To me, this episode involves quite a bit of character development and further investigation in how and why ties bind together two characters. Let's start with Scully. Margaret has found her affair with Austin to be eye opening to the point where after she nearly catches Scully with Dale, and Scully feebly attempts to win her back over, she wants a divorce. But, as Ethan mentions as he talks to Dr. Austin about marrying Vivian, it is hard for a man to advance without a woman by his side. So, imagine what Scully will do without his beard?
The next relationship which is starting to unravel a bit if Dr. Masters and Virginia. As mentioned in the last episode, Virginia may have begun to catch feelings as Dr. Masters has begun having sex with her, for science. However, a story from Jane about how a family member was punished for the man's guilt in the affair had led Virginia to reevaluating her position, and maybe even having her push for her education a bit more, something Dr. Masters seems worried about.
Enter Dr. DePaul, who still is cold toward Virginia for reasons long established, and her need for allies. You see, Virginia takes a anatomy class under Dr. DePaul which begins to change the doctor's perception of Virginia, as well as Dr. Masters. As we've seen in the past, Dr. DePaul respects, if not admires, Dr. Masters but as he reveals himself to be another man who seems to be resistant to change, and a woman not being dependent on a man, it seems her outlook on him may change. Heck, maybe Dr. DePaul may even take Virginia under her wing, if just in terms of helping her academic pursuits.
But, despite these relationships, and Dr. Austin's with his wife, turning toward something more negative, there is one good relationship. Dr. Haas and Vivian seem to be on their way to marriage. Unfortunately though, it seems to be one of those type of marriages where it is more pushed by societal standard than something Dr. Haas is just jumping to get into. The reason I say this is because his mind is comparing things to his dad who was married by 20, Ethan is nearly 30, and the idea that men can't move up without a wife. He even cites all presidents, except 1, have been married to support his claim. Making you wonder, how deep is Ethan's love? Has Vivian gotten past being a rebound, or is she really "the one."
Then comes to the last things worth mentioning which is Libby being pregnant, her possible new dance instructor Walter, who I hope she has an affair with; and Dale. The man known as Dale is the prostitute Scully usually solicits. With Scully's marriage on the rocks, he approaches Dr. Masters about gay conversion therapy and tries to get Dale to help him with his conversion. With this, Dale, and the actor playing him, gives a good monologue talking about the self-hatred implanted on those of the homosexual orientation in that day and age. Of which, I doubt, will change Scully's opinion, but definitely will perhaps make him have a touch of doubt.
Overall: I like the setups that come from this episode. As Virginia becomes more prolific and begins to establish her own credentials outside Dr. Masters, there is a realization that Dr. Masters' control will lessen and with this sex which has wakened him up, I doubt he will have that. In fact, perhaps it is the sex which is leading him to making a pact with Dr. DePaul in which he helps her with funding and she keeps track of Virginia. Either way, between that situation, Scully and Maragaret's marriage; Ethan's marriage; and Libby being pregnant, there is a lot going on. Also, worth mentioning, Dr. DePaul has terminal cancer, which though I feel is a sort of quick way to create sympathy, at the same time, it begins to explain her stern attitude outside of her simply being a victim of being a woman in a male dominated field. Which, I'm not saying that isn't a major factor, but it is good they are giving her additional layers outside of that.
The next relationship which is starting to unravel a bit if Dr. Masters and Virginia. As mentioned in the last episode, Virginia may have begun to catch feelings as Dr. Masters has begun having sex with her, for science. However, a story from Jane about how a family member was punished for the man's guilt in the affair had led Virginia to reevaluating her position, and maybe even having her push for her education a bit more, something Dr. Masters seems worried about.
Enter Dr. DePaul, who still is cold toward Virginia for reasons long established, and her need for allies. You see, Virginia takes a anatomy class under Dr. DePaul which begins to change the doctor's perception of Virginia, as well as Dr. Masters. As we've seen in the past, Dr. DePaul respects, if not admires, Dr. Masters but as he reveals himself to be another man who seems to be resistant to change, and a woman not being dependent on a man, it seems her outlook on him may change. Heck, maybe Dr. DePaul may even take Virginia under her wing, if just in terms of helping her academic pursuits.
But, despite these relationships, and Dr. Austin's with his wife, turning toward something more negative, there is one good relationship. Dr. Haas and Vivian seem to be on their way to marriage. Unfortunately though, it seems to be one of those type of marriages where it is more pushed by societal standard than something Dr. Haas is just jumping to get into. The reason I say this is because his mind is comparing things to his dad who was married by 20, Ethan is nearly 30, and the idea that men can't move up without a wife. He even cites all presidents, except 1, have been married to support his claim. Making you wonder, how deep is Ethan's love? Has Vivian gotten past being a rebound, or is she really "the one."
Then comes to the last things worth mentioning which is Libby being pregnant, her possible new dance instructor Walter, who I hope she has an affair with; and Dale. The man known as Dale is the prostitute Scully usually solicits. With Scully's marriage on the rocks, he approaches Dr. Masters about gay conversion therapy and tries to get Dale to help him with his conversion. With this, Dale, and the actor playing him, gives a good monologue talking about the self-hatred implanted on those of the homosexual orientation in that day and age. Of which, I doubt, will change Scully's opinion, but definitely will perhaps make him have a touch of doubt.
Overall: I like the setups that come from this episode. As Virginia becomes more prolific and begins to establish her own credentials outside Dr. Masters, there is a realization that Dr. Masters' control will lessen and with this sex which has wakened him up, I doubt he will have that. In fact, perhaps it is the sex which is leading him to making a pact with Dr. DePaul in which he helps her with funding and she keeps track of Virginia. Either way, between that situation, Scully and Maragaret's marriage; Ethan's marriage; and Libby being pregnant, there is a lot going on. Also, worth mentioning, Dr. DePaul has terminal cancer, which though I feel is a sort of quick way to create sympathy, at the same time, it begins to explain her stern attitude outside of her simply being a victim of being a woman in a male dominated field. Which, I'm not saying that isn't a major factor, but it is good they are giving her additional layers outside of that.
