Ep 1. Family Day

Togetherness is a comedy-drama television series created by Jay and Mark Duplass, which aired on HBO from 2015 to 2016. The show is about four adults in their late thirties who live in Los Angeles and are all struggling in their personal and professional lives. In the first episode titled "Family Day," we are introduced to the four main characters and their families.

Brett (Mark Duplass) and Michelle (Melanie Lynskey) Pierson are a married couple who have been together for over a decade. They have two young children and live in a cozy home in Eagle Rock, a neighborhood in northeast Los Angeles. Brett is a sound designer for movies and TV shows, while Michelle is a homemaker who used to work in PR before having children. Their relationship has become stagnant and they are struggling to find time for each other while balancing the demands of parenthood.

Brett's best friend, Alex (Steve Zissis), is an aspiring actor who has been living with him since his marriage fell apart. He is struggling to find his path in life and is jealous of Brett's stable family life. In the opening scene, we see Alex waking up on the couch after a drunken night out and stumbling into the kitchen to find Michelle making pancakes for the family. There is an underlying tension between Alex and Michelle, who used to have a flirtatious relationship before she got married. Alex is invited to join the family for a day trip to a local park, which is the setting for "Family Day."

The fourth main character is Tina (Amanda Peet), Michelle's younger sister, who is visiting from Houston. Tina is a wild and free-spirited woman who has never settled down and is currently going through a rough patch in her personal life. She shows up unannounced at Brett and Michelle's door after breaking up with her boyfriend and is looking for a place to crash. Michelle agrees to let her stay for a few days, much to Brett's chagrin.

The episode centers around the family's day trip to Griffith Park, a large urban park in Los Angeles with hiking trails, playgrounds, and a zoo. The four adults are accompanied by Michelle's mom (guest star Judith Light) and stepdad, as well as Brett's dad (guest star Peter Gallagher), who is in town for a conference. The group sets up a picnic and spends the afternoon playing games, hiking, and exploring the park. Along the way, we learn more about each character's struggles and desires.

Brett is frustrated with his job and is considering quitting to pursue a more creative path. He confides in Alex, who encourages him to take risks and follow his passion. Michelle is feeling unappreciated and overlooked in her role as a stay-at-home mom and misses her former career. She opens up to Tina about her fears and doubts, and the two sisters bond over their shared insecurities. Alex, meanwhile, is trying to impress Brett's dad by reciting lines from famous movies. He feels like an outsider in the family and is trying to prove his worth.

Tina, who has been on edge all day, finally snaps after a confrontation with Michelle and storms off into the woods. Brett goes after her and they have a heart-to-heart conversation. He tells her that he admires her free spirit and that she shouldn't be afraid to take risks and pursue her dreams. Tina reveals that she feels lost and alone, and that she envies Brett and Michelle's stable life. The two siblings reconcile and the group reunites for a family photo.

Overall, "Family Day" sets up the themes and conflicts that will drive the rest of the series. It explores the challenges of adult relationships, the struggles of parenthood, and the search for meaning and purpose in life. The characters are relatable and complex, and the writing is both funny and poignant. The episode ends on a bittersweet note, with the family gathered around a campfire, looking out over the city skyline. It's a moment of togetherness that is all too rare in their busy lives.