Ep 1. Parallax

As the second season of Masters of Sex opens, we find Bill Masters (Michael Sheen) and Virginia Johnson (Lizzy Caplan) continuing their research into human sexual response. With Virginia becoming increasingly interested in the female orgasm, the pair are looking to find new ways to study the topic. Meanwhile, Bill is still dealing with the aftermath of his recent breakup with Libby (Caitlin Fitzgerald). As he struggles to adjust to life as a single father, he finds himself at odds with his new boss, Dr. Austin Langham (Teddy Sears).

When we meet these characters at the start of "Parallax," it's clear that their lives have become increasingly complicated since we last saw them. While they're both still driven by a desire to learn more about human sexuality, the pressures of their personal lives are starting to take their toll. Bill is trying to juggle fatherhood and work, while Virginia seems to be at a crossroads in her own life. Over the course of the episode, we'll see how their research and personal lives intersect in unexpected ways.

The main focus of "Parallax" is the study of the female orgasm, which becomes the central topic of Bill and Virginia's research. In order to better understand this elusive aspect of human sexual response, they decide to conduct a series of experiments with female volunteers. As they begin to assemble their team of test subjects, they find that recruiting women for the study is more difficult than they anticipated. Many women are hesitant to participate in the study, given the social stigma surrounding discussions of female sexuality.

Meanwhile, Bill finds himself clashing with Dr. Langham, his new boss at the hospital. Langham is determined to use the study of human sexuality to propel his own career, and he seems to view Bill and Virginia's research as a means to an end. Bill is dismayed by Langham's lack of respect for their work, and he begins to fear that their partnership may not be as productive as he had hoped.

As the episode progresses, we begin to see parallels between the research taking place in the lab and the personal lives of Bill and Virginia. Both are struggling to come to terms with their own identities and desires, and they find that their work is providing a much-needed outlet for their own frustrations. Virginia, in particular, seems to be searching for something more meaningful than the life she's currently leading. She's still committed to her work, but she's also starting to question whether her role in Bill's research is the right fit for her.

As always, Masters of Sex offers a nuanced exploration of its characters' lives, with a focus on the ways in which their personal struggles intersect with their professional lives. The show does an excellent job of capturing the complexities of human sexuality, and it never shies away from exploring difficult or uncomfortable topics. "Parallax" is no exception, as it grapples with the social taboos that continue to surround discussions of female sexuality. The episode doesn't offer any easy answers, but it does a fantastic job of showing us the difficult work that goes into exploring the depths of human desire.

All in all, "Parallax" is an excellent start to the second season of Masters of Sex. It sets the stage for what promises to be another deeply thought-provoking exploration of human sexuality, and it offers a compelling look at the lives of its characters. As always, the show is anchored by powerful performances from its talented cast, and it continues to present a challenging and insightful take on a subject that is often misunderstood. For fans of the show, this episode is a must-watch.