Men in Trees Season 1 Episode 2 Power Shift

Marin Frist, played by Anne Heche, continues to navigate life in the small town of Elmo, Alaska, in season 1 episode 2 of Men in Trees titled "Power Shift." The episode opens with Marin settling into her new home, a cabin she is renting from local bookstore owner Patrick (Derek Richardson).

Marin is joined by Jane (Seana Kofoed), who works at the local dive bar and is quickly becoming Marin's closest friend in town. They are discussing Marin's upcoming book tour when Jane encourages her to explore the town and get to know the locals better.

Marin takes Jane's advice and attends a dinner party hosted by the town's wealthy couple, Dick and Celia. While there, she meets the town's mayor, Ben (Abraham Benrubi), and the town's doctor, Ivan (Scott Elrod). Marin and Ivan share a flirtatious conversation and she is intrigued by him.

Meanwhile, back in New York City, Marin's ex-boyfriend, Cash (Scott Wolf), is being hunted down by a private investigator hired by Marin. She wants to know why he left her at the altar and what he has been up to since. Cash seems to be hiding something, and the investigator tells Marin that he could be in danger.

Back in Elmo, Patrick is struggling to find a way to keep his bookstore afloat. He decides to organize a town meeting to discuss the possibility of turning the bookstore into a cooperative, where everyone in town could own a piece of it.

The meeting causes tension within the town, as some members see it as a threat to their livelihoods. Marin initially resists the idea, believing that Patrick should be able to run his own business, but eventually comes around and supports his endeavor.

Marin also finds herself conflicted about her feelings for Ivan when she learns that he is a hunter. She is a vegetarian and can't understand or accept his love for killing animals. Despite their differences, they continue to spend time together and Marin begins to see another side of Ivan.

The episode ends with Marin receiving a phone call from Cash, who claims he has important information to share with her. Marin is wary of his true intentions but agrees to meet with him.

"Power Shift" continues to explore Marin's journey of self-discovery in a new environment, as well as the relationships and power dynamics within the small town of Elmo. It introduces new characters and conflicts while further developing others, leaving the audience intrigued and wanting more.