Roc Season 1 Episode 7 Can't Help Loving That Man

In Roc's season 1 episode 7 titled "Can't Help Loving That Man," the struggles of keeping secrets and maintaining honesty in a marriage are put to the test as Eleanor (Roc's wife) is caught in a lie.

Roc is a musician who works as a garbage collector to make ends meet. His wife, Eleanor, is a nurse. In this episode, Roc and Eleanor prepare for their anniversary by exchanging gifts. Roc gives Eleanor a necklace with a heart charm while Eleanor gives Roc a framed photo of herself.

Their happy celebration comes to an abrupt halt when Roc learns that Eleanor lied to him about a patient. She had treated a man suffering from AIDS and hid this information from Roc due to fear of his reaction. Roc is devastated, not only because his wife kept such a critical fact from him but also because she put herself at risk.

The episode's central theme is honesty. Roc confronts Eleanor and demands an explanation. The conversations between the couple are tense and showcase the actors' impressive range of emotional depth. The characters' body language also adds to the scene's intensity, with Roc's shaking hands and Eleanor's tears passionate and realistic.

The pair's heated arguments throughout the episode do not detract from their love for one another. Still, they struggle to find a way forward amid the difficulty of keeping secrets. Eleanor explains that her decision to keep the patient's condition a secret was out of fear of Roc fearing her reaction.

The episode tackles topics of HIV stigma and how information can spread widely through gossip and people who share information that should be kept confidential. Eleanor admits that she was unaware of the severity of HIV until she treated the patient. Her ignorance highlights how little was known about the virus during the period the show was set in (the late 80s and early 90s).

The episode ends with Roc and Eleanor reestablishing trust. Roc assures Eleanor that he loves her no matter what, and the couple embraces, leading to a heartfelt moment that viewers won't soon forget.

Overall, "Can't Help Loving That Man" is an emotionally charged episode that showcases the strength of the Roc and Eleanor's bond while tackling important societal issues that were largely misunderstood during the time period. The themes of love, honesty, and overcoming obstacles in a marriage will resonate with viewers of all ages.