Ep 5. One Coin In A Fountain

Pan Am season 1 episode 5, titled "One Coin In A Fountain," centers around the Pan Am stewardesses as they find themselves in Rome on the cusp of the Dolce Vita era. Laura, Kate, and Maggie are tasked with delivering a package to a courier in Rome, but their mission quickly takes a turn when they discover that the courier is dead. The four women become embroiled in a mystery when they are subsequently arrested and interrogated by the Italian police.

Meanwhile, back in New York, Dean is struggling to keep his relationships afloat. He is torn between Bridget, the woman he has been seeing, and Ginny, his ex-fiancée who is back in town. Bridget is jealous of Ginny's reappearance and insists on meeting her, which only makes Dean's predicament worse. Ted, on the other hand, is trying to make a move on Amanda, the Pan Am stewardess he has been crushing on, but his efforts are stymied when he discovers that she has a boyfriend waiting for her in Paris.

Throughout the episode, the women deal with their individual struggles as they confront the challenges of being independent in a changing world. Laura is dealing with the aftermath of her brother's disappearance, while Kate is coming to terms with the fact that she may never find her mid-flight lover. Maggie, for her part, is grappling with her decision to leave her husband, but ultimately concludes that she is better off without him.

"One Coin In A Fountain" explores the themes of friendship, romance, and the difficulties of navigating a changing world. It does so with the backdrop of Rome during the early 1960s, a time when women were just starting to assert themselves in the workforce and when the world was on the brink of major cultural and societal changes. The episode is beautifully shot, and the attention to detail in the costumes and set design is impressive.

In terms of performance, Christina Ricci stands out as Maggie, bringing depth and nuance to her portrayal of a woman who is trying to find her place in the world. Kelli Garner shines as Kate, showcasing the character's vulnerability and strength. Margot Robbie is convincing as Laura, conveying the character's determination and resilience in the face of adversity.

Overall, "One Coin In A Fountain" is a compelling addition to the Pan Am series, showcasing the show's strengths in storytelling, character development, and production design. It is a must-watch for fans of the show and for those who are interested in period dramas that explore the complexities of human relationships.