Ep 1. Pilot

Enlightened is a television dramedy that aired on HBO from 2011 to 2013. The show follows the story of Amy Jellicoe, a self-destructive executive who hits bottom, and returns from a rehabilitation facility with a new outlook on life. She decides to take a different path and put her career on hold, searching for peace and purpose. While it's a story of self-discovery, it also manages to be hilarious, poignant, and deeply emotional. In this article, we'll be discussing the first episode of Enlightened season 1, titled "Pilot."

The episode begins with a professional and personal disaster for Amy Jellicoe (Laura Dern), who gets fired from her health and beauty company job and catches her husband having an affair. Distraught, Amy has a public meltdown at work and proceeds to drive her car recklessly through the company parking lot, banging her car into a concrete pole before sobbing uncontrollably. This marks a turning point in Amy's life.

After spending some time at a rehabilitation center for a mental breakdown, Amy returns to her mother's house in Riverside, California to try and rebuild her life. In her search for enlightenment and purpose, Amy joins a new age church and begins to learn about the power of positive thinking and meditation. She's trying to make peace with her past and find direction in her life.

Despite her best efforts, Amy is still plagued by anxiety and fear. She's haunted by her past mistakes and is unsure of where her life is headed. She's trying to build a new identity while reckoning with the consequences of her past life choices.

Despite her difficulties, Amy finds solace in the people around her. Her mother Helen (Diane Ladd) is her biggest supporter, trying to help her daughter navigate this difficult time. Amy forms a close relationship with a fellow rehab patient named Tyler (Mike White), who provides her with a sense of camaraderie and understanding.

Amy also tries to reconnect with her ex-husband Levi (Luke Wilson), who's moved on with another woman named Krista (Sarah Burns). Although Levi is supportive of Amy's journey, he's frustrated by her continued emotional instability. He wants her to focus on moving forward and finding a new purpose in life, but Amy's struggles are constantly pulling her back.

"Pilot" is an emotionally charged and funny start to Enlightened. It sets the tone for the entire series, with Amy's search for meaning and purpose as the driving force. The show deals with heavy themes like addiction, mental illness, and redemption, but it manages to do so with a lightness of touch. Laura Dern's performance as Amy is nuanced and sympathetic, and her interactions with the supporting cast are genuine and often hilarious.

The episode is shot with a naturalistic style, with muted colors and a focus on the beauty of everyday life. The soundtrack is also excellent, with songs by The Shins and other indie acts that perfectly complement the show's mood.

Overall, "Pilot" sets the stage for an incredibly moving and thought-provoking series. Enlightened is a show that's not afraid to tackle difficult topics, but it does so with grace and humor. It's a refreshing take on the traditional dramedy, and it's worth watching for its genuine heart and excellent writing.