This American Life Season 2 Episode 5

Ep 5. Every Marriage is a Courtroom

  • TV14
  • June 1, 2008
  • 28 min
  • 6.2  (17)

Every Marriage is a Courtroom is the fifth episode of the second season of the popular radio show This American Life. The episode takes its name from the idea that marriage, much like a courtroom, requires constant negotiation and compromise in order to succeed.

The show begins with a story about two men who are attempting to resolve a longstanding dispute over a fence that divides their properties. The conflict has escalated to the point where both men are threatening legal action, but as the story unfolds, it becomes clear that the real issue is something much deeper. The fence is simply a symbol for larger issues of trust and respect that have eroded over time.

The next segment focuses on a couple who are struggling to keep their marriage afloat after the husband's infidelity. The couple has been attending counseling sessions, but progress has been slow and the wife is beginning to lose hope. The story explores the challenges of rebuilding trust after a betrayal, and the difficult choices that couples must make when deciding whether to stay together or separate.

The third segment takes a more lighthearted tone, as the show explores the world of wedding planners and the lengths to which they will go to ensure that their clients have the perfect day. From coordinating elaborate floral displays to managing last-minute crises, wedding planners must be skilled at multitasking and problem-solving. But as the segment reveals, even the most experienced planners can't always anticipate the unexpected.

The final segment of the show shares a heartwarming story about a couple who have been happily married for over 50 years. The couple married young, and over the years they experienced the joys and challenges of raising a family, building a career, and growing old together. The story celebrates the resilience of love, and the idea that a successful marriage is not about finding the perfect partner, but about staying committed to one another through thick and thin.

Throughout the episode, host Ira Glass weaves together these diverse stories with his trademark humor and insight. The show is a testament to the complex, messy, and ultimately rewarding nature of marriage, and serves as a reminder that every couple must navigate their own unique path to happiness.

Description
Watch This American Life - Every Marriage is a Courtroom (s2 e5) Online - Watch online anytime: Buy, Rent
This American Life, Season 2 Episode 5, is available to watch and stream on Showtime. You can also buy, rent This American Life on demand at Showtime, Paramount+, Amazon Prime, Amazon, Vudu, FuboTV, Sling, Google Play, Showtime Anytime online.
  • First Aired
    June 1, 2008
  • Content Rating
    TV14
  • Runtime
    28 min
  • Language
    English
  • IMDB Rating
    6.2  (17)