*Episode 1: Meet the Plaths
Barry and Kim, the parents, introduce their family: themselves and 9 kids, ranging from ages 6 to 21. They live on a 55 acre farm in rural south Georgia. The nearest town is 10 miles away. Barry says this is their heaven on earth: it has limited technology, no video games, and is peaceful. They mostly go barefoot. They don’t have TV and love spending time outdoors. Various children cannot identify Tom Brady, Spiderman, or Lebron James. They do not drink soda.
Mercy, 6, is the youngest and she loves her dog. Cassia, 7, is next, and climbs trees, does math, and swings. Amber is 9 and quiet. Isaac is 13 and a comedian. Lydia, 15, is tender-hearted and responsible; she gets stuff done and doesn’t know what she likes to do for fun. Moriah, 16, is opinionated and different. She loves her parents but disagrees with them. She listens to music and does her makeup. Micah, 18, is a hard worker and likes working with his hands. He likes being outside of a small town and he has 12 cows. Hosanna is 20 and a newlywed in Ohio. She is “almost perfect.” She turned down a scholarship to go to college and is “learning more by doing.” Ethan, 21, is also a newlywed. He married his wife Olivia on the family farm. He has his own house and is doing his own thing. They’re 10-15 minutes from the farm—"too close,” Ethan says.
Ethan says moving out was harder for him than for his wife, Olivia. He didn’t hear his first cuss word until he was at his first mechanic job at age 18. Ethan says the past 6 months since the wedding have been the best 6 months of his life. Olivia says their differences were apparent when they got married. She is also from a conservative homeschool family, but she had more culture growing up. She took Ethan to his first basketball game and showed him his first TV shows (they like Friends!). Ethan says that his moving out has changed the farm. Olivia says they are their own family and they do things different from his parents, and that’s just a choice. They have alcohol, ice cream, and Ethan’s first coke (he’s a fan!).
It is morning on the farm, and Barry is out early to go to work. Kim is starting homeschool with the kids. Lydia says she is thankful for it. Micah says they “shelter us almost too good.” Barry said he went to high school and wouldn’t want that for his children. Barry and Kim met at church and started off as friends. Kim said the Lord told her one day that Barry would be her husband, and he called her shortly thereafter to talk about his intentions. They were married 3 months later. Kim says Barry is the head of the family and they have been married 22 years. Lydia says she does a lot of the housework now that Hosanna is married. Moriah doesn’t do it. Lydia says Moriah is her own kind of crazy. Moriah says Lydia is mature for her age, she likes books, and is really sweet. Sweeter than she [Moriah] could ever be.
At Ethan and Olivia’s, they are planning their delayed honeymoon to Europe. To prepare, they are trying wine. Olivia informs him that you don’t put ice in wine. Olivia says you don’t drink red wine cold at all. Ethan says he didn’t want to drink before he was married, but then Olivia introduced him to margaritas, tequila, and beer. He likes sweeter drinks. Ethan is struggling to open his first wine bottle but they get it open. Olivia says wine is an important part of Parisian culture and he has to learn to like it. Ethan says they went to a wedding with wine slushies and he loved them and didn’t have an “overhang” the next day—“hangover,” he corrects himself afterwards. Ethan sips the win and says it is strong. Olivia says Kim told Ethan not to go after Olivia as she was too rebellious and worldly. Olivia was careful around Kim from then on. Kim also said if there was alcohol at their wedding as Olivia wanted, no one on Kim’s side of the family would come. So, they didn’t have alcohol. Olivia says they just want the freedom to be themselves.
Isaac has built a cabin with a hatchet and some logs he found. Barry comes to help him build the walls up taller. Barry says this is a cool project and they let their children go explore and build things. They limit their exposure to pop culture and instead give them lots of open space. Barry says that they are wired in their own ways so he tries to guide them and sees what happens. Barry says they try to limit their exposure to the world, but that is difficult with Ethan and Olivia spending time with the two oldest kids at home.
Moriah will be Olivia’s assistant photographer, and they are going looking for a black dress for her to wear at weddings. She is excited to get her own, new clothes. Moriah doesn’t have her driver’s license, so spending time with her brother and sister-in-law is a little taste of freedom. Olivia lets Moriah go crazy in the boutique. Ethan says he hasn’t been in a store like this, and he is looking around and smelling perfumes and looking at sunglasses. It is time to try stuff on, and Moriah recounts buying her first pair of jeans. She was heavily lectured by her parents, but it felt like freedom. Moriah tries on a dress and doesn’t love it. Olivia tells her to keep looking—she should 100% love what they buy. Moriah glows at this support. Moriah says she developed her style on her own, especially by wearing things her parents didn’t like. She tries on a couple more dresses, and Ethan spots sticky bras on the shelf. Olivia explains what they are, and Ethan is confused. This is all new information to Ethan, and he jokes he would’ve rather find out “in private.” Ethan says he has learned some stuff about women in the shop, but not as much as he’s learned since being married. Moriah picks a dress and Olivia approves. Olivia says she has tried to step in and be there for Moriah, even though she is kinda separating her from her parents.
