Ep 4. Funeral

In Pure season 1, episode 4 called "Funeral," the gripping drama continues to unfold as the consequences of Noah's community discovering his unsettling affliction start to take hold. This poignant episode further explores the themes of redemption, guilt, and the complexities of maintaining the secrecy of Noah's struggle with his intrusive thoughts.

The episode begins with Noah Foster, a socially awkward Mennonite pastor, dealing with the aftermath of a tragic incident involving his brother Abel. Overwhelmed by the weight of guilt and struggling to reconcile his uncontrollable desires, Noah attends his brother's funeral, further straining his already fragile mental state.

As the funeral proceeds, tensions rise within the small Mennonite community. Noah begins to experience intrusive thoughts during the service, struggling to maintain his composure and hide his inner turmoil. His constant battle with his impure thoughts becomes increasingly challenging, especially in such a solemn setting.

At the same time, Noah's relationship with his wife Anna faces significant challenges. Anna senses a distance between them, feeling excluded from Noah's inner thoughts and fears. Meanwhile, Noah desperately tries to shield his wife from the truth, unwilling to burden her further with his dark secret. The strain on their relationship grows, and this episode delves deeper into their struggles to communicate and connect.

As Noah continues to grapple with his affliction, he seeks solace in an unlikely friendship with a fellow addict, Bronco Novak. Both men bond over their shared experiences of addiction, and in each other's company, they find a temporary respite from their inner demons. But as they share their stories, Noah's anxiety grows, fearing that Bronco may discover the true nature of his intrusive thoughts.

The episode also explores the community's reaction to Abel's death, as they rally around his grieving widow and children. Simon, a charismatic yet manipulative member of the congregation, takes advantage of the vulnerable situation, instigating power struggles within the Mennonite community. This adds another layer of tension to the story, amplifying Noah's anxiety as he tries to avoid drawing attention to himself.

"Funeral" highlights the conflicting emotions experienced by Noah, as he grapples with his guilt and seeks redemption. His internal struggle between the purity of his faith and the impurity of his thoughts becomes increasingly fraught. The episode delves into his desperation to find a way out of the darkness within him, as he navigates the complexities of maintaining his secret in a close-knit community.

Throughout the episode, "Funeral" maintains a somber tone, mirroring Noah's internal battle. The funeral serves as a backdrop to explore the depths of human emotions, with moments of sorrow, reflection, and even some glimmers of hope. The cinematography captures the weighty atmosphere, enhancing the storytelling and immersing viewers in the characters' emotional journeys.

As season 1, episode 4 comes to a close, viewers are left with a sense of anticipation, wondering what lies ahead for Noah in his quest for understanding, redemption, and an escape from the torment of his intrusive thoughts. This episode further emphasizes the existential struggles faced not only by Noah but also by those around him, reminding us of the complexities of human nature and the power of forgiveness.