Ep 8. Providence

The episode titled "Providence" is the eighth episode of the first season of the television series Fosse/Verdon. This episode traces the meeting of Bob Fosse and Gwen Verdon with their daughter, Nicole Fosse. The story is set in 1969, and follows the relationship between Bob and Gwen, Nicole's upbringing, and the challenges they face as a family.

The episode starts with Bob and Gwen preparing their home for their daughter's visit. They have not seen each other in a while and are excited to reconnect. Meanwhile, Nicole is shown traveling to her parent's house, and the camera reveals the unease she feels about seeing them.

The episode dialogues on the powerful and complicated relationship between Gwen and Bob. They discuss the events that led to the separation and why they drifted apart. The audience gets to see some of Bob's best dance routines that were made in collaboration with his muse, Gwen. They talk about the projects that could be revived and the possibilities that they could explore.

In "Providence," the dilemmas of parenthood take center stage. Gwen and Bob try to reveal the truth to their daughter about their separation, and it becomes a powerful emotional moment. At the same time, Gwen also struggles with an offer to work on the show "Chicago" while grappling with the responsibility of raising her daughter. The episode is an exploration of how to balance personal ambition and familial responsibilities.

"Providence" is an episode that captures the complexity and the insurmountable challenges that come with being a parent. The struggles of the Fosse/Verdon family are familiar to many and contribute to the show's emotional resonance. Nicole Fosse's account of her life and her interactions with her parents bring depth to the characters in the show.

Throughout the episode, there is a subtle reference to religion and family legacy. Providence is a concept often associated with religion and is a theme that appears in the episode as the characters explore their ancestry and legacy. The episode paints a picture of a family trying to reconcile with its past while navigating their present.

In conclusion, "Providence" is an emotional penultimate episode that reveals the complexities of being a parent and an artist. The episode is a meditation on family and demonstrates how the past shapes us. It is a poignant moment in the Fosse/Verdon story and lays the groundwork for a dramatic finale.