Ep 1. A Relationship Like That

Premiering on December 1, 2019, Eastsiders season 4 episode 1, titled "A Relationship Like That," takes viewers on an emotional journey through the complicated lives of the show's main characters. As with previous seasons, "A Relationship Like That" explores themes related to identity, love, betrayal, and growth.

The episode opens with Thom (played by Kit Williamson) and Cal (Van Hansis) living their best lives in New York City. After having moved across the country in a bid to start over and leave their past behind, the couple is now working on building their future together. However, it soon becomes apparent that their relationship has reached a crossroads, as they struggle with insecurities and the weight of their past traumas.

Throughout "A Relationship Like That," the audience is taken on a journey through Thom and Cal's past, exploring the events that led the couple to their current state. We see flashbacks of Thom's cheating, Cal's addiction, and the relationships each character had with other people before they found each other. The episode poignantly raises questions about the role that trauma and insecurity play in defining the course of one's life, and how it critically affects one's ability to maintain healthy, lasting relationships.

As the episode progresses, Thom and Cal find themselves in a heated argument, further highlighting the fault lines in their relationship. Meanwhile, other key characters also navigate their own set of complicated relationships. This includes Hillary (Brianna Brown), who struggles to balance her feelings for Jeremy (Matthew McKelligon) with her complicated past with Ian (John Halbach), a friend who has returned to her life after years of estrangement.

Apart from the central characters, "A Relationship Like That" introduces new characters—the work-obsessed lawyer Quincy (Stephen Guarino) and his boyfriend Douglas (William Belli), who are at the heart of a contentious storyline exploring the complexities of queer representation in media. As the episode continues, it delves further into the intricacies of the queer community, exploring themes around artistic expression, diversity, and the constant struggle to be seen and heard in a sometimes-hostile world.

With its astute portrayal of queer relationships, Eastsiders season 4 episode 1 is a moving tribute to love, human relationships, and the many challenges that come with them. The episode ends on a poignant note, with Thom and Cal staring down a long and uncertain road ahead, questioning what it takes to make their love last. Overall, "A Relationship Like That" is a thoughtful and nuanced piece, underscoring Eastsiders' legacy as one of the most important queer love stories of our time.