Ep 2. Christian Troy

Christian Troy, the titular character of the second episode of the second season of Nip/Tuck, is that rare individual who seems to have it all: good looks, money, and the respect of his peers in the field of cosmetic surgery. However, as the episode quickly makes clear, Christian's life is not nearly as perfect as it seems from the outside.

The episode opens with Christian waking up in bed with a woman he does not recognize, surrounded by bottles of prescription drugs and empty alcohol bottles. As he clumsily picks his way through the clutter of the room, it becomes clear that Christian is suffering from a serious addiction to prescription drugs and alcohol.

Unfortunately for Christian, his substance abuse issues are not going unnoticed. Sean McNamara, his partner in their joint plastic surgery practice, is becoming increasingly concerned about Christian's erratic behavior and is considering staging an intervention. In the meantime, Christian is trying to hold things together by self-medicating with a steady stream of drugs and alcohol.

Complicating matters further is the arrival of a new patient at the practice: a woman named Pixie who has come in to have her labia surgically altered. Christian is initially dismissive of the woman's complaint, but soon becomes obsessed with the idea of improving her appearance through surgery. This obsession leads him down a dangerous path, as he begins to experiment with increasingly risky surgical techniques and begins to lose sight of his own safety.

As the episode unfolds, Christian's life begins to unravel in earnest. His addiction spirals out of control, his relationship with his long-time girlfriend Kimber grows increasingly strained, and his surgical work becomes increasingly erratic and dangerous. At the same time, Sean's concerns about Christian reach a fever pitch, and he is forced to confront his partner about his addiction and demand that he seek help.

Despite its somewhat melodramatic storyline, "Christian Troy" is a gripping and often painful episode to watch. In many ways, it is a portrait of a man who has lost his way, both personally and professionally. Christian is a character who is obsessed with image and surface appearances, to the point where he has lost sight of who he really is and what he really wants from life.

At the same time, the episode also raises important questions about the ethics of plastic surgery. The character of Pixie, whose labial surgery provides the episode with much of its narrative tension, is a reminder that cosmetic surgery can be a fraught and emotionally loaded experience. For many people, cosmetic surgery is not just about improving one's appearance, but about addressing deep-seated issues related to self-esteem, self-worth, and identity.

On the whole, "Christian Troy" is a powerful and thought-provoking episode of Nip/Tuck. It tackles some weighty issues with a sensitivity and nuance that is often missing from other shows of its kind, and it does so without sacrificing the show's trademark wit and edge. Whether you are a fan of the show or a newcomer to its particular brand of drama, this is one episode that is well worth watching.