Ep 5. Mee-Maw

In Transparent season 2 episode 5, titled "Mee-Maw," we see the Pfefferman family come together for a weekend at Maura's mother's house. Our main focus in this episode is on Maura and her relationship with her mother, Rose. The audience is given a glimpse into their complicated history and how it has affected Maura's life.

As the family arrives, tensions are already high as Maura and her sister Bryna bicker over their mother's care. Maura has been trying to convince Rose to move to Los Angeles, where she can be closer to her and receive better care. However, Rose is resistant to the idea, seemingly content with her life in New York. This disagreement sets the tone for the rest of the episode.

Throughout the weekend, we see Maura struggle with her identity in relation to her mother. She feels guilt for not coming out sooner and for leaving her family behind when she transitioned. This guilt is compounded by Rose's inability to accept Maura's transition and her new life. We also see Maura's siblings grappling with their own issues. Bryna is still dealing with the aftermath of a failed IVF procedure and Ali is navigating her relationships with her ex-boyfriend and her transgender professor.

As the family sits down for dinner, tensions come to a head as Maura attempts to express her feelings to her mother. However, Rose is defensive and unwilling to truly listen to her daughter. The scene is emotional and raw, with both Maura and Rose revealing personal details of their past. It becomes clear that their relationship is complicated and goes beyond just Maura's transition.

As the weekend comes to a close, Maura and Rose have a heart to heart conversation that provides some closure for both of them. Maura is finally able to express herself fully to her mother and Rose is able to share her own struggles with Maura. It's a beautiful and touching scene that highlights the complexity of family relationships.

Overall, "Mee-Maw" is a fantastic episode that delves deeper into the character of Maura and her relationship with her mother. Transparent has always been a show that deals with complex issues in a compassionate and nuanced way, and this episode is no exception. The performances are fantastic, with both Jeffrey Tambor and Judith Light delivering powerful performances. It's a must-watch for fans of the series.