Ep 9. Hair of the Dog

Sam is a single mother of three girls, trying to juggle her career as an actress and her responsibilities as a parent. In episode 9 of Better Things season 1, titled "Hair of the Dog," Sam is facing a myriad of challenges that force her to confront her own limitations and priorities.

The episode opens with Sam waking up to a house full of chaos. Her youngest daughter, Duke, has gotten into the dog's medication and is now high on pills. Sam's friend Sunny, who has stayed over after a night of heavy drinking, is still passed out on the couch. And to top it off, Sam's other two daughters are fighting over the last of the cereal.

As Sam tries to manage the situation, she is bombarded with phone calls from her agent, who wants her to audition for a new film role, and her ex-husband, who wants to talk about the girls' schedule. Sam's stress levels are through the roof, and she is barely holding it together.

Despite all this, Sam puts on a brave face and goes to the audition. She is met with the usual scrutiny of the Hollywood casting process, with the director and producer asking her to do multiple takes and pushing her to be more emotional. Sam does her best, but leaves feeling disappointed and drained.

Meanwhile, Duke's drug-induced behavior escalates, and Sam reluctantly takes her to the vet. There, she meets a veterinarian (played by guest star David Alan Grier) who is charming, funny, and seemingly interested in her. Sam starts to unwind around him, and they share a flirtatious exchange.

As the day wears on, Sam becomes increasingly exhausted and frustrated. She has to deal with her ex-husband's complaints about her parenting, her daughters' bickering, and her own doubts about her career. But just when she thinks things can't get any worse, she gets a call from her agent with some devastating news.

Despite all the setbacks and challenges, Sam manages to hold it together and come out on top. She has a heart-to-heart with Duke about the dangers of drug abuse, makes peace with her ex-husband, and even finds the strength to reach out to her estranged mother. The episode ends with Sam curled up in bed, exhausted but content.

Overall, "Hair of the Dog" is a poignant and relatable episode that captures the struggles of modern motherhood. It shows how even the strongest and most capable women can be pushed to their breaking point, but also how they can find resilience and support in unexpected places. It's a testament to the power of family, friendship, and self-care in the face of life's challenges.