Ep 7. Next Level Sh*t
- June 7, 2019
In Armistead Maupin's Tales of the City season 1 episode 7, titled "Next Level Sh*t," the characters are dealing with intense emotions and unexpected developments in their lives.
Mary Ann (Laura Linney) is forced to confront her guilty conscience after discovering that her ex-husband Brian (Paul Gross) has been living in defeat since their divorce. She attempts to reconnect with him and make amends, but Brian's new girlfriend, Wren (Ari Graynor), is not keen on Mary Ann's apologies. Meanwhile, Mary Ann's daughter Shawna (Ellen Page) is grappling with complex feelings about her own sexuality after her brief fling with a woman named Claire (Zosia Mamet). As she tries to figure out what she wants, Shawna faces judgment and scrutiny from her peers.
Mona (Catherine Keener) is also going through a period of change, as she is finally given the chance to work on her own photography project. With the help of a fellow artist, Flaco (Juan Castano), she embarks on a provocative and challenging project that pushes her beyond her comfort zone. As Mona struggles with her artistic vision and her own desires, she discovers deeper truths about herself and her relationships.
Meanwhile, Michael (Murray Bartlett) and Ben (Charlie Barnett) are navigating their newly opened relationship. They encounter both excitement and jealousy as they explore new experiences together, from sex parties to romantic dinners. However, their relationship is threatened by unexpected outside forces, and they are forced to confront uncomfortable truths about their desires and their future together.
Throughout the episode, the characters must confront difficult emotions and embrace new challenges in order to grow and evolve. As they navigate their complex relationships and personal struggles, they continue to find support and inspiration from each other and the city they call home. "Next Level Sh*t" is a raw and powerful exploration of love, sexuality, and identity in modern-day San Francisco.
