Ep 4. Security

In episode 4 of season 1 of Olive Kitteridge, titled Security, we see Olive struggling with her own sense of purpose and meaning as she approaches retirement age. Meanwhile, Henry is dealing with a medical scare that threatens to upend their whole world.

The episode opens with Olive at a retirement party for a colleague, feeling uneasy about her own impending retirement. She observes her coworkers with a mix of envy and contempt – envy for their seemingly fulfilling lives outside of work, contempt for their lack of ambition and drive. As the night wears on, Olive becomes increasingly drunk and belligerent, causing a scene and insulting her colleagues.

The next day, Henry wakes up with chest pains and is rushed to the hospital. Olive is forced to confront her own mortality as she waits anxiously for news on his condition. When he is released with a clean bill of health, she realizes how close she came to losing him and becomes determined to be more present in their relationship.

However, their newfound sense of closeness is threatened by a series of break-ins in their town. Olive, convinced that the burglars are after her prized possessions, becomes paranoid and obsessively locks and unlocks the doors and windows of their house. Henry, frustrated with her behavior, suggests that they sell their house and move somewhere safer.

Despite their disagreements, Olive and Henry ultimately come together to protect their home and each other. Olive, feeling rejuvenated after her brush with danger, decides to postpone her retirement and continue working. And as they enjoy a quiet night at home, they both realize that life is fragile and precious, and that they must cherish every moment together.

Overall, Security is a poignant episode that explores themes of mortality, purpose, and love. Through Olive and Henry's struggles, we see how even the strongest relationships can be tested by life's unexpected twists and turns. And ultimately, we are reminded that the relationships we build and the memories we create are what make life worth living.