Micah and Moriah are going to Ethan and Olivia’s, and Kim says it can be challenging to handle the stronger-willed children. She explains her mom was a single mom in an abusive relationship and she was an alcoholic. Kim says she has tried to give them things she didn’t have. Barry says that Ethan’s marriage has changed the dynamics of the family; the younger children want to copy the older ones.
Micah and Moriah arrive at Ethan and Olivia’s. Olivia shows them the gallery wall of wedding photos they put up. Olivia says she sees a lot of herself in Moriah and wants to help her and show her new experiences. She also got a working phone for Moriah. Moriah can now research and see what is going on in the world, and she knows she is naïve but wants to be more informed. They talk about their schedule, and Olivia asks if Moriah has asked her parents if she can go to help shoot a wedding in California. Both Olivia and Moriah hope she will be allowed to go—it would be her first time on an airplane.
Back on the farm, Moriah is going to talk to her mom about going to shoot the wedding in California. She is nervous; to convince her mom, Moriah tells her it would be a paid job. The wedding is in California, and apparently the Plaths disapprove of that state. After Moriah tells her mom the wedding is in California, the show cuts to a commercial like this is a dramatic cliffhanger moment.
They go inside and talk it over more. Moriah says it is in San Francisco, and Kim is worried about drugs and human trafficking. The wedding will pay for the travel and it would be her first time flying. Kim says she knows Moriah does what she wants, so she has to be careful. Kim tells Moriah she is too far behind in school and needs to consistently get schoolwork done. Barry walks in, and he is informed of what’s going on. He has been to San Francisco and says it is on the fringe in some respects. Barry is worried about liberals, drug use, and “homeless issues.” Kim says she is very behind in schoolwork—Moriah argues that she isn’t that behind—but the parents are worried about school. Kim says if she gets totally caught up on her schoolwork before the trip, she can go to California. Moriah agrees, and they have Moriah put it in writing. Moriah says she knows she will get it all done because she wants to go to California. Kim is very worried about this, but the plan is on. Kim says they’re growing up really fast, and Barry agrees. Lydia jokes: “I can speed it up more if you want—I’m getting married.” And they all laugh to conclude the episode.
*Episode 2: Starving for Independence
The little Plaths sing a hymn as they clean the kitchen and as Lydia and Moriah work on their schoolwork. Moriah is determined to get all her schoolwork done before California—Kim has given her extra schoolwork, too. Moriah asks Lydia if she is glad they are homeschooled. Lydia says she is and asks what Moriah doesn't like about it. Moriah says she is naive about a lot of things and wants to experience new things. Moriah says they have one vision for all their daughters, and while Lydia might want to be a stay at home mom, Moriah is starving for independence. Moriah asks if Lydia had thought about college; Lydia says she would go to a Bible college or study languages. Moriah asks if Lydia thinks going to college is a good idea for Moriah. Lydia says she wants to party and not learn, so probably not. Moriah says she wanted a twin, and she is thankful for Lydia. Lydia says she wouldn't want to trade anyone for Lydia. Moriah goes back to work.
Olivia is preparing for the trip and tells Ethan to make his own dinner. He makes a sandwich as she talks about Moriah, and says she is worried Moriah will not be allowed to travel with her. Ethan jokes that the sandwich is so good, it is almost like Olivia made it. Ethan says Olivia is a good influence on Moriah, who is stuck on the farm, where his parents are very strict. He says he feels responsible to help Moriah. Olivia says this trip would strengthen her bond with Moriah, which his parents don't approve of. Ethan says it is tough to have a rift between Olivia and his parents but some things just need time.
On the farm, Moriah is working diligently on her schoolwork. Kim makes a snide comment, and Moriah says she wishes her mom would think more positively about her. Moriah triumphantly announces she is done and asks Kim to check her schoolwork. Kim says she is proud of all the work she has done, and that she can go to California. Moriah is thrilled to try new things. Kim says she is putting a ton of trust in Moriah, and Moriah says she will be safe. Kim is worried about Moriah's safety. Moriah is delighted that her parents trust her a little bit and says it will mean a lot to Olivia as well. Kim is worried that Olivia will spread her bad thoughts about Kim to Moriah, but there isn't a lot she can do about it.
Olivia says she has a rough relationship with her in-laws, and every time she goes over there her stomach is in knots. She arrives to pick up Moriah. Kim says Olivia thinks she is too controlling and that there were things during their engagement Olivia thought Kim disapproved of, but Kim didn't actually didn’t disprove of them and Olivia never asked or discussed these things with Kim. Olivia goes upstairs to help Moriah finish packing. Moriah is excited for this trip, and she says goodbye to her siblings and parents. After saying her farewells, they are off and Moriah is thrilled. Back at home, her dad wonders why she doesn't talk about wanting to go to California to him. Amber, wise beyond her years, says "because she knows you'd say no."
At the airport, Olivia and Moriah go through security. Moriah is full of joy as they make their way onto the airplane. She beams as the flight takes off and cannot stop looking out the window. They land, and Moriah chants "we're in California" as they leave the airport. They take a train and notice a mystery liquid in the station. They get on the train and Moriah takes her shoes off and puts her feet on her bag. Olivia tells her not too as there are lots of drugs on the trains. Moriah says there are lots of people on the train, some of who are on drugs or drunk, which is new for her. They arrive at the hotel. Moriah is glad to share a room with just one person.
