Scenes From A Marriage: "The Illiterates" - An Unpopular Opinion
Okay, let's talk about *that* episode. You know, the one where everything just... implodes? "The Illiterates." Dramatic title, right?
Maybe it's just me, but I find it almost... comforting. Hear me out!
Johan's Descent (or Ascent?)
We see *Johan* really leaning into his "intellectual" persona. He's writing a book! He's brooding! He's generally insufferable.
But isn't that relatable? Haven't we all, at some point, tried to be someone we're not? Maybe without the affair, hopefully.
He's chasing some kind of artistic validation. Like a moth to a very pretentious flame.
Marianne's Transformation (Maybe?)
*Marianne* is... evolving. Kind of. Slowly. She's starting to question everything. Good for her!
But her reactions sometimes feel a bit... delayed? She's processing everything like a dial-up modem in a fiber optic world.
Still, you kind of root for her. Even when she's making questionable choices.
The Illiteracy of Emotion
Here's my hot take: the "illiterates" aren't actually uneducated. They're emotionally illiterate. They can't communicate feelings!
They throw words at each other. Meaningful words. But they land flat, like soggy pancakes.
They speak past each other, creating a cacophony of unresolved needs.
The Affair... Again
Of course, there's the elephant in the room: the affair with Paula. *Johan* and Paula. Sigh.
It's not just the act itself, it's the way it's handled. So much avoidance! So much passive-aggression!
They are like actors in a poorly written play, and neither wants to be there.
Unpopular Opinion Alert!
This is where I might lose some of you. I think the episode is almost... funny. In a deeply uncomfortable way.
The sheer absurdity of their miscommunication is almost slapstick. But with emotional consequences.
It's like watching a train wreck in slow motion. A tragic, beautifully shot, Bergman-esque train wreck.
The Power of Misunderstanding
Think about it. How often do we *really* understand each other? Really, truly understand?
We're all just stumbling around in the dark. Hoping someone will throw us a lifeline. Or at least a decent metaphor.
Maybe that is why *The Illiterates* resonate with so many. It's brutally honest. It's about the messiness of relationships.
Not Just Johan, It Is Marianne Too
Let us not think that *Johan* is the only guilty one. *Marianne* has her own part to play.
Her insecurities can come across as manipulative, and her lack of self-assuredness makes her a target.
It is a vicious cycle that they can never break out of, leading to a deeper pit for both.
The Aftermath
The episode ends with... well, not exactly resolution. More like a temporary truce. A quiet before the storm.
They're still stuck. But maybe, just maybe, they've taken a tiny step towards something resembling honesty.
Or maybe they're just really good at pretending. Only *Bergman* knows.
Final Thoughts
So, there you have it. My slightly off-kilter take on "The Illiterates." It's not a happy episode, but it's a real one.
And sometimes, the most uncomfortable truths are the ones worth exploring. Even if it makes us squirm a little.
Now, if you'll excuse me, I need to go reread my relationship self-help books. Just in case.
