she's doing with a baby. Erica explains that she's babysitting and Judith comments that she needs help and some experienced hands. Barbara replies that she has a set and takes Max from Erica.
Soon afterwards, Max is lying in a crib, watched by Erica and Judith. Barbara enters with a pacifier she has taken from a Baby Shower gift she has bought for some friends and sterilised. She puts it in Max's mouth, pronouncing that the sleeping can now begin.
Erica tells her that Max's mother really doesn't want her using a pacifier, but Barbara tells Erica she was hooked on them and turned out OK. She informs Erica she liked her sleep, and Erica admits she does too. Barbara then leaves to go to work, instructing Erica to call Max's mom.
Her and Judith then quietly back out of the room and close the door. Max begins to cry and Judith offers to go back to him, but Erica tells her he's learning to self soothe. They make their way into the kitchen, where Erica thanks Judith for making her come and see her mom, and Judith questions who would leave a crazy girl having a meltdown with a baby.
They then hear that Max has stopped crying, and Erica suggests all he needed was a few minutes to cool down, with Judith adding a pacifier too - to Erica's surprise.
Judith remarks to Erica that they are spending their first time alone together since last spring, which Erica struggles to believe. She says they used to spend days together at high school and Erica replies that ten years from now they'll still be hanging out and laughing about this experience.
She suggests Erica can't possibly know this, wondering what would happen if Erica hits 30 and is a famous author and they don't have anything in common anymore. Erica replies that it won't happen and tells Judith she is one of the most important people in the world to her and that she is her best friend. They nudge one another and laugh.
Later, Erica is sitting alone drinking coffee in the kitchen when she hears a knock at the door. She answers it to find Dr. Tom, who instantly comments on how quiet the house is and Erica explains how Judith is crashed out on the couch and how Max is sleeping too.
She takes him to see Max, joking that she will be buying her mom the biggest mother's day gift ever. Dr. Tom suggests looking after a baby is not as easy at it looks and Erica agrees that the amount of havoc a little person can cause is unreal.
Erica admits that she had no idea and he reminds her that Judith didn't either, added to the fact she had to give birth. They both lean on the crib and Erica says that for Judith to have her life changed so radically must have been bewildering.
She reflects that everything her friend was good at - ligation, case law, and lunching with clients has been replaced with chaos, albeit beautiful chaos.
Dr. Tom then asks her what she needed the most when a baby had been attached to her every moment and Erica replies that she needed people to give her time and to give her and Max room to figure things out.
"Friendship is born at that moment when one person says to another, 'What! You too? I thought I was the only one,'" he tells her and Erica smiles before suddenly finds herself transported back to the present day - sitting next to Max while he lies in the crib in his room.
She then hears Judith and Anthony returning and rushes down the stairs to meet them. She immediately apologises to Judith, saying she was right and that Max's sleeping schedule matters a lot. Judith thanks her and Erica admits that she didn't try hard enough to understand where she was coming from.
Judith concedes that it's really hard if you haven't been there when babies get overtired and Erica recounts tales from a 'friend' about deep knee bends and blow dryers and the crazy lengths she went to get her baby to bed.
Hearing no sound from upstairs, Judith wonders whether he is sleeping and she and Erica head upstairs into his room. Judith explains to Erica how she misses Max whenever she is away and then goes up to his crib to see him sleeping.
She is shocked to see that he has a pacifier in his mouth though, but Erica argues that he's sleeping and Judith herself said he needed to. She fails to see the harm of one pacifier. However, Judith is angry, suggesting that to put Max to bed at 7pm and not use a pacifier were not hard rules for Erica to follow.
Judith remarks that the night has been like their friendship on repeat for years but Erica, annoyed, retorts that for years she has been the screw-up while Judith is perfect. She says people change and she's not the same person she was, and nor is Judith.
Erica insists she's not a screw up and that Judith is most definitely not perfect before storming out and leaving Judith to digest her words.
Making her way home, Erica gets out of a cab onto the sidewalk where she is greeted by Dr. Tom, asking her to sit down next to him on a bench. She bemoans that Kai was right, suggesting that once friends have kids you're on your way to friend divorce.
Dr. Tom says this would be a shame, considering her and Judith share a lot of history but Erica replies that she has tried to see where she is coming from and understand her point of view, but it hasn't been enough.
He suggests that the problem with friendships is that they are a two-way street and Erica wonders what more she can do. Dr. Tom tells her she can wait and, as Erica asks what for, her cell phone begins to ring. He motions with his eyes that this is what she is waiting for.
