Ep 1. Babaganoush

Please Like Me season 4 episode 1, titled "Babaganoush," follows the continued coming of age story of Josh, a young man navigating relationships, mental health, and family. The episode begins with Josh's mother, Rose, receiving a diagnosis of Alzheimer's. Josh is in a state of denial about his mother's illness and spends much of the episode avoiding thinking about it. Instead, he fills his time with hosting a dinner party for his friends, which leads to some tense moments as several of his guests vent about their personal problems.

Throughout the episode, Josh also grapples with his complicated romantic situation. His ex-boyfriend, Arnold, wants to get back together, but Josh is hesitant to commit fully because of uncertainty about his sexual identity. This uncertainty is compounded by the reappearance of a female friend from his childhood, Ella, who he begins to develop feelings for. The episode ends with Josh struggling to process his emotions and feeling overwhelmed by the weight of everything.

The episode explores themes around family, mental health, sexuality, and personal growth. Josh's relationship with his mother is a central storyline, and the impact of her diagnosis on both him and his family is portrayed in a realistic and often heartbreaking way. The episode also touches on the difficulties of maintaining relationships, particularly when one is unsure of their own sexuality. Josh's attempts to navigate his feelings for both Arnold and Ella provide a raw and honest portrayal of the complexities of sexual identity.

As with previous seasons, humor and wit are interlaced throughout the episode, providing moments of levity amidst the emotional turmoil. The ensemble cast, including Josh's friends Tom, Claire, and Niamh, provide a dynamic and diverse group of characters that demonstrate the importance of relationships in times of difficulty.

Overall, "Babaganoush" sets the tone for the fourth and final season of Please Like Me by addressing some of the most challenging issues facing its characters, while still maintaining the show's signature blend of heart and humor. For fans of the show, it provides a satisfying continuation of Josh's coming of age story, while also offering new insights and perspectives on the complexities of human relationships.