The next day, they head out to explore downtown San Francisco. Olivia says she hired Moriah to give her the opportunity to get out and do things.
Back in Georgia, Ethan is bored alone at home and goes to the farm to visit his little siblings. The little girls are delighted to give him a big hug. Ethan teaches them to make paper airplanes. Kim says that when Ethan is over without Olivia, things are good, but things are different when Olivia is there. Ethan says that he lives in a different world now, but when he goes back to the farm there are a lot of memories. The kids finish their planes, and then Ethan climbs the barn and throws the planes out for his siblings.
Olivia and Moriah are waiting to cross a street and several people tell them to smile. Olivia says it is good to face your fears. They head off, and Moriah is surprised with how bad the city smells. The pair arrive at the wharf, and they are delighted with the amount of people. Olivia says she remembers feeling the way Moriah felt, and knows that her family can change like Olivia's did. Olivia and her family examined their beliefs and now Olivia and her parents have a great relationship. Olivia and Moriah get cotton candy and explore the area.
Next up, Moriah and Olivia take a tour. When they get in the tour vehicle (a motorcycle with seats on the back), Moriah tries cotton candy for the first time, and she loves it. She is surprised that it melts away. They head off on the tour—Moriah’s first—and they arrive in the Castro neighborhood. This is an LGBT area, with many pride flags. Moriah and Olivia are shown the first gay bar that didn't black out their windows. This is a huge learning experience for the girls. Moriah says she was not uncomfortable, it was just new and different. Olivia asks if gay people feel comfortable living throughout the city, or if they just live in the Castro district. The tour guide says they are spreading throughout the city now that it is more accepting. Moriah only knows what the G and T in LGBT stands for. Moriah says the Castro district is one of the things her parents were scared about, but it is her job to form her own opinions on things. Moriah says everyone thinks differently and can pick how they want to live. The tour concludes, and Moriah says San Francisco is the highlight of her life and she does not want to go home.
In Tallahassee, Ethan is going to play pool and have beers with his coworkers, Oscar and Jose. Ethan says they have known each other for two years. Ethan says he didn't try alcohol until Olivia introduced it to him, and it can be real fun if treated responsibly. The coworkers ask about Ethan cooking without Olivia, and he says he has been eating microwave meals. They say Ethan grew up in the olden age and he is experiencing things for the first time that they take for granted. They gave him his first poptart, and he called Olivia and told her about it. Ethan does not win at pool, and so he tells an embarrassing story about marital advice. His mom told him that the first thing to know about the wedding night is to be really gentle. His mom then said the second thing is: there are two holes and make sure you get the right one. Everyone dies laughing, and Ethan says she then tried to tell him their experiences and how to tell which hole is which and Ethan was like, "I am about to get married, do not ruin this for me!" Ethan says you don't have to explain the mechanics of sex to a 20 year old boy—he already knows. Even if you locked him in a box for 20 years, he'd still know. That talk was the most embarrassing thing that has happened to him; it was awful.
Olivia and Moriah are going to see the Golden Gate Bridge, and Moriah is shocked at how huge it is. Moriah and Olivia hug and look at the bridge. They cross the bridge on foot, and Olivia says they are really close and they feel like sisters. Moriah says she can't go back to being content again after seeing this. Olivia says she wants to be a good example to Moriah but she does let her try what she wants. Olivia says she still believes things are right and wrong, but there is a whole lot of grey in between. Olivia also does want to respect her parents as well. Olivia tells Moriah that when you travel, you leave a little bit of your heart in every city you go to. Their next stop is the beach, and they laugh as they put their feet in the water. They are hungry, and Olivia takes her to a poke truck. Moriah has a soda and says she has been drinking them for the past few months. Moriah tries the poke, not realizing it is raw fish. Moriah says she is going to be restless after this trip—she loves her small town, but she needs something more. This is one small part of the world, and if it is this great, what must the rest be like?
*Episode 3: Mom’s Gonna Find Out
At the farm, Lydia made breakfast. Kim says Moriah just got home from California and she didn’t really call her while she was away so she is looking forward to hearing about the trip. Barry says he hopes she took in the good things. They ask her about seeing the Golden Gate Bridge, and she says they went from the pier to Chinatown. Moriah says they took the train, as well as Ubers and Lyfts, which Barry seems to disagree with. Barry says Moriah has an adventurous side and the parents are concerned about everyone charting their course but will ultimately want to connect with their parents. Moriah tells Lydia she would like the people and California would change her perspective. Moriah says she learned about the history and the gays out there. Moriah says her parents don’t agree with the culture, but there are really good people out there. Moriah says things like that make her wonder why she was taught that everything normal is bad. Kim says they have talked about the gay lifestyle but it is not something they practice. Kim says that gay people are no better or worse than anyone else. Moriah says you are supposed to love people, anyway. Kim says this trip has planted seeds in Moriah that further the divisions between them, especially as the little Plaths say they want to go to California now, too.
