Ep 3. Getting Real

Being Mary Jane follows the life and career of broadcast journalist Mary Jane Paul. Season 4 episode 3 is titled "Getting Real" and deals with the various forms of societal pressure that Mary Jane deals with on a daily basis.

As Mary Jane navigates her way through her thirties, she is increasingly confronted with the societal pressures that come with being a woman in the public eye. From dealing with the expectations of her parents and extended family to those of her friends and colleagues, Mary Jane struggles with how to balance her personal and professional life.

As the episode opens, Mary Jane is struggling with a decision she made the night before. She drunkenly slept with her ex-boyfriend, David, and now must deal with the consequences of that decision. Meanwhile, at work, Mary Jane is dealing with the fallout from a recent on-air argument with a fellow anchor. Her boss, Garrett, is keen to ensure that the network comes out on top, even if it means sacrificing Mary Jane's reputation.

As the episode progresses, Mary Jane becomes increasingly frustrated with the expectations placed on her by those around her. She is tired of feeling like she must always be perfect, both on and off the air. At the same time, she's also torn between her desire to have a family and the reality that her biological clock is ticking.

One of the standout scenes in "Getting Real" is a conversation between Mary Jane and her brother, Patrick. Patrick, an MMA fighter, has always operated outside of the norms of society. He encourages Mary Jane to pursue her dreams and not to worry about what others think. "You don't have to be perfect," he tells her. "Just be you."

The episode also explores the tension between Mary Jane's desire to have a career and a family. She fears that her career will suffer if she has a child and that she won't be able to give her child the love and attention they need if she continues to focus on her career.

Ultimately, "Getting Real" explores the challenges that many women face when trying to navigate societal expectations. From work to family to relationships, Mary Jane is constantly struggling to find her place in the world. It's a relatable story that many viewers will be able to identify with, and one that reminds us all that it's okay to be imperfect.