Erica answers the phone to Judith, who asks if they can meet up at Goblins in 20 minutes, which Erica agrees to. Dr. Tom sits silently, smiling, and Erica gets up and leaves him sitting alone.
Meanwhile, Sam is leaving Barbara's but, as she heads for the door, Barbara asks her to wait and tells her she has been where is. Sam, confused, wonders if she means standing in the foyer with lasagne, but Barbara explains that she lived her father's life, then lived for her kids, but never for herself.
Sam asks what she is talking about, and Barbara questions whether she really wants to move to London. Sam reiterates that it's a great opportunity, although Barbara suggests it only is for Josh. Sam doesn't know what to say, and Barbara tells her that she knows what she is doing and it is a mistake.
Hurt, Sam insists she needs to go and leaves. As she closes the door, Barbara leans up against it and Sam, after getting into her car, begins to break down and cry.
At Goblins, Erica is sitting at a table when Judith arrives. She joins her and explains that, after Erica left, she started thinking about what she had said and how she had acted herself.
Judith states that she doesn't know what's wrong with her, but Erica reminds her that she has a four month old, is tired and anxious, and must be on an insane learning curve. Judith sighs, and admits it's harder than law school.
Erica stresses she is trying to be supportive, but misses Judith, who reciprocates Erica's feelings. She tells Judith that every day there are so many things she wants to tell her, and Judith assures her she wants to hear them, before admitting that she got distracted earlier and is trying to figure out how to pay attention to a million things at once.
She sighs once more, and picks up the conversation about Ethan from the afternoon and Erica explains how, although she is confused and trying to figure things out, she is happy and he is great.
Judith asks about work, and Erica informs her that Julianne and Friedkin are sleeping together before revealing that she has been awarded the biggest title of the year, which Judith is thrilled to hear. She tells Erica that things have really changed and Erica agrees it has for both of them.
She then asks Erica if she can be brutally honest, which Erica tells her she expects nothing less, and Judith confesses that she doesn't feel as if she's really good at being a mother and isn't used to feeling like she sucks at something.
Judith explains how she misses being at work, despite everyone telling her how she should enjoy maternity leave. She admits that Alison, Marie, and Anthony don't know how she feels and tells Erica that she feels as though she is the only person she can tell.
Erica then wonders if Judith remembers the crazy sex dreams she used to have about Professor Lozar and admits to Judith that she still has them sometimes. They both laugh and Erica says she never tells anyone and can't talk to Ethan about it.
She says she has told Judith because they can tell one another everything. Judith agrees, and tells Erica she is going to try harder and make time for her - although Erica understands that sometimes things can get crazy sometimes.
Erica assures Judith she won't get resentful or angry when she can't be there or has to cancel and the wine she has ordered for them is then brought to them by a waiter. They continue to chat and laugh as Erica narrates.
"When life pulls you apart you have to work to stay closer together. By putting yourself in each other's shoes, by reminding each other of who you are, who you were, and who you are becoming.
"By remembering that, despite all the changes that come, there is some things that will always remain the same."
Episode Guide
Erica is in the kitchen of her apartment, preparing brunch. She goes to the fridge and sees a photo of Judith holding baby Max and smiles. She narrates:
"Friends. They're the people who get you, support you, understand you in ways that others just don't. They're the people you share your life with, but what happens when your life starts to change?"
Ethan then joins her, and tries to take a piece of bacon to eat. Erica smacks his hand away. He asks for one piece, seeing as he's got a six hour drive ahead of him, but she tells him it is for Judith.
He pleads with her and Erica reminds him that he's the one abandoning her for the weekend - to go to his cousin's stag-do - so he shouldn't guilt her out. However, she eventually relents and feeds him one piece, telling him the rest of the bacon and scones are for Judith.
Ethan suggests she's really going all out, and Erica admits she's anxious - which confuses him. Erica says that she can't remember the last time they hung out, compared to when they used to see each other all the time and talk every day.
He reminds her that Judith does have a newborn baby, and Erica comments that she knows but that, every time they make plans, Judith cancels. Ethan recalls how when his friend Michael had kids they went from drinking buddies to "playground patrol."
Erica suggests that they stayed friends though, and Ethan adds that they to make a few adjustments.
She begins to put the scones in a dish when her phone rings. Erica notices Judith is calling her from home and panics, wondering what this means. She answers, and Judith bemoans why babies aren't born with teeth.
