A Spoiler-Filled Review of United States of Tara
Welcome to the delightful world of United States of Tara, where the biggest family drama is not just the usual teenage rebellion or the classic marital spats, but rather the fact that mom has multiple personalities. Yes, you read that correctly—Tara Gregson, our protagonist, isn’t just juggling her family; she’s also juggling her various alter egos, each with their own quirks and quirks (and sometimes, a penchant for chaos).
Let’s dive into the madness, shall we? Tara, played with a charming mix of vulnerability and strength by Toni Collette, is a suburban mom who has Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID). This means she’s not just having a bad day; she’s having a bad decade with a side of personality crisis. We meet her alters: there’s Alice, the perfect 1950s housewife who probably makes a mean casserole; Buck, the leather-clad, testosterone-fueled male alter who’s ready to throw down at a moment’s notice; and teenage T, who’s basically the embodiment of angst, complete with all the eye-rolling that comes with it.
The show opens with Tara trying to navigate her chaotic life, which includes a husband, Max, who is more patient than a saint, and their two kids, Kate and Marshall, who are just trying to survive the emotional rollercoaster that is their mother. Spoiler alert: they’re not doing great! Kate is your typical rebellious teenager, while Marshall is the sensitive, artistic type—perfectly set up to be a target for all the family’s dysfunction.
As the series progresses, we witness Tara’s struggles with her identity, which is made all the more complicated by her alters. In one episode, Alice decides to take over Tara’s life for a bit, resulting in a hilariously awkward dinner party where she charms the guests with her outdated etiquette while Tara’s family just sits there, mortified. It’s like watching a train wreck happen in slow motion, but with more awkward silences and less actual train wrecks.
And let’s not forget the romantic entanglements—because what’s a show about mental health without a little love drama? Tara’s relationship with Max is tested time and again, especially when Buck decides to take the reins and flirt with Tara’s therapist. Spoiler: it doesn’t end well for anyone involved, particularly when Tara’s therapist realizes she’s dating a personality who’s not exactly on the best terms with Tara.
As the show heads towards its conclusion, we delve deeper into Tara’s past, revealing the trauma that led to her DID. It’s both heartbreaking and enlightening, showcasing the real struggles of mental health while still managing to squeeze in some dark humor. In the end, Tara must confront her alters and try to integrate them into one cohesive identity, which is about as easy as herding cats—if the cats were also having existential crises.
In a bittersweet finale, we see Tara make strides towards healing, but let’s be honest: the struggles are far from over. The show leaves us with a sense of hope, but also a reminder that life is messy, and sometimes you just need to embrace the chaos—preferably with a side of humor. So, if you’re in the mood for a show that’s equal parts heartwarming and hilariously absurd, United States of Tara is the perfect binge-watch. Just remember to keep your snacks handy; you’ll need them for all the emotional ups and downs.