Out.com EditorsOur calendars are marked in bright red on November 20th for the highly anticipated new season of The Affair, only on Showtime. The first two seasons of this thrill-induced show take place in NYC and Montauk and follow Noah and Alison’s steamy affair. Season 1 shows the two perspectives of Noah and Alison in each episode, whereas Season 2 opens the show up to all four perspectives of Noah, Alison, Cole (Alison’s husband) and Helen (Cole’s wife).
Season 2 especially shows how Noah and Alison’s romance affects the lives of both of their respective families. We catch glimpses into the ways these characters continue to cope with the tear in their family networks. The show thus teaches us about managing real-world experiences and the emotions that follow suit. Not only is The Affair valuable for the characters’ sex appeal, but also for some life lessons to be learned along the way. We’ve recapped the 5 lessons that have stuck with us the most.
1. Two Sides to Every Story
Each episode of The Affair is cut between two unique perspectives. Both perspectives include a different take on the outplay of events, often making unclear the true agents of certain actions. On top of this, certain details such as clothing and location are distinct across each point of view. Alison may be wearing a skinny black dress in Noah’s memory, yet in her own recollection she has on jeans and a sweater.
Lesson Learned: Every story has its own spin, and the person telling that story has control over which details are left in and which are left out. Thus when listening to the same story from different loved ones, we should always keep an open mind to each and every viewpoint.
2. Emotions Cloud our Judgment
In Season 2 we look deeper into the life of Helen, including a bit of her wild side. One of these wild moments is when Helen takes a cannabis-infused candy before a hair appointment only to remember she has to pick her kids up from school. These reactions are understandable, since everyone needs an outlet for his/her emotions. Yet, as the season progresses we see that Helen’s emotions distract her from noticing how certain details may affect the outplay of events.
Lesson Learned: When we’re more focused on finding an outlet for our emotions than considering the perspectives of others, we sometimes see ourselves as victims instead of accepting our own wrongdoings.
3. People can Change
There is no denying that Cole has his charm or that he has a strong passion for Alison. Season 1, however, leaves viewers questioning Cole’s character, as many wondered whether this passion translates to anger and perhaps even violence. Yet with the introduction to Cole’s perspective in Season 2, we are able to see Cole in a new light. We see him regretful for his past behavior, and perhaps even open for new opportunities at love.
Lesson Learned: Always be open to seeing the best in people, even if they have once forced us to question their morals.
4. Stepping Back is Okay
Noah is in the midst of a family crisis at the start of Season 2. Yet one could argue that he has everything he’s ever wanted, and there is value in that. Although he has much on his plate, Noah takes time in Season 2 to pause and reflect on the current state of his life.
Lesson Learned: Don’t get us wrong - this is not to say it’s good to run away from your problems. Yet perhaps it is never wrong to step away from your typical field of vision and appreciate the beauty of the moment.
5. Fantasy Can Be Deceiving
Season 1 shows Alison and Noah fight desperately for their love to survive. The two fantasize about ignoring their responsibilities and giving in to their passionate feelings for one another. However, once Alison and Noah finally get together, the two achieve a new perspective on that fantasy. In Season 2 we see how real-world struggles can blur that initial passion, as it is difficult for Noah and Alison’s relationship to live up to those intense feelings experienced during their first exchanges in Montauk.
Lesson Learned: There is danger in a fantasy that does not match up with reality. Though there is nothing wrong with fantasizing, we should always be aware of how our fantasies fit into the real world.
The Affair has given us valuable lessons on life, all of which are woven into the perspectives of each of the show’s major characters. Season 3 will add another point of view to the mix, and we’re anxiously awaiting to find out who - You won’t want to miss the new season, which starts on November 20th, only on Showtime.
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5 Life Lessons We Learned from The Affair