Erica guesses she is referring to breast feeding, and Judith informs her she got just three hours sleep. She supposes that Judith is going to have to cancel, but Judith insists she promised she wouldn't.
They arrange to meet up that afternoon at Goblins as Judith has baby yoga to attend nearby.
She hangs up, and Ethan asks Erica if she's OK, and she presents him the scones and bacon for his trip to Montreal before they kiss.
Later, Erica arrives at Goblins to find Judith and Max already sitting at a table. Pleased to see one another, they hug and agree that they've never gone as long without seeing one another. Erica sits down and Judith, having already got her a vanilla latte, tells her she wants to know everything - and asks how Ethan is.
Erica explains that things are good, despite a "weird thing" at Sam's birthday. She begins to tell Judith about Ethan being in Montreal for the weekend when Max starts crying and Judith begins to tend to him.
Despite this, Erica continues to talk about Ethan, expressing her anxiety that Claire is in Montreal, too, and Judith suggests she is obsessing over things which aren't actually happening.
At that moment, Judith's friends Alison and Marie, also there for baby yoga, arrive, and ask to join her and Erica. She appears to be a bit put out by them joining, but Erica nevertheless continues her conversation and disagrees that she's obsessing, although she insists she does want Judith's opinion.
Judith is busy trying to breast feed Max though - and is in pain as he continues to bite her. Alison wonders why baby aren't born with teeth, and Judith comments that she said that same thing to Erica.
Erica then glances over to the counter where Kai is working and they smile at one another. Meanwhile, Judith, Alison, and Marie are all talking about baby-related topics and Judith asks if they're pacifying, which Alison informs her they are because Marie's mother is very pro-pacifier.
Trying to involve herself in the conversation, Erica quips that that would make her a "pacifist," although they fail to see the funny side. Judith continues, explaining how she disagrees with pacifiers as she believes babies need the opportunity to practise self soothing.
Erica nods along, without really understanding, as Judith rants about pacifiers being unhygienic and disgusting. As the three others become engrossed in their baby discussion, Erica wanders up the counter to talk to Kai.
He offers her something to eat, although she orders just a water - which she admits is an excuse to leave the table. She puts her head in her hands and Kai wonders if she's tired. Erica replies that she is - having just got in from 1992 the other day where the air is much cleaner.
Kai refuses to take this bait, and Erica remarks that he really doesn't want to talk about therapy. Instead, he points over to her table and suggests they talk about her friend, describing Judith as "the one who's ignoring" Erica.
Erica explains that she is her best friend - and used to be terrified by kids. Kai says that things change, and, unconvincingly, she tells him that it's good and she's happy for Judith. Kai laughs at this remark though, and doubts Erica.
She insists that she is happy for Judith, but Kai replies that she isn't and he understands why. He suggests that kids come along and people forget their friends. Kai muses that a lot of marriages don't survive kids and bets that even more friendships don't.
Annoyed, Erica asks him how he'd know, commenting that he barely looks like he's out of high school. She thanks him for the water and glances back over at the table.
"Friendships like everything else are not immune to change. The question is, how do you keep a friendship together when your lives are pulling you apart?"
Afterwards, Erica and Judith, along with Max in his baby carriage, are walking through a park. Judith apologises for getting sucked into the "mom talk" and Erica assures it's her OK. Judith reminds Erica that she was beginning to tell her about Ethan, and Erica resumes the conversation.
She describes how lots of little things are starting to "add up" and Judith compares it to how she has to remind Anthony to remember to bring the diaper bag every day. Erica is unsure whether this is a good comparison though.
Judith's phone then rings, where Anthony calls to inform her his mother has a cold, although she can still babysit if needed. Judith says she doesn't want her taking care of Max if she's sick and Anthony suggests she could always stay at home. Judith insists she doesn't want to and will figure it out.
Erica asks what's going on, and Judith explains that Anthony is giving a speech at the bank's diversity dinner in four hours and she's just lost the only babysitter she trusts. Erica volunteers to do it, but Judith replies that Max is teething and being really difficult.
She assures Judith that she used to babysit all the time and can handle it - as long as Judith trusts her. Judith says she does, but she is just really precise about Max's schedule. Erica jokes that she knows schedules as she's being taking the bus since 1987.
Persuaded, Judith asks Erica if she can make it for 6:30pm and Erica tells her she can arrive early. Judith thanks her, although is clearly a little hesitant about the idea.
