Vladimir

In a climactic sequence, the protagonist drugs Vladimir and ties him up at her cabin. Furthermore, during a confrontation, Vladimir lunges at and tackles John to the ground. The series finale also involves a cabin fire, with the protagonist escaping and leaving John and Vladimir inside, watching it burn, although she claims to call 911.

The protagonist is in an open marriage with her husband, John, who has had numerous affairs with students, leading to a Title IX investigation. The protagonist herself develops an 'all-consuming obsession' with her younger colleague, Vladimir, which culminates in them having sex. Her fantasies about Vladimir, which are often graphic and described as 'clichéd sexual encounters, rendered in quick, flashing dream sequences,' are frequently depicted. The series is rated TV-MA for explicit sexual content and nudity.

The show is explicitly stated to contain 'strong language'. Given its 'provocative, cheeky comedy-drama' nature and exploration of intense adult themes, frequent use of expletives and offensive language can be expected to establish its mature and often uncomfortable tone. For example, in a series dealing with a college sex scandal and marital strife, strong language is a common feature in such narratives to convey raw emotion and realism.

The protagonist is described as struggling with 'substance'. Her husband John and Vladimir's wife Cynthia are revealed to be meeting to 'take drugs' together, with Cynthia also grappling with a 'substance use disorder' and relapsing, believing drugs help her write. Furthermore, the protagonist 'plies' Vladimir with alcohol and then 'drugs him' before tying him up.

The central theme of the protagonist's 'all-consuming obsession' with Vladimir creates intense psychological tension. The backdrop of a 'college sex scandal' involving her husband John and Title IX investigations adds a layer of serious and potentially traumatic social commentary. The protagonist's actions, such as drugging and tying up Vladimir, and her subsequent escape from a cabin fire, leaving John and Vladimir inside, constitute severe and frightening scenarios. The series is described as 'uncomfortable binge watch' due to the morally conflicting actions of its characters.