Ep 3. Giving and Receiving

The show Pose is a drama series that follows the lives and struggles of LGBTQ people of color in New York City during the late 1980s. Set against the backdrop of the underground ball culture, the show explores issues of race, gender, sexuality, HIV/AIDS, and discrimination faced by the queer community in that era. Each episode of the show highlights a different facet of the community's struggles and triumphs.

In season 1 episode 3 of Pose titled "Giving and Receiving," the focus is on the relationships between characters as each of them interacts with their chosen family. This episode highlights the importance of family and support networks that many of the queer characters have created to survive in a society that does not accept them.

The episode begins with the ballroom scene where members of House of Evangelista are preparing to compete against other houses. Blanca tries to coach the members of her house to improve their performance and win the coveted trophies. Meanwhile, other characters like Electra from the House of Abundance are strategizing to cheat their way to victory. The ball scene is as lively and colorful as ever, with all the characters dressed in their finest and showing off their best dance moves.

The episode then shifts focus to the relationships between people in these houses. In House of Evangelista, Damon, the young dancer who has just joined the house, is struggling with his romantic feelings for Ricky, a fellow house member. He confesses to Blanca that he is in love with Ricky, but he doesn't know how to express his feelings. Blanca gives him some tough love advice and encourages him to be honest with himself and Ricky.

Meanwhile, Angel and Stan, a businessman who works at Trump Tower, are enjoying their secret relationship until Stan's wife unexpectedly returns from her trip. As Angel tries to navigate this uncomfortable situation, she realizes that she too has feelings for Stan and doesn't want to lose him.

Simultaneously, the show follows the House of Abundance, where Elektra and Candy are at odds with each other. After a night of partying, they get into a drunken argument and reveal deep-seated resentments they have for one another. The moment highlights the complicated relationships that exist between the characters, and how they rely on each other for emotional support despite their rivalries and differences.

Amid all the drama, the episode's title, Giving and Receiving, emerges as a central theme. Characters are seen giving each other advice, compassion, and love, while also receiving help from their chosen family when they need it most. Even when some of the relationships suffer due to misunderstandings, the characters ultimately come back together to support and uplift each other.

Overall, Pose Season 1 Episode 3, "Giving and Receiving," is a touching episode that showcases the power of chosen family and highlights the struggles of the queer community to find acceptance and love in a society that often discriminates against them. The episode's portrayal of the relationships between characters, both the tender moments and conflicts, is a testament to the show's ability to create complex and compelling characters that resonate with viewers.