Ep 4. Thera-Flu

Zac & Mia is an American television drama that revolves around the lives of two teenagers, Zac and Mia, who face life-changing experiences while battling with cancer. The show's first season consists of seven episodes, each exploring various aspects of the protagonist's lives. The fourth episode of the show, titled "Thera-Flu," takes its audience on an emotional rollercoaster ride as Zac and Mia struggle to cope with their diagnosis and the uncertainty it brings.

The episode opens with a shot of a sleeping Zac, whose only source of comfort is a small teddy bear gifted by his father. Zac opens his eyes only to find his mother, who reminds him about his daily medication routine. Even though Zac tries to push through the side-effects of his treatment routine, he feels exhausted and restless. Meanwhile, Mia is at her lowest point as she suffers from fever, chills, and a sore throat. The episode's title "Thera-Flu" refers to the medication that Mia's mother gives her to alleviate her symptoms. Despite this, Mia feels hopeless and alone, as she struggles with her immune system's response to the treatment.

As the day goes by, Zac decides to make a surprise visit to Mia's house, only to find her bedridden and feverish. Zac tries to comfort Mia, but she insists that he leaves as she does not want to infect him with her illness. This moment highlights the theme of isolation, as both Zac and Mia experience the feeling of being far from the ones they love.

The episode also sheds some light on the reality of cancer treatments, which are not always effective. Zac's test results show that his chemotherapy is not working as intended, and the tumor has grown back. This news shocks both Zac and his family, who were hoping for a miracle. Even though Zac's mother tries to remain optimistic, the reality of the situation hits Zac hard, leaving him feeling defeated and helpless.

In contrast, Mia's mother, who is a nurse, is hesitant to give her daughter additional medications as she is aware of the severe side effects they can cause. Mia's condition worsens, and she starts experiencing trouble breathing, which prompts her mother to call for medical assistance. This scene highlights the challenges that families of cancer patients face, where they have to balance pain management with the potential risks associated with medication.

The episode's climax scene takes place when Zac leaves his house late at night and retreats to the rooftop. As he looks up at the stars, he breaks down and cries, coming to terms with the gravity of his situation. The scene is emotionally charged and is a testament to the show's ability to portray the realities of cancer.

Overall, Thera-Flu is a touching episode that captures the essence of the show's themes. Through its portrayal of isolation, hopelessness, and struggles with medication, the episode explores the harsh realities of cancer treatment. The show's honest depiction of cancer helps to raise awareness and empathy towards individuals and their families who are fighting the disease. The fourth episode of Zac & Mia season one is an emotional masterpiece that leaves a lasting impact on its audience.