Micah is working at a Farmer’s Market—it is hard work, but it pays. He says his parents want them to be responsible; the parents take care of the basics, but if the kids want anything more, they have to work for it. Barry and Kim haven’t bought the kids any vehicles or paid insurance for anyone; it is tough at times but prepares the kids for life. Now that Micah is 18, he has gone bowling, to restaurants, and taken his friends driving in his truck.
Back at the farm, Barry and Kim are celebrating their 22nd anniversary at the lodge where they said their vows, and then they are going to St. George Island. Micah is technically the one in charge, but Lydia will make sure everything gets done that needs to get done. Kim thinks it will be fine overall. Kim says Ethan and Olivia are not to be around the other children without the parents present. Kim is worried that Olivia is leading the children away from their parents. The little girls ask them to bring shells back from the beach.
Micah says he is in charge, but he is more in charge of the fun. Moriah and Micah say their mom would not leave the farm if Lydia wasn’t there. The parents head off, and the kids celebrate in the house. Moriah, Micah, and the little ones are rejoicing while Lydia does the dishes.
At the gym, Olivia gives Ethan a hard time for showing up in jeans and sneakers with no socks. Ethan is fascinated by all the different machines. A gym employee comes over to help demonstrate, but Ethan is fascinated by the different parts of the machines and how he could make stuff out of them. Olivia helps coach him. Ethan says he is strong from manual labor, but the gym is still hard. He says he has a membership but will likely only go if someone makes him.
Back on the farm, Moriah says she wants ice cream. The little kids agree, and Micah heads off to go to the store with some of the younger Plaths. Lydia sweeps and watches them leave from the window. They pick out certain flavors. Micah says their mom wants them to be healthy, but he believes in moderation and breaking the rules sometimes. They pick out ice cream, and then get soda and bubblegum for good measure. Lydia says they have stuff they need to get done first. Lydia says she doesn’t tell on her siblings, but she tries to get things done. Moriah texts Ethan and Olivia and invites them over. At the gym, Olivia sees the text. Ethan and Olivia know they shouldn’t go over. They haven’t played with the kids alone for the nine months of their marriage. Ethan says the parents won’t know until they’re back. Ethan wants to see his siblings, and Olivia knows this is a big deal for him.
Kim and Barry stop at the lodge where they got married and see the gazebo where they exchange vows. Kim tells Barry to kiss her like he kissed her on their wedding day, and they make out and it’s totally odd.
Back on the farm, Ethan pulls up in a racing mower to see his siblings. Lydia says she knows her parents don’t want Ethan and Olivia there without parental supervision, and that she hopes they know it wasn’t her idea. The rest of the siblings are so happy to see him. They start playing games, playing with Ethan’s old car, and generally having a good time. Micah is in the Chevy and races Ethan in the lawnmower. The Chevy is faster but doesn’t really turn on the grass, which keeps Ethan in the race. Next, Moriah races in the Chevy and Lydia takes the mower. Poor Lydia’s belt falls off, so she doesn’t go anywhere. All the siblings revel in the time spent together. Moriah says that her parents think shielding the little kids will fix the problem, but really it will make them more resentful to her parents.
At the beach, Kim and Barry are so happy to get their feet in the water. Barry says they come in November a lot since they get the beach to themselves and people keep their clothes on. Kim remembers their son, Joshua, who they lost 10 years ago. He was 17 months old, and Kim accidentally ran over him. Kim says the next 6 months were hell on earth, and Barry had to deal with losing a son and a wife while she grieved. Kim says they got through it together as a family, which is why the current fracture in the family (between them and Ethan and Olivia) hurts so bad. Kim wishes they could talk it out and work through their issues.
Back at the farm, Ethan and Olivia have ice cream floats with the family. The kids love them; it is their first time having root beer floats. Mercy thinks it is yummy. Ethan, Olivia, Micah, and Moriah talk about the band they plan on starting together. Ethan once found an old radio in the trash can and found classic country music. Ethan says his parents would not have approved. Moriah plays a song she wrote for her siblings, and it is based on secular country music, which she also snuck from her parents. Everyone really likes it. Isaac is sitting with them and wants to play drums in the band. Ethan really misses him but thinks his parents will not let Isaac spend time with them.
Barry and Kim are heading back from their trip, so it is time for the kids to tidy up. When Barry and Kim arrive back, they notice Ethan’s car moved and there are tires in the yard. The siblings explain that they made a racetrack. The siblings tell their parents about Ethan and Olivia coming over, which Kim and Barry are not happy with. Kim says it shows that Ethan and Olivia no longer respect them or their boundaries. Ethan and Olivia then drive up; they want to talk about Isaac joining the band. Kim brings up that they came over despite the rules. Kim says before their marriage, the family was united and now a line has been drawn. Kim says they want to resolve things, but they aren’t sure what that path looks like. Kim asks Olivia what they can do to start repairing their relationship, Olivia suggests letting Isaac join the band as a gesture of good will. Olivia says it is important for them to show trust. Barry asks about blind spots, and Olivia says everyone has them. Barry, in a talking head, says Olivia is resentful. Olivia says they are family and she is different, which they should accept. Olivia says she can’t change who she is to fix this relationship. Ethan says he doesn’t deal with problems, which makes it harder for him to help Olivia. Kim and Barry says this was a blindside attempt to sway opinions. Kim says she has a problem with being told what her son can do. Barry says he doesn’t think Isaac being in the band will happen.
