Loudermilk Season 1 Episode 6 Lay, Lady, Lay
- November 21, 2017
- 28 min
-
7.2 (397)
Loudermilk is a TV series that follows the life of a substance abuse counselor and recovering alcoholic named Sam Loudermilk (Ron Livingston). The show deals with dark themes but approaches them with an irreverent, comedic tone.
In "Lay, Lady, Lay," the sixth episode of the first season, Loudermilk's sister Becky (Laura Mennell) pays him a visit. Becky is one of the few people that Loudermilk is close to, and the two share a strained but loving relationship.
The episode opens with Loudermilk's group meeting. One of the members, Malik (Sam Stanwyck), is struggling with his addiction and has relapsed. Loudermilk tries to offer him some support, but things quickly get out of hand. Malik lashes out at Loudermilk, accusing him of being a hypocrite and suggesting that he's only in his job because he couldn't cut it as a musician.
The confrontation leaves Loudermilk shaken, and he decides to skip out on work for the day. Becky arrives at his apartment, and the two of them catch up over some drinks. It's clear that Becky has been struggling as well, and Loudermilk tries to offer her some advice.
As the night wears on, Loudermilk and Becky grow increasingly drunk. They start reminiscing about their childhood and sharing old stories. It's a relatively lighthearted scene, but there are hints of something darker beneath the surface.
Eventually, Loudermilk and Becky get into an argument over their father. It's clear that their relationship with him was extremely fraught, and there are still raw emotions simmering beneath the surface. The argument gets heated, and Becky storms out of the apartment.
Loudermilk sits alone in his apartment, contemplating his life and the choices he's made. It's a rare moment of vulnerability for the typically guarded counselor, and we get a glimpse of what his life could have been like if he hadn't become an addict.
The next day, Loudermilk returns to work and tries to make amends with Malik. He admits that he's not perfect and that he's made plenty of mistakes in his life. Malik seems to appreciate the gesture, and the two of them share a poignant moment.
"Lay, Lady, Lay" is a powerful episode that explores the complex dynamics of family relationships and addiction. It's a welcome departure from the show's more lighthearted moments, and it's a testament to Ron Livingston's acting ability that he's able to convey so much emotion without saying a word.