Divorce Season 1 Episode 1 Pilot

Frances (Sarah Jessica Parker) and Robert (Thomas Haden Church) seem to have it all – a happy marriage, successful careers, and two children. However, their seemingly perfect life is not what it seems. The Pilot episode of Divorce opens with Frances walking through the picturesque streets of Hastings-on-Hudson, New York, looking at homes and envisioning her life in the suburbs. She meets her friend Diane (Molly Shannon) for lunch, and the scene sets up the beginning of a major conflict in the series. Diane is talking about her upcoming divorce, and Frances tries to offer support, but she seems preoccupied and unhappy.

Later that day, we see Frances and Robert attend a friend's 50th birthday party. They are drinking and having a good time together until Robert makes a speech about his dedication to Frances and their family. However, Frances is visibly uncomfortable and unresponsive to his declarations. Later that night, Robert asks her what's wrong, and she calmly tells him that she wants a divorce. Robert is caught off guard and tries to dismiss her request, but she is firm. The conversation turns heated, and Robert accuses her of cheating. Frances denies the claim, and Robert goes to bed angrily.

The next day, Frances meets with a lawyer named Tony Silvercreek (Dean Winters). Tony is confident and straightforward, which contrasts with Frances's uncertainty. Tony explains the legal processes of divorce, highlighting the importance of hiring an attorney and not leaving anything to chance. Frances signs a retainer agreement and begins the journey of ending her marriage. Determined to move on, she finds an apartment she wants to rent, but Robert is hesitant about the new phase of their lives.

Meanwhile, Robert seeks advice from his friends, Nick (Tracy Letts) and Dallas (Talia Balsam). Nick suggests that Robert fights to keep the marriage. Still, Robert has an inkling that it's over, and he's anxious about the future. However, he finds comfort in his affair with their mutual friend, Jackie (Becki Newton), who was also present at the party. The episode ends with Frances and Robert fighting over their shared home and Robert moving out.

The Pilot episode of Divorce sets up the premise of the show perfectly. Sarah Jessica Parker's portrayal of Frances is relatable, showing a woman who discovers she is unhappy even while appearing to have everything. The dialogue is sharp and witty, with well-timed comedic relief in Shannon's character, Diane. Thomas Haden Church's Robert is a bit more abrasive, though his pain is palpable, and the audience can sympathize with him. The chemistry between the actors and the dynamic storytelling are impressive, which makes for an enjoyable 30 minutes. The episode ends on a hopeful note, albeit with hints of future drama.

Overall, the Pilot episode of Divorce sets a strong foundation for the rest of the series. It unveils the complexities of marriage, highlights the importance of communication, and suggests that even the most amicable people can struggle with the process of divorce. The comedic take on such heavy material is well-executed and provides a much-needed escape, making Divorce a must-watch for anyone who has experienced the pain of divorce or knows someone who has.