The debate in the driveway blows up, and Barry says he doesn’t have an answer right now. Barry says they may not get it now, but they will eventually understand. Kim says she calls it letting it simmer. Ethan suggests the four of them meet up Sunday night. Moriah says her mom is not used to not being in control. Lydia says she sees both sides and goes on a walk by herself to pray for it to be fixed. Poor sweet Lydia is struggling. Her siblings go to find her and ask her how she feels. Lydia says she sees their concern: Ethan and Olivia are influences. Moriah says her parents think they know who they should be. Lydia also thinks keeping the siblings apart will make the problem worse. Lydia says a house divided against itself will fall, but Moriah says the siblings can stick together. They were their only friends growing up. The siblings say they will make it through. Moriah says hard things bring people together, and that is happening with her and Lydia. Moriah says if you try to please everyone, you will never be able to do it.
*Episode 4: No Strings Attached
At Ethan and Olivia’s house, the band is practicing without Isaac. Moriah says music is their escape. Olivia says they don’t need a band name, they’re just playing because they love it. Moriah is excited for their first time singing secular music. They are all sad Isaac isn’t with them, and they need him for the band. Growing up, their family band played gospel. Moriah says she prefers pop and country. They play the song Moriah wrote, and she says this is contrary to their old family band. Moriah says a girl asked Micah if he were a model on the street, and Micah says he would want to try. Olivia knows an agent. Micah says they would make money for his future big farm. Ethan asks Micah if he would model in a speedo; Micah doesn’t know what that is. They explain, and Moriah says that is awkward. Olivia says it isn’t awkward to talk about stuff like that between the four of them, as long as their parents aren’t around.
On the farm, Lydia is cleaning while Kim is working on her naturopathic doctor career. She is studying the pathways in the feet. Kim is teaching Lydia how to relieve stress. Kim says this is like laying on of hands in the Bible but with knowledge of where to lay the hands on. Lydia says the tension in the family is weighing heavily on her. Kim says it is hard to raise a child and you can’t look ahead to see how it all turns out. Kim says it is nice to help Lydia relieve her stress. Lydia says she could fall asleep.
Ethan and Olivia are on a date to talk about family stuff. Ethan says this rift has put a lot of stress on their relationship and taken away joy they could have had without them. Ethan remembers his dad talking about blind spots, and it made him mad. Olivia says you need community and support and dealing with this has been difficult. Olivia says she moved and missed her family but was expecting to have a family here. Ethan says part of him wants to fix their relationship with his parents, and part of him is done. Olivia says she wants it fixed, but not at the expense of their relationship. Ethan says he loves her so much, he would never leave her, regardless of his family’s wishes. Ethan says he stands with his wife. Ethan says they could always move; he just worries his littlest sisters won’t remember him. They decide to go have fun and go out for dessert. Ethan wants sweet tea, and Olivia gets an Arnold Palmer. Ethan asks what it is—tea and lemonade—and tries it and likes it. Ethan says if he had a drink named after himself, it would be apple juice and apple cider. They order dessert, and Olivia says it is a good reminder of how special their relationship is. Ethan tries a beignet, and he loves it.
Back on the farm, Moriah is getting dressed to go bowling with Micah. She wears shorts and a glittery tank top. Micah says they will be home by midnight. Kim says she loves Moriah however she dresses. Kim says Barry and herself have really lightened up on Moriah, more than they would want, and there is no more to give. Kim says she doesn’t think Moriah sees that.
At bowling, their friends are waiting for them. Micah says Moriah is his best friend, and he has way more friends because of her than he did a year ago. They bowl, and Moriah chats with her friends. Moriah says fitting in is important to her, but they lack the background knowledge their friends have. Moriah says they just started watching real movies, like horror movies, at the theatre. One friend mentions she is moving schools. Micah and Moriah wish they could go to a real school. The friends say that Moriah and Micah do catch on, but just at an older age than most people.
Ethan and Olivia are picking up equipment from their rental house in town. Barry and Kim are planning on surprising them with an olive branch—a good will gift for Ethan and Olivia. When Ethan and Olivia arrive and see the parents, they are nervous but go into the rental house. Kim says she has a gift she wanted to give them for a wedding present and finally found it. Kim says this gift has no strings attached. It is a large model sailboat. Ethan smiles, Olivia is confused and, in a talking head, says it won’t fit in her house. Ethan asks if they found it sailing on the ocean, and the parents joke that they found it in the waters of the Apalachicola. Apparently, Kim once heard them discuss putting a ship on the mantle and has been looking for one since. Presumably, Ethan and Olivia were looking for a smaller one.
Olivia and Ethan arrive home with their ship, and it definitely won’t fit on the mantle. Ethan is worried that when Olivia tickles him, he would knock it over. Olivia decides to put it in the guest room for now, and says it was still nice of them.