Later that day, Erica is on the phone to her mom who is surprised that she is babysitting and asks how old Max is. Erica - who is reading a babysitting book - wonders why no-one believes she's an amazing babysitter, reminding her mom she used to babysit Sam.
Barbara points out that Sam was eight at the time and Max is a baby. She says she's sure Erica will do fine, although Erica suggests that her mom doesn't sound convinced about this. She then apologises for missing the dinner they'd arranged to have before hanging up.
As Barbara ends her call with Erica, Sam arrives at the house returning some Tupperware she'd borrowed. She asks Sam what she's doing for dinner and, when informed that Josh was going to barbecue, suggests Sam stays and has the lasagna she had prepared for Erica.
Sam replies that she and Josh have a lot to do at home, and Barbara offers to help them. Forced into telling her mom the truth, Sam reveals that they're moving to London and about Josh's promotion to Senior VP.
Barbara is stunned, and checks Sam means London, England. Sam insists it's good news, which Barbara agrees, although suggesting it's a big change. She asks Sam what she will do about her work, and Sam replies there are hospitals in London and there are worse things than getting European certification and a couple of years of overseas experience.
Her mom is surprised to hear it would be that long, but Sam tells her not to be so "judgy" and "Erica" and to be happy for them. Barbara responds that, if it is what Sam wants, she is happy for her and they hug as Sam insists it is what she wants.
At Judith's house, Erica is with baby Max as Judith explains to her how breast milk shouldn't be put in the microwave and Anthony, entering, jokes that Judith will come after her if she wastes a drop of it.
Erica assures them she's all over it, explaining how she knows breast milk goes in warm water until it reaches body temperature. Anthony is impressed by this knowledge and Erica explains how she's prepared and done her research, and she holds up her "Best Friend's Guide To Babysitting" book.
Judith instructs Erica that Max's bedtime is 7pm on the dot - otherwise he gets overtired. Anthony suggests Erica just need to keep Max alive, but Judith insists she's not joking and that that if Max gets overtired he won't be able to sleep.
Erica is adamant that she understands, and Judith warns her that if she hasn't then Max will be off for days. Judith and Anthony's cab then pulls up outside and they get ready to go, with Judith telling Erica that, once she has put Max down, not to pick him up as she is teaching him to self soothe.
She says not to use any props, or pacifiers, and not to rock him to sleep. Erica replies that research also says that at a certain point a mother has to just go and have some fun. Judith and Anthony then go, with Erica telling Max that "Crazy Aunt Erica" is smarter than Judith thinks she is.
At Barbara's house, the phone rings and she answers to find Erica telling her that her and Max have made it to bedtime without a single tear. Barbara exclaims that this is wonderful and, Erica, sitting on the couch with Max in her arms, adds that snuggling a warm baby is hardly the rough job mothers make it out to be.
Barbara rolls her eyes at this comment and explains how Sam came over to eat her lasagna and she then asks Sam to go down to the basement to fetch her some more paper towel. When she has gone, she informs Erica of Sam and Josh's move to London.
Erica can't believe this, commenting that Sam could hardly handle going to camp and is pleased for Sam. Barbara replies that it's for Josh's promotion, which Erica isn't surprised about.
Barbara suggests that Sam is acting excited but she doesn't think she's that into it and Erica advises her to express her worries to Sam. Her mom remarks how defensive Sam can get, but Erica implores her to, saying Barbara's opinion matters to Sam and if she thinks it's the wrong decision than she needs to speak out.
Erica then spots the time and says she has to take Max to bed so says goodbye to her mom. She takes Max and puts him in his crib, kissing him goodnight. She tells him not to tell his mom it's 7:10pm, and wishes him goodnight.
He begins crying as she leave his room and shuts the door though, and Erica waits on the other side of the door, listening to him. She debates whether to go back inside, telling herself not to, but then can't resist returning.
She opens the door and tells Max that he is breaking her heart. Erica eventually decides to pick Max up again, kissing him, and suggesting that he hangs out with her a little longer.
Meanwhile, Anthony is finishing up his speech at the dinner and, afterwards, Judith mingles with some of the other people there. She overhears two women having a conversation about a company she used to work for and interjects.
They then ask her where she's working now and, after failing to get Judith's joke, she explains that she is on maternity leave. They unenthusiastically congratulate her on this and Judith asks about a case that she had been working on before giving birth.
She discovers it has been settled and they then ask her about another lawsuit, but Judith admits she isn't aware of it - despite being informed that it's all over the news. She jokes that she will have to buy a paper - and then find time to read it.
