As we check back in with Jake and Mia, things are a bit tumultuous. The last we saw, Jake was reeling from Mia’s decision to spend time with film producer Max Harrington. This week, they hit the road to Austin to collect Mia’s belongings and bring them back to Los Angeles. Before the plane even takes off, Mia is gushing to Max over the phone, and she casually suggests that the three of them should hang out once they’re back in LA. It’s becoming increasingly clear that Mia isn’t exactly the warmest person; this just adds to her growing list of questionable traits.
Jake meets Mia’s parents, who surprise him with a gift from their recent getaway: a stronger version of Rogaine from Mexico. Embarrassed, Jake wonders if this is really how Mia described him to her family. However, he perks up when they mention that Mia has referred to him as her support system in LA. Interesting perspective, Mia!
That evening at a local bar, the antics spiral out of control. While Mia is off dancing and flirting with a rugged cowboy, Jake finds himself chatting up her best friend, Sarah. As Sarah takes Jake to the dance floor for a lesson, Mia grabs a random guy and pretends to be having the time of her life dancing with him. What follows is a lighthearted dance-off, where both Jake and Mia try to outshine each other, each intent on proving they don’t need the other to enjoy themselves. It’s a classic teen movie moment, but Jake turns it on its head when he realizes he’d rather just have fun with Sarah instead of competing with Mia. Ouch—Mia’s disappointment is palpable as she watches Jake and Sarah twirl together.
In a twist from last week, it’s Jake who wants to stay at Sarah’s place, but Mia insists they return to her home. She even honks the horn to interrupt any potential kiss between Jake and Sarah. Mia is shaping up to be that girl, the one who doesn’t truly want you but relishes the idea of you wanting her, while also not wanting anyone else to have you. In the car, Jake accuses Mia of being “the ultimate cockblock,” to which she retorts that it’s just too awkward for him to sleep with her best friend. Frustrated, Jake declares he’s tired of her bossy behavior, insisting if he can’t sleep with Sarah, she shouldn’t be able to sleep with Max. They ride home in silence, tension thick in the air.
Meanwhile, back in LA, Sam has orchestrated a romantic evening at a plush hotel for him and Lisa, but the pressure is palpable. In a moment of panic, Lisa calls Mia from the bathroom, desperately asking for an escape from intimacy. Mia gives her a dose of tough love, pushing her to return to Sam, who claims he’s okay with no sex (though it’s evident he’s not). They settle in to watch Biodome instead.
Just when it seems they’re in for a platonic night, Lisa suggests they should go ahead and have sex. The scene turns awkward as Sam struggles to maintain his composure, the camera work tight and shaky, mirroring their discomfort. They explode into a huge fight, with Sam lamenting his age and the lack of excitement in their bedroom life. He feels the dread emanating from Lisa and, in a heated moment, admits he’s not thrilled about being intimate after a decade together.
By the episode’s end, there are some reconciliations—sort of. Sam and Lisa affirm they don’t want to split up and agree to try couples therapy. Mia sheepishly apologizes to Jake and jokingly asks if she can “make it up to him with a little something.” It’s all in jest, but they share a clumsy hug, leaving Jake to crash on her couch with a heavy sigh.
And we, the viewers, can’t help but sigh along. This show does a commendable job of portraying the messy realities of relationships in mid-life. Honestly, I’m not too optimistic about Sam and Lisa; he’s too sensitive and lacks charisma, while she seems to be seeking something more thrilling. It appears inevitable that Mia and Jake will share a kiss, yet my feelings toward Mia after this episode leave me wishing Jake could find someone like Sarah, who appreciates him just as he is, without any need to fix him.
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In summary, the episode dives into the complexities of modern relationships, showcasing the balance of affection, jealousy, and the search for deeper connections amidst chaotic circumstances.