Ep 2. Maria & Lenore

Time of Death season 1 episode 2, "Maria & Lenore," follows the stories of two women who are nearing the end of their lives. Maria, a 77-year-old woman, is suffering from advanced Parkinson's disease and has chosen to spend her final days at home with her family. In contrast, Lenore is a 62-year-old woman who is receiving hospice care at a facility after a battle with cancer. Both women have different approaches to death, and the episode explores their perspectives and experiences.

The episode begins with Maria's family introducing themselves and talking about their memories with her. Maria's husband, in particular, speaks about how they've been married for over fifty years and how difficult it is to watch her suffer. Maria herself reflects on her life, talking about her love for cooking and spending time with her family. Despite her physical limitations, Maria maintains a positive attitude and enjoys moments of joy with her loved ones.

Meanwhile, the show also follows the journey of Lenore. Although she is receiving excellent care at the hospice facility, Lenore feels lonely and isolated. She explains how she misses her dog and how it's difficult to come to terms with her own mortality. Unlike Maria, Lenore seems to have a harder time accepting the reality of her situation and struggles with feelings of sadness and despair. Her family members worry about her mental health and try to offer words of comfort, but Lenore remains tormented by her thoughts.

Throughout the episode, Time of Death sensitively and respectfully portrays how these two women are dealing with death. The filmmakers capture intimate moments between Maria and her family, showing how they gather around her and offer support. In one particularly touching scene, Maria's daughter helps her mother take a bath and the two women exchange stories and laughter.

Similarly, the show captures Lenore's emotional journey without sensationalizing it. In one scene, Lenore's granddaughter visits her at the hospice and the two bond over a game of cards. The granddaughter talks about her own struggles with depression, and Lenore offers words of wisdom and kindness. In this way, the episode deliberately avoids scenes of melodrama or pathos and instead portrays the quiet moments of human connection that can occur even in the face of death.

Ultimately, "Maria & Lenore" is a poignant and thought-provoking hour of television that forces viewers to confront their own relationship with mortality. Through the stories of Maria and Lenore, the episode explores how individuals can approach the end of their lives in different ways, and how they can find comfort in the people they love. It's a reminder of the importance of human connection, and the ways in which even the most challenging moments can bring people closer together.