The women resume their conversation, leaving Judith feeling left out and she walks away, and gets her phone out of her purse. She calls Erica, who is sitting on the couch with Max, and is relieved when Erica tells her everything is fine.
However, she then hears Max making a noise, and Erica admits that, while everything is fine, he just needed a little more tiring out. Judith remarks that it's nearly 8pm and reminds Erica that she told her to put him to bed at 7pm.
Erica replies that she knows, but explains that Max had been crying. Judith reminds her that this was to be expected seeing as Max is a baby. She sighs and wonders why it's always so hard for Erica to follow through. Erica tells her to calm down.
Judith continues though, commenting that it is so hard for Erica to follow a simple rule and wonders about what she'd have done if something serious had happened. Erica suggests that Judith should come back if she thinks she is such a risk to her child and Judith replies she'll be back in 20 minutes before hanging up.
Erica is shocked at this, and tells Max that he will have to go straight to bed because his mom has lost her mind. She opens the door to his bedroom but, instead, finds herself walking into Dr. Tom's office.
He is crouched down on the floor, playing with a baby's bassinet, as Erica enters - exclaiming that cave people raised babies and wondering what the big deal is about Max being a few minutes late for bed is, commenting that he can't tell time anyway.
Dr. Tom stands up and remarks that Erica can and suggests that she was supposed to have put Max down by 7pm. She questions whose side he is on and he replies that he's on the side which makes him wonder whether Erica is in a mood over her friend's parenting style or something more.
Erica tells him that, seeing as she has Max, now isn't the best time, but insists they do need to talk about Kai, who she tells him is a fellow patient. Dr. Tom asks if he can hold Max, and Erica allows him to as she sits down, explaining how Kai is going through what she is and how he doesn't want to talk about it.
She asks Dr. Tom, who sits down opposite her with Max, whether this is weird, but he replies that he's not going to gossip with her about other patients. He reminds her that in his office they talk about her. Dr. Tom then instructs her to look at the third regret from the bottom of her list.
Erica looks at it, recoiling in displeasure and asks him again if they can just talk about Kai instead. Dr. Tom replies no, and asks her to tell him about Frosh Week.
She explains that it was her second year at university and she'd just moved into a house off campus with Ethan and a couple of other students and that Judith and her had supposed to have been Frosh leaders.
Erica recalls how she had insisted signing them both up for it, although Judith didn't want to, before bailing on her. She describes how, over the summer, she had read up on women's theory and, by the time Frosh Week came, she really wanted to commit herself to women's issues.
She recalls whipping off her shirt in a public rally and marching around campus until getting majorly sunburned. Dr. Tom, ironically, suggests that this was much more dignified than Frosh Week, and Erica concedes that, at the time, it had seemed to matter.
He asks her about Judith, and she explains how she left her to manage a massive group of 30 Frosh kids single handed. She says that Judith stuck it out after Erica had bailed, despite hating every second of it.
Erica comments that, ever since, there's been a dynamic between them where Judith is the grown up and her the flake. She points to not even being trusted to look after Max for a few hours and confesses to Dr. Tom that while her and Judith are supposed to be best friends, she never sees her anymore.
She says their friendship is on life support and Dr. Tom advises that she goes back and resuscitates it. Suddenly, Erica spins around and finds herself back in 1995. She is in the lounge of her house where Judith is raging at her and describing her as juvenile.
Realising where she is, Erica calms Judith down and insists she's not doing Feminist Frosh Week anymore and will be staying with her. Just then, they hear a baby crying and both look down to where Max is lying on the floor.
Shocked, Erica picks him up and Judith comments if the baby is some kind of Frosh Week hazing joke that she's not laughing. Erica insists she isn't joking and Judith wonders why she is babysitting as Erica introduces her to Max.
Jude accuses Erica of bailing on doing Frosh Week with her but says it's no problem when one of Erica's "girl buddies" needs help. Erica assures Judith she's there for her and isn't bailing. She asks Judith to hold Max while she goes and freshens up, joking they look cute together. Judith reminds Erica she can't stand babies and asks Max where his mother is.
Later, Erica is holding Max as Judith tries to organise a car wash. She instructs Erica where to help out, but Erica wonders whether, seeing as Max is cranky, she can just stick to supervising. Judith reminds her that she said she'd be there for her.
Erica puts a t-shirt down on the grass and lays Max don it as she picks up a hose. However, she soon has to pick up him again as he cries and cradles him as she tries to think of a song to soothe him.
