Ep 6. We Gather Together

We Gather Together is the sixth episode of the first season of the 1980s drama Thirtysomething. The show follows a group of friends as they navigate their thirties and the various challenges and changes that come with that era of life.

In this episode, we see the group come together for Thanksgiving. As they gather around the table, each person brings their own set of anxieties and struggles to the forefront. Though ostensibly a holiday about giving thanks and celebrating togetherness, the holiday instead brings up old resentments and insecurities.

Over the course of the episode, we see Michael and Elliot struggle with their respective careers. Michael, an advertising executive, is feeling squeezed by the demands of his job and the pressure to continually come up with new ideas. Elliot, a struggling artist, is grappling with feelings of inadequacy as his girlfriend's career continues to take off.

Meanwhile, Hope is dealing with the unexpected arrival of her mother, who has recently become homeless and is looking for a place to stay. Hope is torn between wanting to help her mother and feeling uncertain about how to do so without compromising her own family's needs.

Nancy, who has recently become pregnant again, is feeling overwhelmed as she tries to balance work and family. Meanwhile, Melissa, who has recently returned from a spiritual retreat, is grappling with her newfound belief system and struggling to reconcile it with her daily life.

As the day goes on, tensions rise and secrets are revealed. However, in the end, the group is able to come together and find a sense of unity. Despite their differences and disagreements, they realize that their friendships are ultimately what matter most.

We Gather Together is a poignant episode that explores the many challenges and anxieties that come with adulthood. It shows the difficulties of balancing work and family, of dealing with unexpected family issues, and of feeling uncertain about one's place in the world. However, it also reminds us of the importance of friendship and the power of coming together in the face of adversity.

Overall, this is a beautifully crafted episode that will resonate with anyone who has ever struggled with the challenges of adulthood. It's a testament to the power of good storytelling and the enduring legacy of Thirtysomething as a groundbreaking television show that tackled real-world issues in a thoughtful and nuanced way.