State of Happiness Season 1 Episode 2 Smoking Ban

In State of Happiness season 1 episode 2 titled Smoking Ban, we see the characters grappling with the changing times in Stavanger, Norway in the 1960s. With a smoking ban in place, businesses that rely on tobacco sales are struggling to stay afloat. This includes Christian Nyman's tobacco factory, which is under pressure from both the government and his own workers to switch to a more sustainable industry.

Meanwhile, the American oil giant Phillips Petroleum has arrived in Norway and is looking to exploit the country's abundant oil resources. The company's representative, Bob, is charming and confident, but his motives are unclear. He befriends Christian's daughter Anna, and the two begin a flirtatious relationship. But as we see throughout the episode, Anna is not easily swayed by Bob's smooth talking and seems to have her own agenda.

Elsewhere, we see the effects of the smoking ban on ordinary citizens. Young people are rebelling against the new rules, smoking in secret and defying authority. Families are divided as some members continue to smoke, while others try to quit. And in the midst of this turmoil, love blossoms between a young couple, Toril and Arne. Their relationship is sweet and innocent, but they too must confront the challenges of living in a changing world.

As the episode progresses, tensions rise and secrets are uncovered. Christian must make a difficult decision about the future of his factory, while Anna grapples with her feelings for Bob and her loyalty to her family. And as the characters navigate their personal struggles, we see how their individual choices and actions will contribute to the larger narrative of Norway's transformation into a major player in the global oil industry.

Overall, State of Happiness season 1 episode 2 is a captivating episode that explores the complexities of adapting to change. The smoking ban serves as a metaphor for the larger shift in Norwegian society, as traditional industries are forced to adapt to new technologies and foreign companies seek to profit from the country's natural resources. With its richly drawn characters and nuanced writing, State of Happiness offers a compelling look at a pivotal moment in Norway's history.