At the same time, a guy and a girl taking part in the car wash get into a water fight and the guy throws a sponge which narrowly misses Erica and Max. She turns around and berates him, but Judith reminds her that she has brought a baby to a car wash.
Judith then notices that Max is smelling and needs his diaper changing and Erica asks Judith for two minutes to do so. After finishing changing him, she goes to throw away the used diaper but misses the garbage and it ends up landing on a car hood.
This angers the car's owner who Erica apologises to, and Judith apologises for Erica before telling her and Max to go and disposing of the diaper herself.
Erica heads to get some baby supplies for Max, and pushes him out of the store in the shopping cart. However, she is then apprehended by Dr. Tom, dressed as a policeman, who informs her that stealing a cart is against the law.
She is unhappy at him, and replies that she's borrowing it and brands him unbelievable and a disgrace to his uniform. Dr. Tom picks up some of the diapers Erica has bought, and suggests that such a small body has a lot of needs.
Erica reminds him she came back to show Judith she's not a flake and instead she is a baby-toting flake, which she argues is much worse. Erica says she wants Max back where he belongs and insists she can't do what she came back for.
Dr. Tom agrees with her, but tells her she can do what he brought her back for. Erica asks him what that is and he replies, "Diaper backwards spells 'repaid.' Think about it," before walking off to leave Erica wondering.
Back at her house, Erica is asleep on the couch with Max - being watched by Michael and Judith. He suggests that she has to move out, but Ethan comes in and reminds him that Erica only has Max for a few days. However, Michael complains that, with the smell the baby makes, he can't bring girls home.
Erica then wakes up, surprised to see she has an audience watching her. Judith tells her to go back to sleep and says she will do 'pub night' herself, lamenting that she only has to hand out six carton of condoms all by herself. Erica says she promised herself she wouldn't cancel and insists she and Max will come with Judith.
Judith suggests that Erica leaves Max at home in bed though, wondering whether Ethan wouldn't mind looking after him. However, Ethan replies that he's not comfortable looking after someone else's baby and Michael then drags him away to go to a party.
Erica assures Judith that everything will be fine and they'll have a good time at the pub with Max asleep on her shoulder.
At the pub, Erica, holding Max, introduces the next event of the evening which she tells everyone is the "Best Ass." A crying Max keeps diverting her attention though - which makes some of the audience restless and Erica assures them he's just tired.
One of the contestants in the competition then suggests he needs to be in bed and Erica, angered, recommends that someone in the "Best Ass" contest shouldn't be passing judgement. Judith pulls Erica to one side and asks what she's doing and Erica explains that Max is teething and tired and she thinks she needs to take him back home to bed.
Annoyed, Judith reminds Erica it was her idea for them to be Frosh leaders and she only did it for Erica. She continues, saying she did the car wash and reiterates her belief that looking after Max is stupid.
Erica wonders whether Judith thinks she should have just left Max at home and reminds her when Judith suggests getting a babysitter that that's exactly what she is. Judith tells Erica to take Max back to his mother, giving her some condoms to take to her as well.
She accuses Erica of flaking out on her and doesn't believe her when she insists that that's not the case. Irritated, Erica tells Judith she has a baby that needs to go to bed and her yelling is not making the situation any better or helping. Judith, frustrated, tells Erica to go and that she'll be fine by herself.
Back home, Erica tries in vain to get Max to stop crying while Judith struggles to maintain control teenagers being sick. Eventually the police turn up to the pub and Erica takes to using a blow dryer to try and quieten Max down.
Michael comes into the room and unplugs the blow dryer, and suggests to Erica that he is going to pass out from the heat. She points to it stopping Max from crying, but he rants at her saying Ethan had said she was an awesome roommate but now he doesn't want to live with chicks because their lives are too complicated.
Erica points the blow dryer at him, telling Michael to stop yelling, but he suggests she should go and live someplace else. Ethan then comes in and tells Michael to back off, but Michael storms off saying that either Max leaves tomorrow or he will go.
Struggling not to cry, Erica thanks Ethan for being there and tries to offload Max onto him. However, he informs her he's too loaded and can barely stand so can't take care of Max.
Come the morning, Erica is outside in the front yard, not having got any sleep, bouncing Max up and down while making noises. Judith them comes storming back from the pub and yells at Erica, asking if she has any idea what's she been doing all night.
Erica tries to quieten Judith down as she keeps up her bouncing routine with Max. Judith sees what a bad state she is in and wonders if Max is OK. Erica illustrates to her that if she stops her routine then Max cries. Judith tells her she can't go on and that she is calling her a cab.