Kim is bringing Lydia and Moriah shopping for some “female bonding.” Lydia says it has been a while since they have been somewhere together. They go to a consignment shop. Lydia says she and Moriah are different in every way: Moriah is modern, and Lydia is modest. The sisters smile, gently tease, and pick things out from the racks. Moriah tries on shorts, and says she needs them for summer. Kim says they used to dress the children modestly, but Moriah has broken out of that mold and wears her own things. Kim tries to pick something out for Moriah, but Moriah isn’t taking the bait. Kim says there are issues and differences between them but at the end of the day she loves her and just doesn’t know how to fix things.
On the farm, Moriah comes to talk to Micah while he works on his truck. Micah says he has more freedom now at 18. Moriah says she wants to go to college at 18; mainly, she wants to go for the parties, but she can’t say that. Moriah says she hasn’t talked to her parents about college and she is nervous about it. Moriah says she thinks they would say it isn’t worth her time and money, which it might not be, but she wants to go anyway.
Kim and Barry go for a walk and talk about Moriah. Kim says Moriah doesn’t like being around Kim at all. Kim says she went through rough times in college and was wild, but she was miserable on the inside and that is what she is trying to spare Moriah from. Kim says as a child of an alcoholic, she learned to manage her emotions and thinks communication is key.
Kim and Moriah sit on the coach to talk. Kim says that when Moriah acts like she doesn’t want to be around Kim, Kim doesn’t want to invite her to do fun things. Kim says they need to communicate more, and Moriah says they need the right kind of communication—a noisy, untrusting communication isn’t the kind of communication she needs. Kim says trust is earned and built, and not broken by doing nothing. Moriah says Kim never trusted her like Hosanna or Lydia. Kim says she did trust her, but Hosanna and Lydia never gave her a reason not to trust them. In a talking head, Moriah says she thinks her parents love her, but just being herself wasn’t good enough them. Moriah tells her mom she doesn’t ever remember being close. Kim asks if Moriah resents her for that, and Moriah says maybe. Moriah says she has to work on forgiving and get rid of the bitterness. Kim says she has tried so hard to do so much for Moriah. Moriah asks, like what? Kim says providing her with a home, a family, and spending time together. Kim reminds us she had an alcoholic mother and didn’t have a home life or a family, which she tried so hard to give to Moriah. Kim asks what Moriah wants for her future, and Moriah asks if she would be okay with her going to college. Kim says she would want to talk about what that looks like. Moriah says she has an idea, but she isn’t sure. Kim says college is great when what you are studying requires it. Moriah says she needs space, time, and lots of freedom, and she can’t live without freedom. Moriah says she needs a break to think over stuff, somewhere. Moriah says it is hard for her to open up, and they both need to do their parts to communicate more and let things out. Moriah says they will see what happens from here. Kim says it is good that she is communicating. Kim says Moriah was born in a thunderstorm, five minutes before the midwife arrived. Moriah says it is because she couldn’t wait to start partying.
*Episode 5: Just Look Cool
Moriah asks Lydia to log on to the computer to research colleges, and Kim is there to sign her in. Only Kim and Lydia know the password. Moriah says Kim trusts Lydia more but she also uses the computer more. Moriah asks Kim for help to show her where to find the undergraduate programs. Kim says she is feeling better since the talk and she will help her with her future, even if Kim doesn't think it is the best use of her time and money. Moriah asks if Kim wants her to go to a Christian college, and Kim says that would be a good foundation but Moriah says she wants to focus on the programs. Moriah, in a talking head, says she doesn't want to go to a Christian college since she has a bad taste of Christianity. She wants to explore and figure out what is right for her. Moriah looks at Stetson, and says she wants to visit. Kim says herself and Barry would go and asks if Micah would want to go. Kim says their input is good for Moriah choosing a path for the rest of her life. Moriah also says she wants to go to college to get away, and says she has a lot of research to do.
Olivia and Moriah are helping Micah see a modeling agent. They are in his room, picking a shirt for him to wear to meet the agent. Micah says he doesn't really know what modeling is, but if it makes money, he wants to try. Moriah wants to go because she loves fashion and acting. Olivia asks if Micah has told Kim, and he says no. He says he will tell her now—he’ll just tell her he wants to try modeling. Olivia, Micah, and Moriah go downstairs and Micah tells Kim what the plan is. Kim is surprised that modelling is on his radar and asks if he will be wearing clothes. Micah laughs and says yes. The crew sets out, and Kim jokes "remember me when you are famous."
In the car, Olivia asks if Micah is nervous. He says no, but then admits that's a lie. He is a little nervous, but he is also excited. Olivia finds the agency and they meet the agent, Marcia Doll. Micah is surprised by her appearance. Her hair is big, and he thinks it looks like she just got out of bed. Marcia thinks all three of them are beautiful. Micah says Marcia is so is full of energy. Marcia thinks they are all good looking, and Micah in particular has promise. Marcia demonstrates a catwalk for them, and then has all three of them try one. Micah goes first and enjoys acting cool and says he feels confident. Moriah goes next, and Marcia has her practice keeping her shoulders straight. She loves it. They both laugh as they finish the catwalk. Olivia says Micah and Moriah have never met someone like Marcia, but they love her. Marcia says she has a shoot Micah would be good for—a boutique. Micah is surprised it worked out that soon.
