Ep 6. Souvlaki

Please Like Me is an Australian television series that chronicles the life of Josh, a twenty-something gay man, as he navigates his relationships with friends, family, and romantic partners. The show is a poignant and hilarious look at life as a young adult and has been lauded for its frank and thoughtful discussions of mental health, sexuality, and family dynamics.

Season 4, episode 6 of Please Like Me is titled "Souvlaki" and finds Josh and his friends grappling with the aftermath of a shocking revelation. The episode begins with Josh waking up in bed with his boyfriend, Arnold, only to discover that Arnold has been up all night cooking souvlaki for their surprise dinner party that night. Josh is thrilled by Arnold's dedication and effort, and the two of them spend the morning lounging in bed, eating souvlaki and watching TV.

However, the lighthearted mood is soon shattered when Josh's mother, Rose, arrives for a surprise visit and drops a bombshell on Josh: his father has been cheating on her for years with another woman. Josh is stunned and unsure how to react to this news, but his mother is insistent that he confront his father and demand answers.

As Josh grapples with this new information, his friends gather for the dinner party, including Tom, Niamh, and Ella. The group is excited to try Arnold's delicious souvlaki, but the mood is immediately awkward when Rose arrives and begins sulking in the corner. Josh tries to cheer her up and distract her from her marital problems, but Rose is too upset to let it go.

As the night wears on, tensions rise and secrets are revealed. Josh's father, Alan, arrives at the party and is confronted by Josh about his infidelity. Alan denies the accusations at first, but eventually breaks down and admits to everything. The room falls silent as the group takes in the enormity of this revelation.

Despite the heavy subject matter, the episode is peppered with humor and warmth. The group continues to eat and drink, taking comfort in each other's company as they process this new information. Josh and Arnold share a tender moment in the kitchen, and Niamh and Tom engage in some witty banter. The group conveys a sense of deep love and loyalty towards each other, even in the face of betrayal and heartache.

As the dinner party comes to a close, the characters are left to grapple with the fallout of this revelation. Josh's mother is devastated, and Josh himself is unsure how to move forward with his relationship with his father. The episode ends on a note of uncertainty, but also of hope – that even in the face of unimaginable pain, we can find solace in the love and support of our friends and family.

Overall, "Souvlaki" is a standout episode of Please Like Me, deftly balancing heartache and humor in a way that is uniquely the show's own. The characters are complex and flawed, but ultimately endearing in their willingness to support each other through their respective struggles. It's a testament to the show's remarkable writing and performances that an episode about infidelity and marital strife can also be so full of warmth and light.