Ep 1. One

The Letdown season 2 episode 1, titled One, picks up where the first season left off, diving deeper into the complexities of motherhood and the challenges it presents. Audrey, played by Alison Bell, is a new mother struggling to balance her responsibilities as a parent while also maintaining her sense of self. In the first season, she navigated through the early days of motherhood, often feeling isolated and overwhelmed. This season, she faces new challenges as her son starts to grow and develop, bringing new opportunities for joy and frustration.

In this episode, Audrey is still struggling with postpartum depression, finding it difficult to connect with other mothers in her mother's group. She also feels left out when her partner, Jeremy, takes on a new role at work, leaving her to manage the bulk of childcare for their son, Stevie. This creates tension between the couple and adds to Audrey's feelings of isolation and overwhelm.

Additionally, Audrey has to navigate the tricky waters of going back to work. Her job as a television scriptwriter brings her back into a fast-paced world where she has to keep up with deadlines and juggle long hours in the office with caring for her child. This creates an emotional tug-of-war as Audrey tries to balance her work and family life.

The episode also explores other characters' struggles with motherhood. Audrey's friend, Sophie, is considering having a second child, but her husband is hesitant, leading to tension in their marriage. Another mother in the mother's group, Ester, is struggling to bond with her new baby, leading to feelings of guilt and anxiety.

As always, the episode's strength lies in its unflinching portrayal of motherhood. It highlights not only the joys of parenting but the very real challenges that come with it, from sleep deprivation to the struggles of maintaining an identity beyond motherhood. The Letdown doesn't shy away from the more difficult aspects of motherhood, and the show is all the stronger for it.

Throughout the episode, we see Audrey navigating these challenges and her struggles to stay afloat in the midst of all the chaos. Despite the difficulties she faces, Audrey remains fiercely committed to her role as a mother, doing everything in her power to provide for Stevie while also trying to maintain some sense of autonomy in her life.

Overall, The Letdown season 2 episode 1 is a powerful exploration of what it means to be a mother in modern times. It paints a realistic picture of the joys and difficulties that come with parenthood, highlighting the importance of support and community along the way. It's a show that will resonate with mothers everywhere and serves as a reminder that, even in the toughest of times, we're never truly alone.