Ep 4. Episode 4

In the fourth episode of the 20th Anniversary Edition of Tales of the City, viewers are transported back to San Francisco in the 1970s, where the colorful characters of Barbary Lane continue to navigate their complicated lives.

Mary Ann Singleton, fresh off her move to the city from Cleveland, struggles to find her place in the community while balancing her job at a local TV station. Her eccentric landlady, Anna Madrigal, serves as a comforting presence in her life, but Mary Ann still feels adrift and unsure of her future.

Meanwhile, Michael Tolliver, affectionately known as Mouse, is determined to find love in a city that embraces alternative lifestyles and experimentation. He embarks on a series of dates, each one more disastrous than the last, until he finally meets someone who might just be the perfect match for him.

DeDe Halcyon, still reeling from her husband's infidelity, seeks solace in the arms of a mysterious woman who she meets at a charity event. As she tries to keep her affair a secret from her husband and the rest of her social circle, she begins to question whether she truly wants to continue living a life of privilege and opulence.

The episode also touches on the ongoing struggles facing the LGBTQ community during this time period, including police brutality and discrimination. These themes are explored through the character of Mona Ramsey, a tenant of Barbary Lane who is arrested during a raid on a gay bar and must face the consequences of standing up for her rights.

With its blend of humor, heartbreak, and social commentary, Episode 4 of Tales of the City is a captivating snapshot of a unique time and place in American history. Through the eyes of its vibrant characters, viewers are reminded of the power of community and the strength that comes from standing up for what you believe in.