Ep 5. Lions in Winter

In episode 5 of season 1 of Graves, titled "Lions in Winter," former President Richard Graves continues to navigate his tumultuous life and career after leaving the Oval Office.

The episode begins with Graves heading to New York City for a public speaking engagement at a university. There, he is confronted by a group of protesters who accuse him of being a warmonger and responsible for the deaths of thousands of soldiers during his presidency. Graves tries to remain composed as the crowd chants and hurls insults, but the experience clearly shakes him.

Meanwhile, back in Graves' hometown of Albuquerque, his wife Margaret is dealing with her own issues. She is struggling to come to terms with her marriage to Graves, who she sees as selfish and self-absorbed. She has been seeking solace in the arms of her yoga instructor, Ramona, but is finding that even this relationship is becoming complicated.

As the episode progresses, it becomes clear that both Graves and Margaret are feeling disconnected from their lives and from each other. Graves is starting to question the legacy he left behind as president, while Margaret is grappling with her own sense of purpose and meaning.

One of the key themes of "Lions in Winter" is the idea of aging and mortality. Graves is clearly struggling with the fact that he is no longer the powerful, influential figure he once was, while Margaret is coming to terms with the fact that she is getting older and may have missed out on some key experiences.

Despite the heavy subject matter, there are moments of levity throughout the episode. Graves and Margaret's grandson, Jeremy, provides some comic relief as he tries to navigate the confusing world of middle school and deal with his own family drama. Additionally, there are some touching scenes that highlight the deep bond between Graves and his loyal assistant, Isaiah.

Overall, "Lions in Winter" is a thoughtful, introspective episode that delves into some weighty themes. Fans of the show will appreciate the character development and the exploration of some of the more complex emotional issues facing the Graves family.