Ep 4. Spent Grain

In "Spent Grain," the fourth episode of Easy season 2, viewers are taken on a journey through the intricacies of modern relationships. The episode follows the lives of several couples as they navigate the complexities of commitment, communication, and honesty.

The first couple we meet is Chase (Kiersey Clemons) and Jo (Jacqueline Toboni), who are struggling to make their relationship work. Chase is an aspiring musician who spends most of her time on the road, while Jo is a chef who works long hours. Despite their busy schedules, they try to make time for each other, but are having trouble connecting emotionally. The episode explores the tension that exists between two partners when they're both trying to pursue their dreams.

We also see the relationship between Andy (Marc Maron) and his girlfriend Jo (Gina Gershon), which is strained due to Andy's fear of commitment. Andy is a successful graphic novelist who is used to being alone, but finds himself struggling with the idea of settling down. Jo, on the other hand, is tired of waiting for Andy to commit and considers breaking up with him. The episode examines the struggles that arise when one partner is ready to commit and the other is not.

Next, we meet Olivia (Aubrey Plaza) and Ruby (Jasmine Mathews), a couple who are in an open relationship. Olivia is a well-known author who has recently reconnected with Ruby, a former college flame. The two enter into an open relationship, but as the episode progresses, we see that their arrangement may not be as easy as they thought. The episode explores the tension and jealousy that can arise in open relationships.

The final couple we meet is Annie (Kate Micucci) and Gabe (Jake Johnson), who are dealing with the struggles of parenthood. Annie is a stay-at-home mom who is feeling overwhelmed with the responsibilities of caring for a baby, while Gabe is a struggling author who is trying to make ends meet. The episode examines the challenges of parenthood, and how it can put a strain on even the strongest of relationships.

Throughout "Spent Grain," the couples interact with each other in various ways. For example, Andy seeks advice from Gabe on relationships, while Olivia seeks advice from Annie on writing a children's book. These interactions serve to highlight the fact that even though the characters have differing lifestyles and goals, at the core, they all share similar struggles and desires.

One of the standout moments in the episode is a scene between Jo and Andy. Jo confronts Andy about his fear of commitment, which leads to an emotional conversation about the nature of love. The scene is raw and authentic, and it's a great example of the show's ability to capture the complexities of human relationships.

Overall, "Spent Grain" is a thoughtful and introspective episode that delves into the intricacies of modern relationships. The characters are relatable and well-developed, and the episode examines a wide range of emotions and experiences. Through its exploration of commitment, communication, and honesty, the episode serves as a reminder that relationships are never easy, but they can be rewarding if both partners are willing to put in the work.