In the cab, Erica, holding Max, sits next to Judith in the back and asks where they are going. Judith tells her they are going to see Barbara, as she will know what to do.
Erica then recalls that at Frosh Week the previous year they had had so much fun, reminding Judith how they were chased by the cops after driving into a fountain. Judith wonders how within a year Erica could have dumped her for her feminist friends, which Erica denies.
Judith insists it is the case, calling it Erica's "speciality." She tells Erica she just wishes she could understand why Max and his mother are more important to Erica than her, and says she doesn't even know who Erica is anymore. Erica replies that she's still the same person, but just trying to deal with her situation.
Max begins to cry and Judith, once more, says he needs to home. Erica tells her that what she needs is some patience and support, causing Judith to question why everyone acts like taking care of children is the hardest thing ever. Erica chuckles at this comment.
She tells Judith she has no idea what she is talking about and to wait until she has a baby. Judith exclaims that there's fat chance of that happening and Erica smiles knowingly to herself.
At Erica's parents', Barbara is in the kitchen talking to Sam, who explains her friend Stephanie has told her that she doesn't have to wear her hair as Josh prefers. Barbara reminds her that Stephanie isn't Josh's girlfriend and that, when you love someone, it's nice to make them happy.
She then sees Erica and Judith enter with Max, and Barbara, puzzled, asks Erica what she's doing with a baby. Erica explains that she's babysitting and Judith comments that she needs help and some experienced hands. Barbara replies that she has a set and takes Max from Erica.
Soon afterwards, Max is lying in a crib, watched by Erica and Judith. Barbara enters with a pacifier she has taken from a Baby Shower gift she has bought for some friends and sterilised. She puts it in Max's mouth, pronouncing that the sleeping can now begin.
Erica tells her that Max's mother really doesn't want her using a pacifier, but Barbara tells Erica she was hooked on them and turned out OK. She informs Erica she liked her sleep, and Erica admits she does too. Barbara then leaves to go to work, instructing Erica to call Max's mom.
Her and Judith then quietly back out of the room and close the door. Max begins to cry and Judith offers to go back to him, but Erica tells her he's learning to self soothe. They make their way into the kitchen, where Erica thanks Judith for making her come and see her mom, and Judith questions who would leave a crazy girl having a meltdown with a baby.
They then hear that Max has stopped crying, and Erica suggests all he needed was a few minutes to cool down, with Judith adding a pacifier too - to Erica's surprise.
Judith remarks to Erica that they are spending their first time alone together since last spring, which Erica struggles to believe. She says they used to spend days together at high school and Erica replies that ten years from now they'll still be hanging out and laughing about this experience.
She suggests Erica can't possibly know this, wondering what would happen if Erica hits 30 and is a famous author and they don't have anything in common anymore. Erica replies that it won't happen and tells Judith she is one of the most important people in the world to her and that she is her best friend. They nudge one another and laugh.
Later, Erica is sitting alone drinking coffee in the kitchen when she hears a knock at the door. She answers it to find Dr. Tom, who instantly comments on how quiet the house is and Erica explains how Judith is crashed out on the couch and how Max is sleeping too.
She takes him to see Max, joking that she will be buying her mom the biggest mother's day gift ever. Dr. Tom suggests looking after a baby is not as easy at it looks and Erica agrees that the amount of havoc a little person can cause is unreal.
Erica admits that she had no idea and he reminds her that Judith didn't either, added to the fact she had to give birth. They both lean on the crib and Erica says that for Judith to have her life changed so radically must have been bewildering.
She reflects that everything her friend was good at - ligation, case law, and lunching with clients has been replaced with chaos, albeit beautiful chaos.
Dr. Tom then asks her what she needed the most when a baby had been attached to her every moment and Erica replies that she needed people to give her time and to give her and Max room to figure things out.
"Friendship is born at that moment when one person says to another, 'What! You too? I thought I was the only one,'" he tells her and Erica smiles before suddenly finds herself transported back to the present day - sitting next to Max while he lies in the crib in his room.
She then hears Judith and Anthony returning and rushes down the stairs to meet them. She immediately apologises to Judith, saying she was right and that Max's sleeping schedule matters a lot. Judith thanks her and Erica admits that she didn't try hard enough to understand where she was coming from.
Judith concedes that it's really hard if you haven't been there when babies get overtired and Erica recounts tales from a 'friend' about deep knee bends and blow dryers and the crazy lengths she went to get her baby to bed.
