Ep 1. Weirder Than Normal

Following a successful first season, Eastsiders returns with its second season and its first episode, Weirder Than Normal. The show picks up where it left off -- the love birds Cal and Thom are still trying to work things out. But, things are starting to get weird, even for their standards. The tagline for the episode is aptly named "Sex with strangers. Exes who won't leave. In-laws who won't come out of the closet. It's going to be weirder than normal." True to its word, the episode encompasses everything one can expect from Eastsiders and more, with its distinct blend of humor, heart, and complexity.

We see Cal, played by the series creator Kit Williamson, and Thom, played by Van Hansis, still trying to navigate their relationship. The two have an interesting dynamic, with Cal being emotional and impulsive, and Thom being more practical and level-headed. The entire episode revolves around their efforts to finally move in together, with Cal trying to organize their coinciding move into one joint move-in day. Of course, things don't go as planned, leading to both hilarious and emotional moments.

Another significant plotline of the episode involves the character of Jeremy, played brilliantly by Matthew McKelligon. The last time we saw Jeremy, he was experimenting with a more spiritual side to his sexuality and exploring his relationship with men. In this episode, we see him trying to push the boundaries of his comfort zone even further. He finds himself agreeing to have sex with his matchmaker, in an effort to explore his sexual desires more.

One of the central themes of Eastsiders is the complexity of relationships and people. We see that in several storylines in this episode, especially with the character of Quincy, played by Alec Mapa. Quincy's story is a layered one, with him trying to navigate his marriage to a woman, his ongoing affair with their male neighbor, and the expectations and pressures that come from being part of a traditional Filipino family. His arc in this episode is both humorous and deeply moving, showing us the nuances and layers to his character and situation.

The episode also introduces us to some new characters, who are sure to play a significant role in the upcoming season. We meet Douglas and Quincy's in-laws, played by Joanna Cassidy and Stephen Guarino. Cassidy and Guarino both deliver fantastic performances, with their roles adding a new layer of complexity to Quincy's story, and the show as a whole.

Overall, Weirder Than Normal is one of Eastsider's strongest episodes yet. It sets the tone for the rest of the season, with its blend of humor, heart, and complicated relationships. Fans of the show can expect more of the same, with the added bonus of new characters and more profound explorations of the show's central themes. The writing is crisp and sharp, with the dialogue feeling authentic and true to the show's tone. If this episode is any indication, the second season of Eastsiders is poised to be even better than the first.