Ep 4. The Sprout

The Sprout is the fourth episode in the third season of the American television comedy-drama series, Casual. The show follows the lives of siblings Valerie (Michaela Watkins) and Alex (Tommy Dewey) and Valerie’s teenage daughter, Laura (Tara Lynne Barr), as they navigate their way through the ups and downs of modern relationships.

In this episode, Valerie struggles to deal with her new work situation. She has recently started a new job and finds herself overwhelmed by the busy workload and the negative attitude of her colleagues. To try and find some balance, Valerie decides to start growing a sprout in her kitchen. She becomes obsessed with the idea of nurturing this new life and it becomes a welcome distraction from the stresses of her job.

Meanwhile, Alex finds himself in a difficult situation when he meets a new woman, Sarah (Katie Aselton). As they spend more time together, Alex begins to develop feelings for Sarah. However, he soon discovers that Sarah is married and is shocked to learn that her husband is someone he knows. Alex finds himself torn between his desire for Sarah and his loyalty to his friend.

Elsewhere, Laura continues to explore her sexuality and finds herself drawn to a new girl at school, Spencer (Elisha Henig). However, Laura is hesitant to pursue a relationship with Spencer because she is still dealing with the fallout from her previous relationship with Aubrey (Dylan Gelula). Laura confides in Valerie about her feelings and Valerie offers her support as she navigates this new chapter in her life.

As the episode progresses, Valerie’s obsession with the sprout becomes more pronounced. She spends all her free time tending to it and even takes it to work with her. However, her co-workers begin to question her behavior and Valerie starts to feel self-conscious. She realizes that her infatuation with the sprout is a reflection of her own insecurities and anxiety. Valerie tries to regain control of her life by confronting her colleagues and standing up for herself.

The Sprout is a poignant episode that explores the themes of growth, change, and self-discovery. It highlights the challenges that arise when we try to find balance in our lives and the importance of finding the strength to confront our fears. The episode showcases the talents of the show’s cast, who deliver nuanced and heartfelt performances. Ultimately, The Sprout is a satisfying and poignant installment in the Casual series, leaving viewers eagerly anticipating the next episode.