Ep 8. The Race Grows Sweeter Near Its Final Lap

The race may grow sweeter near its final lap, but for the couples featured in this episode of Modern Love, getting to that lap is not without its hurdles. In this episode, viewers follow the intertwining stories of a young athlete and her aging coach, a married couple dealing with the aftermath of infidelity, and a group of widows navigating the difficulties of starting over after loss.

The first story follows a young runner named Kayla (played by Julia Garner) and her coach Dave (played by Shea Whigham). Kayla is a gifted athlete with dreams of making it to the Olympics, but as she trains with Dave, she begins to realize that her coach's own dreams of athletic success have long since passed him by. As Kayla's star begins to rise, Dave is forced to confront his own feelings of inadequacy and self-doubt. Meanwhile, Kayla must also navigate the challenges of growing up and facing difficult choices about her future.

The second story centers on Tobin (played by John Gallagher Jr.) and Andy (played by Sofia Boutella), a married couple whose relationship is rocked by infidelity. As they attempt to repair their marriage and move forward, Tobin finds himself grappling with feelings of anger, betrayal, and jealousy, while Andy struggles to come to terms with her own mistakes and regrets. Through counseling and communication, the couple must work to rebuild trust and rediscover their love for each other.

Finally, the episode follows a group of widows who have come together to support each other as they navigate the difficult process of moving on after the loss of their husbands. As they share their stories of grief and healing, they find strength in their shared experiences and the bonds that they have formed. But as they begin to explore the possibility of new relationships, they must also confront the fear of losing their loved ones all over again.

Throughout these intertwining stories, Modern Love explores the complex and often messy nature of relationships, as well as the ways in which love can both bring people together and tear them apart. With its powerful performances and poignant storytelling, this episode is sure to resonate with viewers as they reflect on their own experiences of love and loss.