Ep 6. Sobriety Bush

Maron season 4 episode 6, titled "Sobriety Bush," follows the show's lead character, Marc Maron, as he navigates life without his usual vices. In this episode, Marc has vowed to stay sober and drug-free for a year, and he's struggling to find ways to cope with his newfound clarity.

The episode begins with Marc attending a support group meeting, where he shares his struggles with staying sober. He's made it three weeks so far, but he's finding it harder than expected. One of the members of the group suggests he try a "sobriety bush," which involves rubbing sage on his skin to help curb his cravings. Marc is skeptical but willing to try anything.

Throughout the episode, Marc tries various methods to keep himself occupied and avoid temptation. He spends time with his girlfriend, Jen, who has also quit drinking, and they take a yoga class together. He meets up with his friend, Dave, who tells him about a new addiction he's developed – buying expensive sneakers. Marc tries to help him get over his addiction while also dealing with his own temptations.

At one point, Marc runs into his former drug dealer, who offers him some drugs, but he resists. He also has a run-in with a former girlfriend who is still an addict, and he struggles not to fall back into old patterns with her.

As the episode progresses, Marc continues to struggle with his sobriety. He starts to feel like he's lost something, and he doesn't know what to do with the free time he now has. He's used to spending his evenings high or drunk, and now he doesn't know how to fill that time. He tries working on his podcast, spending time with friends, and even taking up meditation, but he still feels lost.

In the end, Marc decides to take up gardening as a new hobby. He sets up a "sobriety bush" in his backyard and spends hours tending to it. The final scene shows him sitting in his backyard, looking at the bush and reflecting on his journey so far. He realizes that staying sober is an ongoing process and that he'll need to find new ways to cope with his cravings and fill his time.

Overall, "Sobriety Bush" is a poignant and relatable episode that explores the struggle of addiction and the challenges of sobriety. Marc Maron's portrayal of a man struggling to stay sober is both realistic and empathetic, and the episode offers a hopeful message about the power of self-reflection and finding new passions in life.