When it comes to Bill and Virginia, and the people who they associate with, there almost always seems to be a temporary state of bliss. Most of which is due to the ignorance of one or both parties. But in this episode any sense of bliss is snatched away and reality smacks many of the cast hard in the face. Leading to most of them waking up from their dream and not seeming too happy with what reality is.
Topic 1: What Lies Behind The Smile – Austin & Libby
Between Austin and Libby we see a different side to two characters who usually are donning a fake smile toward any face they see. Starting with Libby, she continues to be very domineering when it comes to Coral. We first this with her picking on Coral's way of talking, with the excuse being she doesn't want the baby to get confused, and in this episode she wishes to blame Cora for the baby getting lice. So Libby pushes Coral to clean her hair with lice shampoo, despite how Cora mentions the expense of getting her hair done.
And while you could argue all she is doing is for her baby, then comes the issue of Libby not getting the time and attention she wants. Like when she was having lunch with a few ladies, she found herself having to face the fact that not only does Bill not discuss perhaps the most interesting topic of their marriage, but also that she is boring. So boring, in fact, the girls rather talk to Coral. Making it seem that as much as you want to believe the baby is the reason why Libby is acting as she does, it maybe just her needing to feel in control and have power over something, if not someone, and poor Coral is the only person who is an option.
Making it seem, overall, Libby is just increasingly unhappy with her marriage. Be it because it is becoming more and more obvious that Bill maybe just married her for the sake of having a wife, as Scully told him he would need to get ahead; that despite the interest and time Bill dedicates to the sex study, he is secretive about it and it hasn't helped their sex life; or because just getting Bill to take her out somewhere requires her being aggressive and adamant. Either way, with her always being undermined, not loved as she wishes to be, and being one of the last to know pertinent information, that sugar sweet southern bell is disappearing. But, in a rather odd move, when she goes off on Bill this episode he opens up to her. Something which shocked the hell out of me since thus far he has only shown her either indifference or anger.
As for Dr. Austin, the philanderer is obviously miserable. His wife is gone, he barely sees his kids, and upon discovering Bill and Virginia's affair, I honestly think he got jealous. At least at first. For with him being caught and his life ruined, he decides to not keep his mouth shut, no he instead decides to confront both Bill and Virginia, as well as tell Dr. DePaul about the affair. And when it comes to talking to Bill, he has the audacity to confront Bill at his house within ear shot of Libby! So while he seems to want to warn Bill, at the same time I think what he really wanted was to let Bill know they are just the same and Bill is but steps away from being in his position.
Topic 2: Where Is The Love – Libby & Betty
But, while their relationship maybe recovering, Betty and Gene's maybe on the way to its end. Gene finds out this episode Betty can't have kids, and that she hasn't been receiving treatments. Leading to Betty revealing the truth, and then Gene revealing he knew her from the brothel she used to work in and accepted her past. Though with her not being able to have a baby, it is hard to say whether he may learn to accept that part of her like he has everything else.
Topic 3: This Partnership is Over – Virginia & Dr. Depaul/ Dr. Masters
With Dr. Austin telling Dr. DePaul about Virginia's affair, strangely she doesn't seek to judge Virginia. Instead, she decides to really let herself be exposed by talking about a time she cheated on a test, something very out of character for Dr. DePaul, and in return you can see she was hoping Virginia would tell her about the affair. After all, their relationship has evolved past the work and they are friends right? Well, at least that is what Dr. DePaul thought. Virginia lies through her teeth and you can see Dr. DePaul becomes disappointed. The one woman, if not person, who seemed invested in her, and her work, is refuses to let her in.
So, acknowledging Virginia is likely just into the idea of having her name on someone's project and likely not committed to the work, she gives her work away to someone who can handle it. Though the prime reason behind her giving away the work seems to be the idea that Virginia was just sticking to Dr. DePaul until she could find better opportunities.
Said opportunities though seem unavailable since Dr. Greathouse is paying no mind to Dr. Master's request for his need of Virginia, and also don't take the study seriously. If anything, they see it as a free peepshow. Something which leads Bill to go ballistic and get fired and forces him to seek out a job at the local Black hospital. Something which may take this series in a very interesting direction.
