Ep 1. Split

Steve and Susan have officially broken up, and their friends are left trying to figure out how to navigate the fallout in the first episode of the third season of "Coupling" titled "Split."

The episode starts off with Steve and Susan separately consulting their friends about the details of their breakup. Steve seeks solace from his best friend Jeff, who he finds in the fetal position on the couch, having just gone through a nasty breakup himself. Jeff's advice is less than helpful, leading Steve to question the value of his opinions.

Meanwhile, Susan turns to her best friend Sally for support. Sally, however, is as conflicted as ever, torn between offering comfort and criticizing Susan for her decision. Susan's frustration grows as Sally continuously switches sides, leaving her feeling even more confused and unsure about her breakup.

As the episode continues, we see the rest of the group - Patrick, Jane, and Sally's new boyfriend Oliver - also dealing with the aftermath of Steve and Susan's split. Patrick, ever the ladies' man, sees this as an opportunity to make his move and show Susan that he's the one for her. However, his attempts are met with resistance from both Steve and Susan's friends, who believe he's only using the breakup to his advantage.

Jane, on the other hand, is struggling with the divided loyalties that accompany a breakup. She finds herself torn between her close friend Susan and her good friend Steve, resulting in some awkward encounters and misplaced loyalties. Jane's ability to handle the situation with humor and grace adds a comedic element to the episode.

Meanwhile, Oliver, a newcomer to the friend group, finds himself caught in the middle of the fallout. He tries to remain neutral, not wanting to take sides, but his attempts are met with disapproval from Sally. The tension between Oliver and Sally escalates throughout the episode, putting their own relationship at risk.

During a gathering at the usual meeting spot for the group, tensions reach a breaking point. Steve and Susan's friends find themselves embroiled in a heated argument about loyalty, trust, and how to navigate the aftermath of their breakup. The heated discussion brings to light everyone's own insecurities and fears, laying bare the complexity of human relationships.

As the episode nears its conclusion, the friends realize that the breakup has affected each of them in different ways. They come to understand that their loyalty must be to each other as a close-knit group, rather than taking sides in a messy breakup. They attempt to find a way to move forward, supporting both Steve and Susan as they navigate their newfound singlehood.

The episode ends on a hopeful note, with the group realizing that friendships, like relationships, go through ups and downs. They reaffirm their bond and make a pact to continue supporting one another through all of life's challenges, including the fallout from Steve and Susan's breakup.

In the first episode of "Coupling" Season 3 titled "Split," the intricate dynamics of friendship and love are explored in the aftermath of Steve and Susan's breakup. With humor, wit, and a touch of drama, the group learns the value of loyalty, trust, and the importance of standing by those you care about - regardless of relationship status.