Ep 3. The Blank Page

In the third episode of the first season of Hemingway, titled "The Blank Page," the famed author Ernest Hemingway is struggling to write. However, he is not the only one facing this obstacle – his wife, Hadley, and friend, F. Scott Fitzgerald, also find themselves stuck in their creative endeavors.

As Hemingway searches for inspiration, he turns to his experiences in World War I and his relationships with women for material. He reflects on his time as an ambulance driver and his injury that left him unable to fight, leading him to focus on writing as a means of grappling with his emotions.

Meanwhile, Hadley struggles with feeling neglected by her husband's dedication to his work and the constant presence of his mistress, Pauline Pfeiffer. She seeks solace in her own writing, but ultimately finds herself forced to confront the infidelity in her marriage.

Fitzgerald, on the other hand, is dealing with his own personal demons, including alcoholism and financial struggles, which make it difficult for him to focus on his writing.

As the episode progresses, each character's struggle to create takes center stage, with Hemingway's frustration with his own writing style and his inability to convey the emotional weight of his experiences taking a toll on his mental and physical health. Hadley's frustration with her husband's infidelity and seeming indifference to her own creative pursuits also reaches a breaking point, leading to a confrontation between the two.

Despite these challenges, all of the characters ultimately find some measure of success. Hemingway discovers new inspiration in his relationship with Pfeiffer, while Fitzgerald begins to find financial stability. Hadley, who has been using a pen name to publish her own work, finally finds the courage to confront her husband about her feelings.

"The Blank Page" is a poignant exploration of the creative process and the emotional toll it can take, as well as the complex interpersonal relationships that can both help and hinder the work of writers. Like the rest of the series, it offers a fascinating glimpse into the life of one of the most celebrated authors of the 20th century, while also exploring universal themes of love, loss, and the pursuit of artistic excellence.