‘Me’ Recap: ‘Under Pressure’

Written by John Edward Betancourt

Abigail Pniowsky and Lucian-River Chauhan as Max and Ben in Episode 105 of ‘Me’ – ‘Under Pressure’. (Photo Courtesy of Apple.)

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode Five of ‘Me’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
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One particular truth about divorce that few parents ever acknowledge, is that it has a profound impact upon their kids. Because children are incredibly observant and quite in tune with their emotions and when the moment comes that their parents split, they have a lot they need to process and adjust to and that does create some changes. It forces a measure of maturity; it prompts them to look at the world and at relationships in a different manner. Not to mention, it can be hard on them and force them to do things that no kid should have to do. Such as keep the peace. Granted, that doesn’t necessarily mean that a couple should stay married when the relationship is in fact, toxic, but it is important to acknowledge this truth… and act accordingly from a support standpoint.

If anything, that truth is top of mind today, simply because it was put on display in the next episode of Me on Apple TV+. For ‘Under Pressure’ took place during Max’s birthday. A day that should have put her over the moon with joy. But alas, she was nervous on this day and rightfully so. For it meant interacting with her mother, who was bitter from the divorce, and dealing with Julia’s antics because of that, and it also meant… balancing her family life and her time with Ben. For they were trying to learn more about why the building featured in the photo, on the day Carter went into a tornado, was of such importance to that moment.

But in order to do that right… they would have to work out going to the restaurant next to it on this day and well, they managed to make that work and in doing so… the exploration in question got underway. Because dinner was… a disaster. Because Julia was constantly taking pot shots at Phil and the family unit and making demands, and it was in many ways…  up to Max to keep the peace on his night and guide Ben through his own struggles with his powers when they went to investigate lues, and that was, a lot for Max to navigate. Because it pulled the joy away from her day and drained her emotionally and yet, her parents were clueless on such matters. Because they were focused on the nonsense that undoubtedly contributed to the end of their marriage.

But had they taken a moment, and seen their actions, they would have seen how much their end impacted Max and how it forced her to grow up fast and be the adult in the room because together, they could not. Which made for a powerful story, that truly showcased the transformative power of divorce and how it does indeed force maturity and actions that aren’t healthy for kids to go through. Because it should never be up to them to be the adult in the room, they should be enjoying their youth. But this can and does happen because of the bitterness of divorce and because it’s so easy for adults to lean into their anger over leaning into maturity and well, this episode deserves a round of applause for showcasing this and for pointing out how parents have to be better and not let this happen, regardless of bitter feelings.

However, while that was amazing to sit through, the plot did of course build further upon the bigger matter at hand. Since we learned a little more about that logo and how it relates to other gifted people in this world, and how a school of them may have given rise to a villain. And of course, Carter is still helping out and doing the right thing and well… in the end, this was just a powerful tale. One that tackled a big topic and provided an angle regarding it that we don’t talk about enough. Because kids will go the extra mile to keep the peace and the status quo to avoid the mess that parents can create sometimes, and it will be interesting to see what other amazing lessons await us as we enter the back half of season one of this brilliant show. Until next time.

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