Ep 4. Monsters in the Moonlight

Better Things season 3 episode 4, titled "Monsters in the Moonlight," delves into the complicated relationships that Sam Fox has with her family. The episode showcases how Sam is dealing with her mother's health issues and how they are affecting her. At the same time, Sam is trying to balance her personal and professional lives, which are equally demanding.

The episode starts with Sam taking care of her mother, who has been diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease. Sam is having a tough time dealing with her mother's condition, and her frustration and helplessness are evident. Through her interactions with her mother, Sam relives her own childhood and the difficulties of having an absentee mother.

Sam's relationship with her three daughters is also explored in the episode. She is trying to be a good mother and raise them well, but in the process, she often finds herself at odds with them. Her eldest daughter Max is becoming more independent and is pushing back against Sam's authority, while her middle daughter Frankie is struggling with her gender identity. Sam is only beginning to understand Frankie's struggles, and the two of them have a heartfelt conversation about gender and identity.

In addition to her family, Sam's professional life is also undergoing a significant change. She is in talks to do a radio show but is resistant to the idea of committing to a long-term project. Despite the encouragement of her agent and her close friend Tressa, Sam is hesitant to shake things up in her life and feels more comfortable with the status quo.

Throughout the episode, we see Sam trying to juggle all her responsibilities. She is struggling to be an attentive mother, care for her sick mother, and balance her career aspirations. While her life seems chaotic and often overwhelming, she finds a moment of peace and clarity.

The title "Monsters in the Moonlight" is metaphorical for the way Sam is struggling to navigate all the complexities in her life. Monsters lurking in the darkness stand for the problems that Sam faces, and the moonlight symbolizes the clarity she finds when she takes a step back and assesses her life.

In the end, the episode leaves the audience with the question of how Sam will cope with everything. Will she find a way to balance all the different parts of her life and find peace, or will the monsters continue to haunt her? The episode ends on a hopeful note, with Sam sharing an intimate moment with her daughter Frankie, but it is clear that Sam's journey is far from over.

Overall, "Monsters in the Moonlight" is a poignant and introspective episode that showcases the complexities of relationships and the challenges of balancing personal and professional lives. The show continues to be a realistic portrayal of a woman's struggle to navigate modern life.