Back on the farm, Micah, Moriah, Olivia, and Ethan are going to the beach while their parents and little siblings are on a day trip. They prepare to leave the farm, and Ethan shows Olivia the wooden doll cradle he made for Moriah for her birthday and confesses he had a crush on her doll. His first porcelain crush. The siblings depart and head to the beach. Micah is exciting that it is just them four. They arrive at the beach, and Moriah says they had to wear tee shirts on the beach, but now she does it how she wants to do it. All four wear normal bathing suits. Moriah says it is special to be able to wear this and not be judged.
As they sit on the beach, Micah demonstrates his model walk, and Olivia says Ethan has to try. Ethan smiles and giggles through the whole thing, which is totally fair. Ethan and Micah then skim board along the water, and all four are happy to relax and have a good time together.
Ethan and Olivia are at their church. Ethan says he did not have a church growing up because his parents did not agree with how a regular church system functions. Ethan says church is a beautiful thing and he has had a lot of personal growth in this church than in home groups. Olivia says Ethan didn't grow up with friends his age and church is an awesome way to find that. Olivia says it could make her cry to see him so happy with all his friends. Olivia says church has been healing for her with moving away from her family and having her character questioned. Ethan says it is hard to not have his family to start with. Olivia says they should try to talk to his parents tonight about trying to figure out how to fix the relationship and see the kids. Ethan says there is a lot going on that could ruin his personal joy, but there is something to be said for being in a place where you feel safe and have friends and the support you need.
On the farm, Barry puts the little girls to bed so that he and Kim can talk with Ethan and Olivia. The younger Plath couple arrives, and they all sit on the couch to talk. Ethan says their relationship can't go on like this, and Kim says it is important to sit and talk like this. Olivia says she hasn't felt included or welcomed in the family, and Kim says she wants to know when that started. Olivia says when they were dating, and Ethan notes that even before that, when they would visit before they were officially dating, Kim would critique Olivia’s toothpaste. Olivia says she felt judged and like she wasn't accepted, and then she was told she was a bad influence, and the kids were told she was a bad influence as well. Kim apologizes and says Olivia is not a bad influence—she is an amazing influence but they are worried that the negative feelings Ethan and Olivia have will rub off on the children. Barry and Kim note that Moriah doesn't want to spend time with them. Olivia asks, “If Moriah needs someone, is it wrong to be her friend?” Ethan says the issues with Moriah started before Olivia was in the picture. In a talking head, he says his parents are blaming Olivia for problems they had before she came along. Olivia says she just grew up a different way and brought change with her when she married into the family, which has caused a hurricane. Kim says it is not Olivia's job to do that, and Kim and Barry have the right to parent their children the way they want to. She points out that coming over when they were away for their anniversary was hurtful. Ethan says they did because they are his siblings and he didn't see a valid reason for his parents not to trust them. Olivia apologizes for breaking that boundary and hurting them. Kim says she wants Ethan and Olivia to come over and be with the whole family. Ethan asks if they would be able to spend time with Isaac in exchange. Barry agrees: they'll have family dinner and then Isaac could go over to Ethan and Olivia’s spend time with them. Kim says she put her boundary up because Olivia did not want communication with her at all at first, so if they will spend time with the family then she will drop her boundary. Olivia says she feels they weren't given much trust, but they will take what they can get. Ethan says it was a good talk but he is worried there was no change of heart by his parents.
At the farm, Lydia makes jambalaya for the family dinner. Ethan and Olivia arrive, and she isn't sure what to expect. Ethan is excited to see his siblings. The family eats, and Kim says when Olivia is over, she isn't friendly to Kim. Barry compliments the food, and everyone eats quietly for a few minutes. Ethan tells a bad joke to break the tension, and the family starts exchanging silly jokes. Ethan says he was easing the tension but he also likes to make people laugh. Ethan talks about watching Donald Duck, and tells his dad to do a duck voice. Barry does a voice, and the kids all laugh. Ethan says he doesn't know what the future looks like, and Olivia says they need to work it through without compromising themselves.
*Episode 6: The Big Announcement
On the farm, Kim and Moriah are heading off to visit a college campus. Moriah is a little suspicious of her mom's intentions, but she feels like her life is starting. They head out, and Kim hopes Moriah will get a sense of the dedication that college takes. They head off to the tour.
Today is also Micah's first modelling job at the boutique, but he overslept and had to rush to Tallahassee. Marcia gives him a hard time and he realizes how bad it is that he is late. Marcia tells him never to be late again. They get him ready and he starts taking pictures with another model. He is nervous, but the other model helps him to loosen up, and Micah says she is very pretty. Marcia tells them they have to love each other for the day, but that's all. Micah says he isn't good at that. Micah says he thinks his parent's rule of saving your first kiss for marriage is over the top. The shoot finishes, and Marcia says everyone did amazing.
