Ep 3. A Different Road

Set against the backdrop of a small town in Maine, Olive Kitteridge season 1 episode 3, titled "A Different Road," explores the various relationships between its characters, all of whom are struggling with their own demons and insecurities.

The episode focuses on Olive Kitteridge, played masterfully by Frances McDormand, who is now retired but continues to struggle with feelings of inadequacy and self-doubt. She feels disconnected from her husband Henry (Richard Jenkins), who is still working as a pharmacist, and maintains a strained relationship with her son Christopher (John Gallagher Jr.), who returns to visit from New York City.

Throughout the episode, we see Olive grappling with her past mistakes and regrets, particularly in regards to her relationship with Christopher. She begins to feel a sense of guilt and remorse for how she treated him when he was growing up, and struggles with how to make amends.

At the same time, Olive is dealing with her own health issues, having recently undergone a biopsy for a lump in her breast. Her anxiety and fear about her health are palpable, and she struggles to cope with the uncertainty of her future.

Meanwhile, Henry is dealing with his own issues at the pharmacy, as a new employee named Denise (Zoe Kazan) starts to cause trouble. Denise is clearly struggling with her own demons, and her erratic behavior begins to upset the delicate balance of the pharmacy and its customers.

As the episode progresses, we see Olive and Christopher attempting to reconnect, with both parties struggling to find common ground. In one powerful scene, Olive takes Christopher for a drive and confronts him about his drug addiction, which has clearly taken a toll on him. The scene is raw and emotional, with both actors delivering powerful performances that convey the pain and complexity of their relationship.

As the episode comes to a close, Olive begins to come to terms with her own mortality and the mistakes she's made in the past. She attempts to reach out to Christopher once more, but is met with resistance. Despite this, she remains resolute in her efforts to connect with him and repair their relationship.

Overall, "A Different Road" is a powerful and poignant episode that explores the themes of regret, mortality, and the complexities of family. The performances are outstanding across the board, with McDormand's portrayal of Olive being a particular standout. The writing is nuanced and subtle, capturing the small-town life of Maine in a way that feels both authentic and relatable. It's a must-watch for fans of the show, and a testament to its ability to tell stories that are both moving and thought-provoking.