Better Things Season 4 Episode 10
Better Things
Season 4

Ep 10. Listen to the Roosters

  • TVMA
  • April 30, 2020
  • 33 min
  • 8.7  (313)

Possible episode description:

In Better Things season 4 episode 10, "Listen to the Roosters," Sam Fox (Pamela Adlon) faces a series of challenges and revelations that test her patience and perspective. As she tries to juggle her own needs and desires with those of her family and friends, Sam confronts the limits of her control and the depth of her love.

The episode opens with a shot of Sam lying in bed, listening to the distant sounds of roosters crowing. She sighs and stretches, as if trying to shake off the remnants of a dream or a worry. We then see her getting ready for the day, in her usual mix of casual and hip clothes, sometimes picking up items from her teenage daughter Max's (Mikey Madison) room or her younger daughter Duke's (Olivia Edward) drawer. While she brushes her teeth, Sam realizes that her sense of taste is off, which leads her to worry about the possible causes and consequences.

At the breakfast table, Duke complains about the oatmeal, Max whines about having to take the bus to school, and Sam tries to keep her cool and offer some words of encouragement or discipline. Her mother Phil (Celia Imrie) calls to say that she won't be able to visit as planned, which disappoints Sam but also relieves her of the burden of hosting and catering to Phil's whims. Sam then drives her best friend Rich (Diedrich Bader) to a doctor's appointment, which brings up memories and fears of cancer, and makes her contemplate her mortality and her choices.

Later, Sam meets with her ex-husband Xander (Matthew Glave) to discuss their co-parenting and financial arrangements, which reveal some new complications and conflicts. Sam also has to rush to the school to pick up Duke, who has been suspended for punching a boy who called her a "monkey." Sam listens to Duke's side of the story, empathizes with her, but also scolds her for resorting to violence. She takes Duke to a nearby park, where they sit on a bench and watch the roosters and chickens in a coop nearby. Sam tries to teach Duke about empathy, forgiveness, and respect, and to show her how to find beauty and joy in simple things, like nature and animals.

During a break from filming her latest movie, Sam hangs out with her co-star Philip (Reid Scott) and his friends, who are all much younger and more carefree than her. Sam feels out of place and envious of their energy and optimism, but also realizes that she has more experience and wisdom than they do. She shares some of her own stories and jokes, at the expense of her exes and other men, and impresses and entertains them. On her way home, Sam stops by a convenience store to buy some cigarettes and encounters a creepy guy who hits on her and insults Duke, which triggers her protective and aggressive instincts. She lashes out at him, both verbally and physically, and feels a surge of power and adrenaline.

The episode ends with Sam returning home, tired but also revitalized by the challenges and victories of the day. She takes a shower, drinks some wine, and watches a nature documentary about roosters, which fascinates her with their colorful and complex behavior. She then goes to bed, but not before checking on her daughters and saying goodnight to them. As she lies in bed, listening to the roosters again, she reflects on the paradoxes and possibilities of motherhood, womanhood, and humanity, and feels grateful for being alive and awake to them.

Overall, Better Things season 4 episode 10 "Listen to the Roosters" is a poignant and funny exploration of Sam Fox's life and identity, as she navigates the challenges of motherhood, friendship, work, and romance. The episode showcases Pamela Adlon's versatile and nuanced performance as Sam, who manages to be both vulnerable and fierce, empathetic and critical, funny and sad, as she tries to balance her own needs and desires with those of others around her. The episode also features some guest stars who add to the humor and drama, such as Diedrich Bader as Rich, Reid Scott as Philip, and Celia Imrie as Phil. The theme of listening, both literally and metaphorically, runs through the episode, as Sam tries to tune in to the voices and noises of the world around her, and to find meaning and connection in them.

Description
Watch Better Things - Listen to the Roosters (s4 e10) Online - Watch online anytime: Buy, Rent
Better Things, Season 4 Episode 10, is available to watch and stream on FX. You can also buy, rent Better Things on demand at Amazon, Hulu, Vudu, Microsoft Movies & TV, Google Play, Apple TV online.
  • First Aired
    April 30, 2020
  • Content Rating
    TVMA
  • Runtime
    33 min
  • Language
    English
  • IMDB Rating
    8.7  (313)