Moriah is driving to Orlando, and her mom is talking about college debt and how she spent 6 years at college and was one internship away from a degree. She thought she could work and do the internship but couldn't keep up—so she quit college. Kim and Barry both had a lot of student loan debt, which they eventually paid off. Kim says the decisions Moriah makes now will set her up for adulthood. They arrive at the school, and Moriah is learning about scholarships available to people in traditional high school. She feels like her parents kept her from that information. Kim says Moriah was able to do things that a regular high schooler couldn't—like tour with the family gospel band and record albums. They see the student union and the first year dorms (which have no curfews!), and Moriah is excited that there are all these freedoms open to her that there weren't before. Moriah meets with a recruiter, who informs her about Greek Life. Kim says she was in a sorority and it was all about partying. Kim says she doesn't want Moriah to go through what she went through—such as driving while drunk and high. Moriah says what happened to her mom doesn't have to happen to her, and it isn't fair to use Moriah to rewrite her past. Moriah doesn't know why her mother is suddenly open to the college thing. Moriah says she wants to be who she was meant to be. She asks for a little time to think on her own about Stetson.
Kim is dropping Isaac off at Ethan and Olivia's, and Kim comes inside. Olivia did not expect her to come in and compliments their wedding photos on the wall. Ethan takes Isaac to get stuff out of the attic, and Olivia isn't sure what to do alone with Kim. Olivia says she should have been the bigger person but goes to help Ethan. Kim leaves, and says as long as they keep making progress they will be able to see Isaac. Ethan and Isaac play with model trains, and they are clearly so happy to spend time together. Olivia gives them a snack, and says it was gracious to let them spend time unsupervised with Isaac, but their relationship still has far to go.
At the farm, Moriah is cleaning the kitchen. Lydia walks in and is surprised and asks if mom and dad told her to. Moriah knows she doesn't do a lot of work, and Lydia is surprised Moriah is doing the dishes, especially since Lydia does most of the cooking and cleaning. Lydia says she should clean more often and she will be less surprised. Lydia asks if she upset Moriah, and she says there is a lot of pressure on her and she is ready to burst. Lydia asks if Moriah feels like she does a lot of the work, and Moriah says no. Lydia says this is why she was upset. Lydia cries, and Moriah asks if it is overwhelming for Lydia to be the oldest child when Moriah skipped over that. Moriah started to understand her and realizes she needs help. Moriah says there are plenty of people here and Lydia shouldn't do all of it. Moriah says she will clean up breakfast when she is home. Lydia says she needs to learn to say no and ask for help.
Ethan and Olivia have arranged a surprise birthday for Moriah with the family at a restaurant. Ethan says birthdays were the only celebration they had—they never celebrated any holidays—so a birthday was the one time they had a party. Olivia says she will tell Barry and Kim it is a surprise for Moriah when they arrive. Olivia is still nervous. The Plath family all arrive except for Micah and Moriah, and Olivia tells Kim it is a surprise party for Moriah. Kim says it was nice to be told but it would have been nice to be included, and she would have brought presents. Moriah and Micah arrive, and Moriah is delighted that it is a party for her. Olivia got Moriah tickets for the Carrie Underwood concert. Barry and Kim aren't that keen on country music because it is all about drinking and sex. Kim and Barry wish they were asked before Olivia got the tickets for Moriah (go figure). They order drinks, and Ethan orders both beer and coke. The kids ask what it is, and he tells them. Kim and Barry do not look pleased.
This is the first time Ethan is drinking in front of his parents. He wonders if he made them feel awkward—he thinks it did. Barry and Kim are scandalized, and they don't think drinking is a good example. The food comes out, and Moriah tries a crab cake for the first time. She likes it. The little girls love the food. It is a fun evening for all, but Moriah has something to tell her family. Moriah announces that she is going to Minnesota to go to a wedding and to visit Grandma and Papa. Moriah says she doesn't have a return ticket. Barry and Kim feel ambushed; they feel as if Olivia has enabled Moriah to have a level of freedom she wouldn't have otherwise and they can't say anything to stop her [however, on social media, Olivia says she did not buy a ticket for a minor without parental permission]. Moriah says she needs to put distance between herself and her parents to figure things out. Olivia says she needs to respect parental rights while trying to help Moriah. Barry says he wouldn't refuse permission to go to Minnesota, but Moriah is hurt and he wants to know why. They want the best for her. Olivia says she will miss Moriah. Ethan says they are a family, but they are also two households, and they don't have to do things the same way. Ethan says if his siblings are hurting, him and Olivia will be there for them. Kim hopes that one day, even if it isn't packaged perfectly, they will come to appreciate what was done for them. Ethan says they don't always get along, but they stick together as best they can. Kim says it has been a phenomenal year with two weddings to two amazing people, but it is hard to have conflict with Olivia and division in the family. Kim looks forward to a time when it is not "us against them." Kim says she hopes the next year brings everything Moriah wants, and Moriah, with genuine surprise and delight in her eyes, asks "really?" Kim says that in that moment, differences didn't matter: they were just happy together.
No comments:
Post a Comment