Sea Glass
Episode 3 of “Maid Season 1” begins with Alex attending a court-mandated class on parenting. Denise reassures her that this will look good on her report, as they next head off to see Howie next, a lawyer who gives Alex some solid advice. This scene also highlights some of the serious issues with the court system, given they don’t actually see emotional abuse in the same light as physical abuse. ..
She’s determined to get this job done and make it through the night. Despite the obstacles, she remains positive and upbeat, knowing that if she can keep going then she’ll be able to get the job done and make it through the night.
That evening, Alex heads home from her job but notices Sean out at the bar. He’s drunk, starting fights and neglecting Maddy, who’s with his mum back home. Alex is livid, and confronts him about what he’s doing. She doesn’t get far of course, and eventually skips home before things turn nasty.
Alex is excited to move into a shelter, but is worried about the people she’ll be living with. Paula tells her to make the most of this opportunity and enjoy herself. ..
Alex is worried though, and it’s not helped by Paula laughing at the idea of emotional abuse and shrugging off Alex’s issues that she’s had to deal with. The two spend the day together nonetheless though, with Alex doing most of the heavy lifting as Paula prepares for a show. There is no show though, as it turns out, reinforcing just how little Paula actually pays attention.
Things eventually turn sour that evening when Basil and Paula head out for dinner together. Basil suggest Alex pay for all this now, given they’ve been helping her. Alex is incredulous, pointing out that she’s been moved into a homeless shelter and scoffing at her mother’s stupidity. “You’re the worst Mum in the world,” She eventually rasps. “Not the worst. I didn’t lose custody of you,” Paula chimes back. It’s a serious low blow and one that eventually sees Alex leave in disgust. ..
She continues to work hard, even though her husband is spiraling out of control. She’s not going to give up on him, and she knows that if they can get him help, he can fix himself.
She tells Alex that she’ll look out for Maddy and that she’ll take care of him. She even offers to give him a lift home.
Denise expresses her concerns about the missed paperwork when Maddy shows up at court the next day. However, outside the courthouse Alex is thrown a bone from Sean.
Alex drops the full custody ex-parte and wants to share custody of Maddy. It’s not ideal but Alex gets Maddy back that day. And the cherry atop the cake? Paula has actually painted a beautiful mural up on Maddy’s bedroom wall. ..
The Episode Review
This episode was another strong one for the show, with Alex’s rehab and return to the court being the main focus. It was tough to watch Paula scoff at the idea of emotional abuse, especially when she herself has been caught up in it in the past.
The court system doesn’t actually recognize this as a valid form of abuse. Those who haven’t been through it won’t understand, but the constant put-downs, snidey remarks and jabs eventually wear you down to the point of believing what you’re told. It’s hard to build your confidence up again after that.
Despite all the anger, bitterness and feuding, Alex’s kindness eventually sees her thrown a bone by Sean. He’s a mess, and here we see him drunk and doing drugs without caring about putting Maddy first. Although shared custody is less than ideal, it’s at least a step-up from potentially losing Maddy altogether. ..
Alex has been a great watch so far, and I hope this is the turning point she needs to turn her life around.
