Ep 5. Gustav

As the fifth episode of the first season of HBO's Divorce opens, the fallout from Frances's decision to divorce Robert is still being felt. In "Gustav," her unhappiness is reflected in her work. The art gallery owner is struggling to find new talent to represent, while all around her the chaos of the end of her marriage looms large. Meanwhile, Robert is trying to get a leg up in his own business by attending a conference, but things don't go as planned.

The pressure on Frances is immense. As she tries to find a new artist to showcase in her gallery, she is riddled with doubts about her own abilities. Her inner monologue is constantly questioning whether she's actually talented or if her success has been a fluke. She's in a sort of crisis of confidence, and it's not just her personal life that's suffering. Her business is also struggling, and she's worried that the divorce will be the final nail in the coffin.

As Frances tries to get through her day without thinking too much about her marital problems, Robert is off having an adventure of his own. The conference he's gone to hasn't turned out the way he expected, and he's stranded with a group of people who he finds both annoying and intriguing. There is a sense of possibility in Robert's story, a hint of excitement that might be just what he needs to get out of his own rut.

Back at home, Frances is trying to keep her head above water. She's working on finding a new artist to represent, but it's slow going. She's dealing with an art dealer who isn't quite sure he trusts her taste, and she's struggling to find someone she feels passionate about. Everything feels like it's slipping through her fingers, and she's not sure what to do next. Her frustration is palpable, and it's clear that she's not coping well with the changes in her life.

As Robert's conference adventure continues, he starts to see a side of himself he's not sure he's comfortable with. There are flirtations and veiled suggestions of infidelity, and Robert is suddenly faced with the possibility that he might be turning into the kind of man he's always despised. He's conflicted, but at the same time he's energized by the sense that he's breaking out of his cage.

As the episode draws to a close, it's clear that Frances and Robert are both on the edge of something. They're both struggling with the changes in their lives, but in different ways. Frances is desperately trying to cling to what she knows, while Robert is reaching out for something he's not sure he wants. "Gustav" is a turning point for both characters, a moment when they're forced to confront the reality of their situation and decide how they're going to move forward. It's tense, it's frustrating, and it's ultimately very human.