Ep 3. Jamie

Jamie is the third episode of the first season of the American comedy-drama series High Maintenance. Created by Ben Sinclair and Katja Blichfeld, the show follows the life of an anonymous pot dealer (played by Sinclair) and his clients in New York City.

In Jamie, the protagonist becomes entangled in the lives of two very different people. The episode is divided into two distinct storylines that intersect at a pivotal moment. The first storyline follows a young woman named Jamie (played by Erin Markey) who works as a nanny for a wealthy couple in Manhattan. Jamie is openly gay and struggles with her identity in a world that is not always accepting of her lifestyle. She longs to find a meaningful relationship but doesn't know how to go about it.

The second storyline centers around a man named Evan (played by Max Jenkins) who works as a personal assistant for a demanding and egoistic artist named Rebecca (played by Heléne York). Evan has been working for Rebecca for years, and though he finds her difficult to deal with, he has come to rely on her for his livelihood. Evan is openly gay and shares Jamie's struggle in finding meaningful connections in a world that often shuns his lifestyle.

As the episode progresses, Jamie and Evan's paths cross when Jamie is hired by Rebecca to babysit her pet turtle. Jamie is immediately drawn to Evan and the two form an unlikely bond. They share their experiences and frustrations with each other, finding comfort in knowing that they are not alone in their struggles. They spend the day together exploring the city and eventually end up at a spontaneous party in Brooklyn where Jamie meets a woman who may change her life forever.

Meanwhile, Rebecca becomes increasingly demanding and unreasonable, causing Evan to snap under the pressure. He quits his job with a scathing monologue that highlights Rebecca's selfishness and lack of empathy. In a moment of vulnerability, Rebecca reveals that the reason she is so difficult to work with is that she fears being alone. Evan, sensing her desperation, takes pity on her and decides to stay on as her assistant.

As the episode comes to a close, Jamie's newfound connection with the mystery woman gives her hope for a future where she can be herself and be happy. Evan's decision to stay with Rebecca, though seemingly irrational, highlights the ways in which people often compromise their own happiness for the sake of others. High Maintenance beautifully weaves these storylines together in a way that is heartwarming and authentic, proving once again that love and connection can be found in the most unexpected places.