Topic 1: What Lies Behind The Smile – Austin & Libby
Between Austin and Libby we see a different side to two characters who usually are donning a fake smile toward any face they see. Starting with Libby, she continues to be very domineering when it comes to Coral. We first this with her picking on Coral's way of talking, with the excuse being she doesn't want the baby to get confused, and in this episode she wishes to blame Cora for the baby getting lice. So Libby pushes Coral to clean her hair with lice shampoo, despite how Cora mentions the expense of getting her hair done.
And while you could argue all she is doing is for her baby, then comes the issue of Libby not getting the time and attention she wants. Like when she was having lunch with a few ladies, she found herself having to face the fact that not only does Bill not discuss perhaps the most interesting topic of their marriage, but also that she is boring. So boring, in fact, the girls rather talk to Coral. Making it seem that as much as you want to believe the baby is the reason why Libby is acting as she does, it maybe just her needing to feel in control and have power over something, if not someone, and poor Coral is the only person who is an option.
Making it seem, overall, Libby is just increasingly unhappy with her marriage. Be it because it is becoming more and more obvious that Bill maybe just married her for the sake of having a wife, as Scully told him he would need to get ahead; that despite the interest and time Bill dedicates to the sex study, he is secretive about it and it hasn't helped their sex life; or because just getting Bill to take her out somewhere requires her being aggressive and adamant. Either way, with her always being undermined, not loved as she wishes to be, and being one of the last to know pertinent information, that sugar sweet southern bell is disappearing. But, in a rather odd move, when she goes off on Bill this episode he opens up to her. Something which shocked the hell out of me since thus far he has only shown her either indifference or anger.
As for Dr. Austin, the philanderer is obviously miserable. His wife is gone, he barely sees his kids, and upon discovering Bill and Virginia's affair, I honestly think he got jealous. At least at first. For with him being caught and his life ruined, he decides to not keep his mouth shut, no he instead decides to confront both Bill and Virginia, as well as tell Dr. DePaul about the affair. And when it comes to talking to Bill, he has the audacity to confront Bill at his house within ear shot of Libby! So while he seems to want to warn Bill, at the same time I think what he really wanted was to let Bill know they are just the same and Bill is but steps away from being in his position.
Topic 2: Where Is The Love – Libby & Betty
But, while their relationship maybe recovering, Betty and Gene's maybe on the way to its end. Gene finds out this episode Betty can't have kids, and that she hasn't been receiving treatments. Leading to Betty revealing the truth, and then Gene revealing he knew her from the brothel she used to work in and accepted her past. Though with her not being able to have a baby, it is hard to say whether he may learn to accept that part of her like he has everything else.
Topic 3: This Partnership is Over – Virginia & Dr. Depaul/ Dr. Masters
With Dr. Austin telling Dr. DePaul about Virginia's affair, strangely she doesn't seek to judge Virginia. Instead, she decides to really let herself be exposed by talking about a time she cheated on a test, something very out of character for Dr. DePaul, and in return you can see she was hoping Virginia would tell her about the affair. After all, their relationship has evolved past the work and they are friends right? Well, at least that is what Dr. DePaul thought. Virginia lies through her teeth and you can see Dr. DePaul becomes disappointed. The one woman, if not person, who seemed invested in her, and her work, is refuses to let her in.
So, acknowledging Virginia is likely just into the idea of having her name on someone's project and likely not committed to the work, she gives her work away to someone who can handle it. Though the prime reason behind her giving away the work seems to be the idea that Virginia was just sticking to Dr. DePaul until she could find better opportunities.
Said opportunities though seem unavailable since Dr. Greathouse is paying no mind to Dr. Master's request for his need of Virginia, and also don't take the study seriously. If anything, they see it as a free peepshow. Something which leads Bill to go ballistic and get fired and forces him to seek out a job at the local Black hospital. Something which may take this series in a very interesting direction.