Hearing no sound from upstairs, Judith wonders whether he is sleeping and she and Erica head upstairs into his room. Judith explains to Erica how she misses Max whenever she is away and then goes up to his crib to see him sleeping.
She is shocked to see that he has a pacifier in his mouth though, but Erica argues that he's sleeping and Judith herself said he needed to. She fails to see the harm of one pacifier. However, Judith is angry, suggesting that to put Max to bed at 7pm and not use a pacifier were not hard rules for Erica to follow.
Judith remarks that the night has been like their friendship on repeat for years but Erica, annoyed, retorts that for years she has been the screw-up while Judith is perfect. She says people change and she's not the same person she was, and nor is Judith.
Erica insists she's not a screw up and that Judith is most definitely not perfect before storming out and leaving Judith to digest her words.
Making her way home, Erica gets out of a cab onto the sidewalk where she is greeted by Dr. Tom, asking her to sit down next to him on a bench. She bemoans that Kai was right, suggesting that once friends have kids you're on your way to friend divorce.
Dr. Tom says this would be a shame, considering her and Judith share a lot of history but Erica replies that she has tried to see where she is coming from and understand her point of view, but it hasn't been enough.
He suggests that the problem with friendships is that they are a two-way street and Erica wonders what more she can do. Dr. Tom tells her she can wait and, as Erica asks what for, her cell phone begins to ring. He motions with his eyes that this is what she is waiting for.
Erica answers the phone to Judith, who asks if they can meet up at Goblins in 20 minutes, which Erica agrees to. Dr. Tom sits silently, smiling, and Erica gets up and leaves him sitting alone.
Meanwhile, Sam is leaving Barbara's but, as she heads for the door, Barbara asks her to wait and tells her she has been where is. Sam, confused, wonders if she means standing in the foyer with lasagne, but Barbara explains that she lived her father's life, then lived for her kids, but never for herself.
Sam asks what she is talking about, and Barbara questions whether she really wants to move to London. Sam reiterates that it's a great opportunity, although Barbara suggests it only is for Josh. Sam doesn't know what to say, and Barbara tells her that she knows what she is doing and it is a mistake.
Hurt, Sam insists she needs to go and leaves. As she closes the door, Barbara leans up against it and Sam, after getting into her car, begins to break down and cry.
At Goblins, Erica is sitting at a table when Judith arrives. She joins her and explains that, after Erica left, she started thinking about what she had said and how she had acted herself.
Judith states that she doesn't know what's wrong with her, but Erica reminds her that she has a four month old, is tired and anxious, and must be on an insane learning curve. Judith sighs, and admits it's harder than law school.
Erica stresses she is trying to be supportive, but misses Judith, who reciprocates Erica's feelings. She tells Judith that every day there are so many things she wants to tell her, and Judith assures her she wants to hear them, before admitting that she got distracted earlier and is trying to figure out how to pay attention to a million things at once.
She sighs once more, and picks up the conversation about Ethan from the afternoon and Erica explains how, although she is confused and trying to figure things out, she is happy and he is great.
Judith asks about work, and Erica informs her that Julianne and Friedkin are sleeping together before revealing that she has been awarded the biggest title of the year, which Judith is thrilled to hear. She tells Erica that things have really changed and Erica agrees it has for both of them.
She then asks Erica if she can be brutally honest, which Erica tells her she expects nothing less, and Judith confesses that she doesn't feel as if she's really good at being a mother and isn't used to feeling like she sucks at something.
Judith explains how she misses being at work, despite everyone telling her how she should enjoy maternity leave. She admits that Alison, Marie, and Anthony don't know how she feels and tells Erica that she feels as though she is the only person she can tell.
Erica then wonders if Judith remembers the crazy sex dreams she used to have about Professor Lozar and admits to Judith that she still has them sometimes. They both laugh and Erica says she never tells anyone and can't talk to Ethan about it.
She says she has told Judith because they can tell one another everything. Judith agrees, and tells Erica she is going to try harder and make time for her - although Erica understands that sometimes things can get crazy sometimes.
Erica assures Judith she won't get resentful or angry when she can't be there or has to cancel and the wine she has ordered for them is then brought to them by a waiter. They continue to chat and laugh as Erica narrates.
"When life pulls you apart you have to work to stay closer together. By putting yourself in each other's shoes, by reminding each other of who you are, who you were, and who you are becoming.
"By remembering that, despite all the changes that come, there is some things that will always remain the same."
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