Ep 4. Dirty Jobs

In season 2 episode 4 of Masters of Sex, titled "Dirty Jobs," the show continues to explore the complex relationships and struggles of Dr. William Masters and Virginia Johnson, two pioneers in the field of human sexuality research.

As the episode's title suggests, the focus is on the more unsavory aspects of the work that Masters and Johnson are conducting. Specifically, they are attempting to study and understand the sexual responses of prostitutes in an effort to better understand human sexuality as a whole. This leads them to run a makeshift brothel in the basement of their research facility, with Virginia posing as a prostitute and Masters observing and taking notes.

However, their work quickly becomes entangled with their personal lives and relationships. Virginia's husband George, who has been living apart from her but hopes to reconcile, becomes increasingly jealous and suspicious of her involvement in the research. At the same time, Masters' wife Libby becomes increasingly frustrated with his dedication to the project and the time he is spending away from their family.

Amidst all of this, complications arise during the study itself. One of the prostitutes they have enlisted becomes emotionally attached to Masters, putting the entire project at risk. Meanwhile, Virginia struggles with her own personal feelings of guilt and shame for engaging in prostitution, even if it is for the sake of scientific research.

Throughout the episode, the show deftly explores the moral and ethical implications of sex research, particularly when it involves marginalized and vulnerable communities. It also delves into the complicated and messy lines between personal and professional relationships, as Masters and Johnson begin to blur the boundaries between their own emotions and the research they are conducting.

"Dirty Jobs" is a thought-provoking and nuanced episode that continues to push the boundaries of what a period drama can be, tackling difficult topics with sensitivity and care. Fans of the show will find much to appreciate in this installment, which brings both emotional depth and intellectual rigor to its subject matter.