Masters of Sex: Season 1, Episode 9 “Involuntary” (B+)
Who knew that two things as simple as making videos and tasting cake could lead to the unraveling of some major relationships on this show? Bill’s desire to film other parts of the body to analyze involuntary reactions during sex was bound to create some drama, and Jane’s admittedly conditional enthusiasm for the project quickly turned sour after she saw the finished product, which had to be developed at a pornography lab, probably the first sign that this wasn’t a great idea. Bill telling his mother what he was actually doing late at work proved to be especially blunt, but it was her reaction that was far more shocking. Feeding the entire research team, including Jane and Lester, was bold, and being there to hear Virginia read aloud Bill’s evaluation of her, which he implored her not to do, was the most damaging. Telling Bill that he shouldn’t be the person he wants to be when he’s not at home was a brutal wake-up call, and giving Virginia money as payment for her participation in the study was a cruel way of separating the work from the passion. Ending with Bill watching the video of Virginia experiencing pleasure was a contemplative and lonely way to close the episode. Virginia scoring a 99 on her test only to be kicked out of the study group and asked only for her notes was unfortunate, but at least it gave her a way to connect with the icy Dr. DePaul. Ethan casually revealing that he was Jewish created a firestorm, and he seems ready to throw his entire engagement under the bus after realizing that he didn’t want to convert, despite it being his idea. We’ve still got three episodes left in this season, and they’re sure to be rocky for all involved.
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