I’ve always seen Masters of Sex as a more viewer friendly version of Mad Men. While you had to wait for Mad Men to teach you how to watch it, Masters of Sex was relatively easy for viewer to digest. I’m not saying that’s a bad thing, actually, in the case of the second season premiere it is a very good thing. Both shows are period pieces set during a time that seems so close, yet the ideals so far. Both shows feature difficult men, behind whom are even more difficult women. However, Masters of Sex has a different appeal to it. Whether it’s the pitch black humor, thrilling concept, or intriguing character study, Masters is a show that knows how to hook its audience.
The magnificent first season of Masters ended with a drenched Dr. Masters telling Virginia that all he needed was her. Then, cut to black. It was simple, quiet, yet enormous cliff hanger that is quickly resolved in the episode. Actually, “Parallax” is framed by two events. That rainy night at the end of season one, an evening in a hotel, and the events following the catastrophic presentation of Bill’s study. All the characters must face a sort of brave new world as they continue on with their lives.
Part of this brave new world involves Virginia constantly being berated by her male coworkers following the speculation that she was the female subject used in the study. While Virginia attempted to persist through the constant barrage of proposition, innuendos, and criticisms, she seemed to be slowly broken down until she finally went off on a doctor in a parking lot. However, the doctor was simply seeking her advice on his own study. Whether this is going to be a major plot point for Virginia to become her own authority or simply a reminder of her and Masters’ study is yet to be seen. Either way, Virginia is clearly in for a ride this season.
Especially since she turned down Ethan’s proposal shortly after having sex with Dr. Masters. The night that Bill went to Virginia’s doorstep soaking wet and confessing his need for her was played out several times throughout the episode. This is where the episode title “Parallax” comes into play. While it is the same night in question, the situation changes when you look at it from different perspectives. Such is the concept of parallax. Clever, huh?
I’m worried to watch the relationship develop. Their tryst in a hotel room under the names of Dr. and Mrs. Holden was way more intense than any sex scene on the show. Their dirty little secret just got a little dirtier. The reason I’m worried is because I love the Bill/Virginia dynamic, but I also love the Libby/Virginia dynamic. To see one of the other crumble would be hard.
Much of the episode is spent introducing us to the Masters’ new life with a child. Although there were countless scenes that outline their brave new world, the most telling scene of the episode came when Bill was left alone with his newborn. Libby was adamant that he will be fine: “No one knows more about babies than you” she told him. However, when their child was crying he couldn’t help her. He couldn’t let himself. He instead cranked up the record player and drowned it out. What is Bill afraid of?
Barton goes into treatment for his “disorder” with the assistance of Bill. Watching him go through ECT was shocking (pun intended) and heartbreaking. To think that men and women went through that to correct a problem that didn’t exist was a terrifying thought. His persistence came from his love for Margaret, so when he was unable to perform in bed, it was a blow. Later in the episode, Margaret and their daughter find Barton trying to hang himself. Masters is a dark show, but no moment was as pitch black as this. The fact that the writers are willing to go this far impresses me. I’m excited to see what they can muster up next.
“Parallax” felt a bit like a season finale. So many of the episode’s story lines seemed to come to a head in this episode, but it’s just the beginning, which makes me extremely excited for this season. I can see a scenario where the show could tread a little too far towards a soap opera, especially with the Libby/Bill relationship intensifying. However, I am confident that the writers will be able to keep the show on track. Overall, a phenomenal premiere.
Hey, I'm Karl, founder and film critic at Smash Cut. I started Smash Cut in 2014 to share my love of movies and give a perspective I haven't yet seen represented. I'm also an editor at The New York Times, a Rotten Tomatoes-approved critic, and a member of the Online Film Critics Society.
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