Ep 5. Wedge

In season 1 episode 5 of Transparent, titled "Wedge," we find the Pfefferman family dealing with the aftermath of Maura coming out as transgender to her ex-wife, Shelly. Each member of the family is grappling with their own issues, and tensions are high as they all navigate this new reality.

The episode opens with Ali, Maura's daughter, attending a lecture on gender theory at UCLA. She's clearly struggling to comprehend the academic language being used, but is trying to make sense of it all. Meanwhile, back at the family home, Sarah is dealing with her ex-husband's engagement announcement, which throws her into a tailspin of anxiety and insecurity.

Later, the family gathers for a meal at a fancy restaurant, where they discuss Maura's transition and their feelings about it. Josh, Maura's son, makes a surprise announcement of his own, revealing that he's been seeing a woman who's pregnant with his child. This news causes a stir, as Josh has a history of being emotionally unavailable and the family worries about his ability to step up as a father.

As the meal continues, tensions mount and old wounds are reopened. Maura and her ex-wife Shelly argue about the past, and Josh and Ali get into a heated argument about gender and sexuality. Eventually, the meal ends abruptly and the family members all go their separate ways.

Throughout the episode, we see each character struggling with their own issues. Maura is still dealing with the emotional fallout of coming out to her family, and is trying to navigate her new identity in a world that doesn't always understand or accept her. Sarah is grappling with her own feelings of insecurity, and worries that she's not doing enough to keep her life together. Ali, meanwhile, is trying to make sense of her own identity and what it means in the context of her family.

As the episode comes to a close, we see each family member dealing with their own struggles in their own way. Maura attends a support group for transgender people, where she finds some solace and a sense of community. Sarah, meanwhile, has a moment of introspection and realizes that she needs to take control of her life and make some changes. And Ali starts to explore her own identity more deeply, attending a queer open mic night and performing a poem about her family.

Overall, "Wedge" is a poignant and emotional episode that explores the complexities of family, identity, and acceptance. The Pfeffermans may be dysfunctional, but they're also deeply human, and watching them navigate this new reality is both heart-wrenching and inspiring.