Ep 5. Normal Slope

State of the Union is a British television show that premiered in 2019. The show follows a couple, Louise and Tom, who meet once a week at a pub before their marriage counseling sessions. Each episode consists of a conversation between Louise and Tom, as they discuss their lives and the current state of their marriage.

Episode 5 of State of the Union is titled "Normal Slope". In this episode, Louise and Tom continue their weekly conversation at the pub. Their discussion begins with a playful argument about skiing, as Tom tries to convince Louise to go on a ski trip with him. However, the conversation quickly shifts to more serious topics as they discuss their recent counseling session.

Louise reveals that she feels like their marriage counseling sessions have become a chore, and she does not feel like they are making any progress. Tom tries to reassure her that they are making progress, but Louise remains skeptical. She also expresses her frustration with Tom's lack of communication, saying that she feels like he doesn't open up to her enough.

Tom admits that he has difficulty expressing his emotions, and he often feels like he doesn't have anything interesting to say. He suggests that they try a new approach to their counseling sessions by each writing down their thoughts and feelings before the session. Louise agrees to try this, and they make a plan to write down their thoughts for the next session.

As their conversation continues, they discuss their jobs and their future plans. Louise reveals that she has a job offer in New York, and Tom is supportive but worried about the move. Louise also expresses her desire to have children, but Tom is hesitant because of their current marital issues.

Throughout the episode, Louise and Tom's dynamic is both playful and tense. They tease each other and joke around, but there is an underlying tension as they navigate their marital issues. By the end of the episode, they both seem more hopeful about their future, and they make a plan to continue working on their marriage.

Overall, "Normal Slope" is a thoughtful and honest exploration of a couple's struggles in their marriage. The episode is well-written and well-acted, with nuanced performances from both Rosamund Pike and Chris O'Dowd. State of the Union is a unique and engaging show that offers a compelling look at the complexities of modern relationships.