Ep 3. Mint Condition

In "The Art of More" Season 1 Episode 3 titled "Mint Condition," the intense world of high-end auction houses takes center stage. The show follows the lives of art dealers, auctioneers, and collectors as they navigate through the cut-throat industry of buying and selling priceless art pieces. In this particular episode, we see the characters juggling multiple deals while trying to maintain their stance in the industry.

At the onset of the episode, we are introduced to Kate, one of the lead auctioneers, who is trying to score an important deal with a wealthy client, Miz Peretti. Miz Peretti is an uptight, opulent personality that wants the best and is willing to pay any price for it. Kate has to maneuver a challenging situation because the client turns out to be a formidable opponent, with a knack for getting what she wants. Kate has to come up with innovative strategies, and her intricate knowledge of the industry ultimately saves the deal.

On the other hand, the show also focuses on Graham, another significant character who is on the hunt to authenticate a painting. He stumbles upon a painting that could be a potential gold mine and knows it will be a major win if he is able to authenticate it. However, he has to face challenges from other art dealers who also claim that the painting is theirs. Graham has to rely on his knowledge to identify the telltale signs of authenticity, but only time will tell if his hunch and efforts pay off.

Samantha, another prominent character, also has to navigate a tricky situation. She is the daughter of a famous art collector and is trying to find an item that will live up to her father's impeccable taste. She uncovers a secret stash of rarely seen art pieces by a renowned artist, but it's not going to be easy to convince her father to purchase it. Samantha has to come up with creative means to sway her father's decision to buy the piece and rival her brother's taste in art.

The episode also touches on the personal lives of the characters, painting a picture of their struggles. Isabel, a receptionist at the auction house, is shown struggling with her past, which is coming back to haunt her. Her struggle is juxtaposed with that of Graham, who is fighting a custody battle with his ex-wife over their son. These personal storylines serve as a reminder of the complicated lives that the characters have to manage on top of their professional battles.

Overall, "The Art of More" Season 1 Episode 3, "Mint Condition" gives viewers a glimpse into the high stakes world of art auctions, and the lengths that people will go to secure a deal. Throughout the episode, the characters showcase their love for art, while also acknowledging that money rules all. The show gives a clear understanding of the painstaking processes that people go through to authenticate works of art; the frenzied bidding process, and the thrill of winning a deal. In essence, this episode solidifies the show's unique stance on the intersection between the love for art and the pursuit of wealth and power.