Ep 2. Aftermath

Aftermath is the second episode of the first season of United States of Tara, a dark comedy-drama television series. The show follows the life of Tara Gregson, a suburban wife and mother who is struggling with dissociative identity disorder (DID), formerly known as multiple personality disorder. In this episode, Tara's alters - Buck, T, and Alice - take over and cause chaos in her home, leaving her family members feeling uncertain and worried about their safety.

The episode starts with Tara waking up on the floor, naked, with no memory of what happened. She soon realizes that Buck, her male alter, came out and had a wild night, causing damage to the house and putting her family in danger. After cleaning up the mess, Tara's daughter Kate confronts her about her condition and expresses her concerns about being able to handle the situation. Meanwhile, Tara's husband Max tries to find a solution for Tara's behavior by reaching out to a psychologist who specializes in DID.

As the day goes on, Tara's other alters, T and Alice, take over. T, who is a rebellious teenager, tries to seduce Kate's boyfriend and gets into a fight with her brother Marshall. Alice, who is a perfect homemaker, makes dinner for the family, but her obsession with cleanliness and perfectionism causes tension with Max. Throughout the episode, we see how Tara's alters are very different from each other, and how they impact her family's daily life and relationships.

At the end of the episode, Max and Tara have a heart-to-heart conversation about their relationship and the challenges they face. Max admits his fear of losing the woman he loves, but he also expresses his determination to support her and help her get better. Tara, on the other hand, is struggling with her identity and doubts whether she can ever overcome her alter personalities. The episode ends with Tara looking at herself in the mirror, trying to come to terms with who she really is.

Overall, Aftermath is a compelling episode that explores the complexities of DID and the impact it has on a person's life and relationships. The humor and drama blend seamlessly, providing a unique perspective on mental health issues and the challenges faced by those who suffer from them. The characters are well developed, and the performances are outstanding, especially Toni Collette, who plays Tara and her alters with great skill and authenticity. This episode sets the tone for the rest of the series, leaving viewers wanting more.