Ep 5. The Fall and Rise of Brother Boy

In the fifth episode of Sordid Lives Season 1, titled "The Fall and Rise of Brother Boy," the focus is on Brother Boy, a mentally unstable singer who has been institutionalized for over 20 years for dressing up as Tammy Wynette and performing in a gay bar. Brother Boy's mother, Peggy, convinces his doctors to release him from the institution so that she can take him to the funeral of his Aunt Sissy.

At first, Brother Boy is thrilled to be out of the institution and back in society. He goes out with his sister Latrelle and her husband to a bar and even performs a few songs on stage. However, his happiness is short-lived when his mother announces that she has arranged for him to receive shock therapy in order to cure his homosexuality. Brother Boy refuses to receive the treatment and runs away. His mother and Latrelle are devastated and plead for him to return, but he refuses.

Meanwhile, Latrelle's son Ty has been struggling with his own sexuality and confides in his friend Odette that he is gay. Odette meets with Ty's father, G.W., and tells him that he needs to accept Ty for who he is. G.W. initially resists, but ultimately comes around and apologizes to Ty for not being more understanding. This subplot helps to underscore the larger theme of acceptance and tolerance of those who are different.

The episode ends with Brother Boy returning to the institution. Peggy tearfully goes to visit him and begs him to come back home with her. Brother Boy sadly reveals that he wants to stay in the institution because the staff there accepts him for who he is and he feels that he belongs there. Peggy reluctantly accepts his decision and leaves.

Overall, "The Fall and Rise of Brother Boy" is a powerful and moving episode that addresses important issues of mental illness, homosexuality, and societal acceptance. The characters are complex and well-rounded, and the performances are top-notch, particularly from Leslie Jordan as Brother Boy. The show does an excellent job of balancing humor with sadness, and leaves the audience with a lot to think about.