Ep 5. Mom

The show Casual follows the life of a bachelor named Alex Cole who works as a co-founder of an online dating site. After a failed marriage and burning bridges with his family, Alex lives a carefree life, sleeping around with different women. The story takes an interesting turn when his recently divorced sister, Valerie, moves in with him along with her teenage daughter, Laura.

Season 1 episode 5, titled Mom, revolves around the introduction of Alex and Valerie's mother, who they haven't seen in over two decades. This episode is a turning point in the series as it explores various themes like family, guilt, and the dynamics of family relationships.

The episode starts with Valerie anxiously waiting for her mother's arrival, as she blames herself for the estrangement. She's convinced that her mother can never forgive her for marrying her high school teacher, which led to a public scandal followed by their divorce. Meanwhile, Laura is more excited about the arrival of her grandmother and wants to know more about her family.

As soon as their mother arrives, the tension in the house is palpable. She's stoic and distant, with only a curt greeting for her children. However, this doesn't deter Laura, who tries to form a bond with her grandmother by asking her about her life and hobbies. This leads to a humorous scene where Laura is shocked to learn that her grandmother is a chain-smoker who loves to gamble.

Valerie tries her best to reconnect with her mother, but she's met with silence and passive-aggressiveness. In a desperate move, Valerie invites her mother to go on a spa day with her, hoping it would spark a conversation. But to her dismay, her mother is uninterested, only commenting on how Alex is gaining weight. This throws Valerie off, and she storms out of the spa, leaving her mother behind.

Alex, on the other hand, is busy with his love life, as usual, but the arrival of his mother brings back repressed feelings. He's animated and excited to see her, hoping to make amends for running away from home. The scene where he and his mother reconnect over weed and music is heart-warming and poignant, as it shows the deep emotional connection between parents and children.

However, their reunion is short-lived, and Alex is caught off guard when his mother asks for money. This request brings up old wounds, as Alex remembers feeling neglected by his mother, who chose her career over her family. He's conflicted about helping her out, but ultimately decides to do it, hoping it would help him move on from the past.

The climax of the episode is when Valerie has a candid conversation with her mother, revealing how she feels about their estrangement and how it has affected her. This scene is cathartic and emotional, as Valerie breaks down, releasing all the emotions she's been holding inside. Her mother responds with a heartfelt apology that brings the sisters closer together, and they finally get the closure they needed.

In conclusion, episode 5, Mom, is a poignant and touching episode that explores the complexities of family relationships and the importance of forgiveness. It's a must-watch for anyone who loves a good drama with relatable characters and real-world issues.