Ep 4. Inferno

Inferno is the fourth episode from the first season of the critically acclaimed British sitcom Coupling, which first aired on the BBC. Steven Moffat, renowned for his sharp wit and clever writing, created this comedy series that offers an unapologetically humorous look at the complexities of modern relationships and the social minefield that is dating in the early 21st century.

The series revolves around the intertwining lives of six friends—three men and three women—and their romantic entanglements. The central characters include Steve, a somewhat anxious and often introspective everyman; Susan, an intelligent and assertive career woman who is often the voice of reason; Jeff, a quirky and eccentric individual who has a unique perspective on the world; Jane, flamboyant and outspoken with a tendency towards the dramatic; Sally, a beauty-obsessed woman with insecurity issues; and Patrick, a ladies' man with a somewhat clueless approach to relationships.

In Inferno, viewers find themselves diving even deeper into the entertaining dynamics and often relatable situations that arise from the characters' attempts to navigate through the treacherous terrain of love, sex, and friendship.

The episode opens with Steve grappling with an issue that cuts to the core of masculinity and personal privacy: the discovery of his stash of adult entertainment by his girlfriend Susan. Faced with the inevitable confrontation, Steve must navigate the perilous discussion about why he has these materials and what they mean for their relationship. The resulting conversation is a ballet of awkwardness, embarrassment, and the eternal struggle to maintain dignity in a situation that is fundamentally undignified.

What makes this particular episode stand out is Moffat's ability to tackle a sensitive and potentially controversial subject with a disarming mix of humor and genuine human insight. Rather than resorting to cheap laughs or caricatures, the episode delves into the characters' insecurities and the societal taboos surrounding sexual expression and fantasy.

Throughout the episode, Steve’s embarrassment is compounded and mirrored by the varying reactions of the other characters. Jeff, in particular, with his infamous and bumbling "Jeffisms," provides a particularly comedic perspective on private indulgences and the delicate topic of explaining them to a partner. Jeff's attempts to support Steve through this ordeal with advice and reasoning (which is typically bizarre and off-the-wall) add a layer of humor that prevents the episode from becoming too heavy.

Jane and Sally, with their diametrically opposing views on relationships and men, also offer some classic moments of comedy and pathos. Jane's seemingly open-minded attitude contrasts sharply with Sally's more traditional, and sometimes prudish, perspectives. The debate among the characters over the legitimacy, purpose, and place of such materials in a relationship provides not just humor but also illuminating glimpses into how each person’s personal hang-ups impact their world view.

Patrick, always the epitome of male confidence and sexual bravado, comes across with his usual cluelessness about the sensitivity of the issue at hand. His approach to the turmoil Steve faces is emblematic of his character's simplicity and provides a counterbalance to the more complex and overthought responses of the other male characters.

As the episode unfolds, viewers are treated to several set-piece dialogues and scenarios, full of the quickfire exchanges and clever repartee that have become the hallmark of Moffat's writing style. While the episode maintains a light-hearted tone, it also challenges the audience to consider their views on privacy, trust, and tolerance within relationships. The narrative deftly manages this without being preachy, instead allowing the characters' naturalistic interaction to guide these themes.

In the end, Inferno is not just about the obvious topic of adult entertainment; it is indeed an exploration of the infernos we all navigate in our personal lives—the awkward situations, the inevitable misunderstandings between genders, and the sometimes burning embarrassment that comes from simply being human. The episode is a testament to the show's ability to bond with its audience through shared discomfort and the universal experience of flawed but earnest attempts at love and companionship.

It's an episode that showcases Coupling's ability to blend comedic plots with character-driven storytelling, resulting in a slice of entertainment that is relatable, thought-provoking, and above all else, hilariously funny. The show’s knack for pushing the envelope while retaining a certain British charm is evident in Inferno, making it one of the standout episodes of the series' inaugural season.