Season 3 episode 3 of Masters of Sex entitled "The Excitement of Release" aired last 26 July 2015 gave audiences a darker side of the drama as each characters struggle to find a piece of themselves. The episode centralized on the internal conflict of now all grown up Tessa. Miguel Sapochnik directed the episode and written by Michelle Ashford for television.
Virginia's two toddlers in the previous two seasons who are now both beautifully grown teenagers, Tessa and Henry, now 15 and 17 years old respectively are confronted with their relationship issues with their mother. Since Henry was at the army, Tessa was left with the burden of dealing with her mother as she tries to reconnect with her especially now that she is alone. In addition to the disconnected relationship of Tessa to her mother is her pains of being a daughter of a famous sex expert as she was ridiculed in the Catholic school she is studying. She is weighed down more by her many father issues, making her a perfect prey for male predators.
Tessa's battle to establish herself did not stop with her lost connection to her mother and society, but also with herself. Who could forget the terrifying car scene? Her attempts of fitting in the society and straying away from her mother's overshadowing persona had her ended up being sexually abuse by a boy and spread rumors about Tessa. What was worst was, Virginia, caught up on her own personal and professional issues, could not help Tessa, nor bothering listening to her.
In an interview with Isabelle Fuhrman who plays Tessa, Isabelle felt that Tessa respects Virginia as a hardworking sex. However, Tessa felt neglected as a daughter as Virginia got her hands full with work. Isabelle revealed that more development will materialize as Season 3 progresses. One to watch out for is the arrival of Tessa's grandparents, Matt as Tessa's boyfriend, and more trouble encounters for Tessa.
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