Ep 5. Not the Haitian Corpse

Sensitive Skin is a Canadian comedy-drama television series that follows the life of Davina, a former model who is at a crossroads in her life. In season 1 episode 5, titled "Not the Haitian Corpse," Davina takes a trip down memory lane as she navigates her current relationships.

The episode opens with Davina and her husband Al, played by Don McKellar, hanging out at a party. Davina is feeling a bit uneasy because she can sense the tension between Al and their friend Roger, played by Nicholas Campbell. As they leave the party, Davina and Al get into an argument about their marriage and the possibility of separating.

The next day, Davina decides to visit her old friend and mentor, Ursula, played by Marcia Gay Harden. Ursula encourages Davina to pursue her dreams and to let go of anything that is holding her back. Davina takes Ursula's advice and decides to focus on her art and take a pottery class.

Meanwhile, Al is dealing with his own personal demons. He visits a therapist, played by Colm Feore, to discuss his feelings of inadequacy and the strain on his marriage. The therapist advises Al to take a break from his job and to spend more time with his family.

As Davina immerses herself in her pottery class, she meets a new friend named Paul, played by Bob Martin. Paul is charming and easygoing, and Davina enjoys spending time with him. However, as they get to know each other better, Davina discovers that Paul is a bit of a con artist who has been scamming people in the class.

Things come to a head when Roger, who is also taking the pottery class, confronts Paul about his lies. The altercation ends with Paul threatening to sue Roger, but Davina steps in and helps diffuse the situation.

Throughout the episode, Davina is haunted by a recurring dream about a Haitian corpse that she saw as a child. She becomes obsessed with trying to figure out what the dream means, and even visits a psychic to try and find answers.

In the end, Davina realizes that the dream is a metaphor for her own fear of death and the unknown. She comes to terms with her mortality and embraces the present moment, realizing that life is too short to waste on worry and fear.

"Not the Haitian Corpse" is a poignant and introspective episode that explores the themes of mortality, relationships, and self-discovery. The writing is sharp and witty, and the performances are heartfelt and nuanced. Overall, it is a standout episode that showcases the series' unique blend of humor and pathos.