Ep 19. An Absence of Tears

The episode "An Absence of Tears" from Season 1 of Route 66 follows the adventures of two friends, Tod and Buz, as they travel along Route 66 in their Chevrolet Corvette. The episode opens with the duo stopping at a gas station in a small town in Missouri. As they are filling up their car, a young woman named Donna approaches them, asking for a ride to Chicago. She is trying to escape her troubled past and wants to start a new life.

Initially hesitant, Tod and Buz eventually agree to give her a lift. On their way to Chicago, they stop at a diner where they meet a waitress named Lila. She reveals that she's been having an affair with an older man, who is married, and is unhappy with the situation. As the group travels further, they stop at a motel for the night. Here, Donna confesses to Tod and Buz that she was in a mental institution and had recently escaped. They are taken aback by her confession but decide to continue on with their journey.

The next day, they come across a farm where they are offered a job, which they all accept. Here, they meet a woman named Dolly and her husband, Bill. Dolly is dealing with some personal issues and is somewhat distant from her husband. The tension between them is palpable, and Tod and Buz find themselves getting involved in their relationship. As they help out on the farm for the next few days, they become more immersed in the lives of Dolly, Bill, Lila, and Donna.

As the group continues their journey towards Chicago, they make a stop at a town where they meet a woman named Molly. She offers them a job and when they refuse, she enlists her gang to steal their car. Fortunately, Tod and Buz are fine, and they continue on to their destination.

When they finally arrive in Chicago, Donna disappears. Tod and Buz track her down to her former apartment, where they confront and try to convince her that she needs to face her past and move on. In the end, Donna decides to stay in Chicago, and Tod and Buz continue on their journey.

The episode "An Absence of Tears" is a poignant portrayal of the lives of people living on the fringes of society. It touches upon issues like mental health, personal relationships, and the struggles of working-class Americans in the 1960s. The characters of Donna, Dolly, Lila, and Molly add depth and complexity to the story, and their struggles are relatable and heart-wrenching. The episode ends on a hopeful note, suggesting that there is always a chance for redemption and a better life.