Ep 1. Marathon

State of the Union is an American comedy web television series that premiered on SundanceTV on May 6, 2019. Created by Nick Hornby and produced by See-Saw Films, the show follows a couple, Tom and Louise, who meet at a pub before their weekly marital therapy session. Each episode is around 10 minutes long and takes place entirely in the pub as Tom and Louise discuss their relationship and their lives.

In the first episode of season 1, titled "Marathon," Tom and Louise meet at the pub as usual, but this time there's something different: Tom is wearing running gear. He explains to Louise that he's been preparing for a marathon and that he's excited about the challenge. His enthusiasm is met with skepticism from Louise, who questions his motives for doing the marathon and points out that he's never been interested in running before.

As they discuss Tom's upcoming race, they begin to touch on the broader issue of commitment in their relationship. Louise points out that Tom tends to flit from one interest to another without really committing to anything, and that this has been a source of frustration for her. Tom counters that he's always been committed to their relationship, but Louise pushes back, saying that staying together is not the same as actively working to improve the relationship.

The conversation takes a turn when Louise admits that she's been having an affair with a colleague at work. Tom is shocked, and the two of them have a heated argument in the pub. Their therapist arrives, but the couple is too consumed by their fight to engage in the session. The episode ends with Tom storming out of the pub, leaving Louise alone at the table.

Overall, "Marathon" sets the stage for the rest of the series by introducing the dynamic between Tom and Louise and their struggles to communicate effectively. It also touches on larger themes of commitment, trust, and infidelity, and sets up a framework for the couple to explore these issues in depth in future episodes. The episode is well-written and well-acted, and sets a promising tone for the series as a whole.