Platonic Recap: The Anus of Los Angeles

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As a viewer of *Platonic*, it’s so obvious to everyone – Will, Sylvia, Andy, Omar, even Charlie and his therapist, Dr. Melfi – that they’re way too wrapped up in each other. The episode “Boundaries” is when Will finally tries to create some space, which is a huge deal considering he’s still living with Sylvia! He’s always blamed her for being overbearing, but in this episode, he actually admits he *needs* her. Honestly, him offering to pay her rent – even just two hundred dollars – felt like a really positive step.

I appreciated how the episode didn’t immediately focus on the tension between Will and Sylvia. Sylvia was a little annoyed when Will brought up their complicated relationship, but she had other things on her mind. She’d been offered a full-time job as an event planner at Cabo Carrie’s, and she wasn’t sure she wanted to work that much. However, her marriage was really struggling. Charlie was busy writing his book and wasn’t helping around the house, their foster dog was being aggressive towards visitors, and when Sylvia jokingly wished she was divorced after hearing about Katie’s free time, Charlie got angry.

I’d be very surprised if the show split up Sylvia and Charlie – it doesn’t seem like a series that goes for that level of drama, though a divorce happening between seasons could be interesting. Aside from the show’s more comedic moments, like Watson constantly bothering Will, this storyline feels like a realistic portrayal of the problems that can develop in a seemingly solid marriage. Sylvia and Charlie have some fundamental disagreements that are difficult for either of them to overcome. The finale next week will need to offer some hope for their future.

I’m glad Charlie addressed Sylvia’s payment to their son right away. However, I still feel more sympathy for Sylvia, so it was satisfying to see her confront him the next morning about all the things he could be doing to help. She explained why she’s having trouble finding time to read his book – which she jokingly calls “Lincoln Lawyer fan fiction” – and it was a pretty harsh but understandable moment.

I’m still a little upset with Charlie, but I’m trying to understand where he’s coming from. It seems like Sylvia is truly swamped with things to do, but also tends to avoid commitments. We saw this before with the holiday party – Charlie scheduled therapy on the same day as her important event, which wasn’t helpful, but she also initially tried to cancel. Now it’s happening again: she said she’d stay in and read Charlie’s book today, but she’s choosing to go kayaking with Will and Katie instead.

This is the most eventful episode yet for Will and Katie, and it really highlights their… friendship (just friends, right?). Will ends up asking Katie for help-stepping in for Sylvia-to investigate Terry’s Instagram and figure out what’s happening with Jenna. Honestly, though, their activities are wild: hours of cosmos, BuzzBallz, and beer, followed by karaoke and then kayaking the next day? It makes you wonder if the show is playing up their personalities a bit for comedic effect, especially when compared to Sylvia.

The kayak trip is amusing, largely due to the playfully mean teasing between Will and Katie towards Sylvia – she asks them to go easy on her because she’s already feeling down, and they jokingly brush it off. This episode builds on the awkward dynamic between the three of them, established in the previous episode, with Will and Katie constantly commenting on the trip’s natural beauty. Things also take a gross turn when Sylvia witnesses Will and Katie deliberately drinking water straight from the bacteria-filled river. (There was a particularly unpleasant moment with a feather that I won’t describe.) This bad decision comes back to haunt them later when Katie dramatically throws up into her windshield. Luckily, we don’t see Will experience the same fate.

Sylvia found herself alone with her thoughts as she neared her destination, and her friends quickly realized what was bothering her: she felt guilty about not being home and reading a book her husband had wanted her to read. She immediately went home to do that, and while reading, discovered a new reason to be upset with her friend Will. She learned that Will had been the one who convinced Charlie to quit his job, and she felt this was the root of their current problems. When Will returned home to tell her about the FBI raid at Lucky Penny, Sylvia was noticeably distant and cold. She abruptly asked him to leave, claiming she needed space, and didn’t explain why she was so angry. She also accepted a demanding new job offer, seemingly preparing for the changes in her life now that Charlie was retiring.

“Boundaries” is a really good episode in an already excellent season, and it hints at possible make-ups – or even more drama – in the finale. While Seth Rogen and Apple TV+ are rightfully celebrating their Emmy wins for *The Studio*, I’m choosing to believe some of those awards actually belong to *Platonic*.

Inside Jokes

Katie thinks Will should test out his ‘Shitty Little Bar’ concept with a temporary pop-up event, and that might happen as early as next week. Since Lucky Penny seems to be permanently closed, he doesn’t have many other projects in the works right now.

Looking back, the show was cleverly using Reggie’s game to prepare for the finale of Lucky Penny, all while Will was returning to work there. It seems Will’s attempt to move forward didn’t last long!

• “I almost forgot to tell you guys, the basement is flooded.” Omar has Charlie Kelly energy here.

Sylvia’s strange encounters while kayaking alone are reminiscent of a quirky scene from *Broad City*, but with a distinctly Los Angeles vibe. A particularly memorable moment involves a person wearing a Ghostface mask and carrying a tote bag that reads “Don’t Ask, Don’t Get.”

As a longtime fan, I loved the little nods to the first season – especially when Will accidentally knocked over his scooter, mirroring a moment from way back when. And it was hilarious to see Sylvia one-up him by kicking a delivery robot this time around! Those small connections really make the show for me.

Okay, Rose Byrne absolutely *kills* it in this – there’s a moment where she delivers the line, “Are you kidding me? I’m so chill,” and then immediately pretends to cough like she’s, well, not so chill. It’s a brilliant little bit of physical comedy, and honestly, one of the funniest things I’ve seen all year. The way she sells that imaginary smoke session is just perfect.

Okay, so picture this: I’m watching a scene, and someone points, all innocent-like, and asks if something drifting in the water is a baby jellyfish. The response? Absolutely brutal honesty – it’s not a cute sea creature, it’s… well, let’s just say it’s a collection of six used condoms. It’s darkly funny, shockingly blunt, and instantly memorable. The line is delivered with such deadpan dryness that it’s both repulsive and hilarious – a perfect little moment of absurd realism that really stuck with me. It’s not high art, but it *is* effective.

• Another great ending song: “Beaches,” by Beabadoobee.

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2025-09-24 15:56