Ep 11. May Divorce Be with You

Following in the vein of its title, "May Divorce Be with You" is a particularly heavy episode of Rules of Engagement. The third season of the show is already known for its biting observations of love and relationships, but the episode takes things up a notch by examining what happens when things break down entirely.

As the episode opens, we see the series regulars grappling with the idea of divorce in various ways. For some, it's already a reality. Jeff and Audrey have decided to throw in the towel after a long period of tension, but are struggling to decide how to break the news to their friends. Meanwhile, Russell is up to his usual antics. He's refusing to take anything seriously, including Liz's suggestion that they get married. But for other characters, marriage is a distant idea. Adam and Jennifer are still going strong, but the episode doesn't shy away from the reality that things could eventually go wrong.

Throughout the episode, we see the characters exploring the main theme of the show: what does it mean to be committed to someone, and how far are you willing to go to make it work? Some of the characters come off better than others. Jeff and Audrey's problems leave them feeling vulnerable and unsure about the future. We see them grappling with the idea that they can no longer hide behind their marriage, and must confront why they were drawn to each other in the first place.

Russell, as always, finds himself in the position of being something of a moral compass for the group. He doesn't believe in love, he says, but he does believe in loyalty. Throughout the episode, he's the one who consistently shows up to support his friends, even if it makes him uncomfortable. This episode is a real showcase for the character, and actor David Spade is clearly relishing the chance to bring something new to the role.

One of the standout moments of the episode comes when Adam, the series' oddball, attempts to convince Jennifer that they should get a prenuptial agreement. Adam's motivations are ambiguous—is he just concerned about money, or is he genuinely unsure about their future? But the scene is a real showcase for Oliver Hudson's comedic talents. He's able to make Adam sympathetic, even as he's coming off as petty and self-obsessed.

But the real star of the episode is Megyn Price, who plays Audrey. When Jeff and Audrey finally tell their friends that they're getting a divorce, the scene is heartbreaking. Price plays Audrey with a vulnerability that we haven't seen before, and it's clear that the writers have given her a lot to work with in this episode. Even as Audrey's marriage is falling apart, she still manages to be there for her friends when they need her. It's a complex, nuanced performance, and one of the best of the season so far.

Throughout the episode, the characters are grappling with the idea of divorce. For Jeff and Audrey, it's already happened. For the others, it's a possibility on the horizon. But the ending of the episode is anything but bleak. The group comes together to celebrate Jeff and Audrey's decision to move forward, and to find a way to make it work even when things go wrong. It's a hopeful moment in an otherwise heavy episode, and a testament to the resilience of the human spirit.

Overall, "May Divorce Be with You" is a standout episode of Rules of Engagement. It's able to tackle some pretty heavy themes without ever feeling like it's weighing the show down. The cast is firing on all cylinders, and the writing is some of the strongest of the season. Whether you're a die-hard fan of the show or just looking for an entertaining half-hour of television, this is an episode that's definitely worth checking out.