Ep 8. Scaryfun

Sam's frustrations reach a boiling point in Better Things season 1 episode 8, titled "Scaryfun." The episode begins with Sam trying to enjoy a night out with her friends, but finding it difficult to let loose and have fun. As she observes everyone around her laughing and dancing, Sam can't help but feel like an outsider.

Back home, Sam faces a host of new challenges. She receives a call from her daughter Frankie's school, informing her that Frankie has been suspended for fighting. Sam is visibly upset, but tries to maintain her composure as she deals with the situation. She goes to pick up Frankie and drives her home, trying to understand what happened and determine the best way to handle the situation.

Meanwhile, Sam's eldest daughter Max is struggling with her own issues. She has been feeling overwhelmed and isolated lately, and confides in her mother about her feelings of loneliness and anxiety. Sam tries to reassure Max and offer words of wisdom, but it's clear that she's struggling with her own issues and doesn't have all the answers.

As the episode progresses, Sam's frustrations continue to mount. She finds herself getting increasingly frustrated with her ex-husband, who continues to be unreliable and unresponsive. She lashes out at her mother, who is visiting from out of town, when she tries to offer unsolicited advice. And she can't seem to catch a break at work, where she's dealing with a difficult client.

Despite all these challenges, Sam remains determined to find some joy in her life. She decides to take her kids to an amusement park for a day of fun, but even this outing proves to be fraught with tension. As they navigate the crowds and rides, Sam struggles to keep everyone safe and happy, all while dealing with her own anxieties and frustrations.

In the end, "Scaryfun" is a poignant and honest portrayal of the challenges faced by single mothers. Sam is a complex and flawed character, but she's also fiercely protective of her children and determined to do what's best for them. As the episode comes to a close, we're left with the sense that Sam's journey is far from over, but that she's more than capable of handling whatever comes her way.