Ep 9. Consider Helen

Amy Jellicoe (played by Laura Dern) is the main character of Enlightened, a dramedy television series that explores the journey of self-discovery and enlightenment. In season 1 episode 9, "Consider Helen," Amy continues on her path towards becoming a better person and making amends for the mistakes she has made in the past.

The episode begins with Amy's mother, Helen Jellicoe (played by Diane Ladd), coming to visit her at work. Helen has just undergone surgery and needs someone to take care of her, so Amy promises to help her out. However, as the episode progresses, Amy realizes that her relationship with her mother is more complex than she thought and that she needs to confront some unresolved issues from her childhood.

Meanwhile, Amy's ex-husband, Levi (played by Luke Wilson), is struggling with his own problems. He has just lost his job and is feeling lost and aimless. Amy tries to help him and offers him a job at Abaddon, the company where she works. However, Levi's pride gets in the way, and he refuses Amy's help.

As Amy tries to juggle her responsibilities at work and taking care of her mother, she starts to feel overwhelmed and stressed out. She turns to her meditation practice and tries to find calm amid the chaos of her life.

Throughout the episode, Amy also continues to bond with her coworker, Tyler (played by Mike White). Tyler is going through his own journey of self-discovery and has recently come out as gay. Amy supports him and helps him navigate his new reality, even though she has some reservations about his relationship with her boss, Dougie (played by Timm Sharp).

"Consider Helen" is a powerful episode that explores the complexities of family relationships and the importance of forgiveness and personal growth. Laura Dern gives a stunning performance as Amy, a flawed but lovable character who is trying to make sense of her life and find her place in the world. The episode is a showcase for Dern's talent and the subtle and nuanced writing of the show.

Overall, "Consider Helen" is a standout episode of Enlightened that resonates with viewers on a deep emotional level. It's a testament to the power of storytelling and the important role that television can play in helping us understand ourselves and the world around us.