Ep 7. Alterations

Episode Description: "Alterations" is the seventh episode of the first season of the show "United States of Tara." In this episode, the complexities and challenges of living with Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID) continue to unravel as the main character, Tara Gregson, navigates through her multiple personalities.

As the episode begins, Tara's therapist, Dr. Ocean, suggests that Tara should consider integrating her alters to achieve a greater sense of control and stability in her life. While Tara's husband, Max, supports the idea, her daughter, Kate, is skeptical and worries about the potential consequences. Meanwhile, Tara's son, Marshall, is struggling with his own identity issues and finds solace in the presence of one of Tara's alters, Buck.

Throughout the episode, Tara continues to experience episodes where her alters take over her consciousness. Each alter has its distinct personality and behavior, creating a constant struggle for Tara to maintain her own sense of self. Tara's alters include Alice, a prim and proper homemaker; T; a teenage rebel; and Buck, a swaggering, macho man.

Tara's alters begin to clash with one another, making daily activities challenging and frustrating for both Tara and her family. Alice and T, in particular, can't seem to find common ground, leading to heated arguments and confrontations that further disrupt Tara's life. As Tara's family witnesses these alter conflicts, they grow concerned about the long-term effects on Tara's mental health.

In this episode, Tara tries to find some solace and respite by attending an art gallery opening with her sister, Charmaine, and her new boyfriend. However, even this outing becomes complicated when Buck emerges, causing an embarrassing scene that threatens to expose Tara's condition to the outside world.

Back at home, Max, Kate, and Marshall continue to grapple with their own issues. Max's frustration and confusion about Tara's condition begin to reach a breaking point as he feels overwhelmed by the constant unpredictability. Kate's skepticism about integration intensifies, as she fears losing the unique relationships she has developed with each alter. Marshall, struggling with his own sexuality, seeks comfort in discussing his feelings with Buck, finding support from someone who appears unburdened by societal norms.

As the episode progresses, tensions within the family escalate. Tara's therapist advises them to seek support from a DID support group, where they may find others who understand their struggles. However, the family's participation in the group therapy session only further highlights the challenges they face, as they witness how other families are coping with the disorder.

In the final moments of the episode, Tara makes a decision that could potentially change the course of her journey. She confronts Dr. Ocean with her uncertainty about integrating her alters, expressing concern about losing parts of herself. Dr. Ocean encourages Tara to trust her instincts and reassures her that integration is not an all-or-nothing process. Tara begins to contemplate a newfound perspective on her condition and how she can learn to coexist with her alters.

"Alterations" delves deeper into the intricacies of living with Dissociative Identity Disorder, exploring the impact it has on the individual and their loved ones. The episode tackles themes of identity, acceptance, and the struggle for control, leaving viewers captivated by the profound challenges faced by Tara and her family.