Episode 1 of "Unstable" kicks off with Ellis, our protagonist, grappling with erratic mood shifts. One moment, he's tears streaming down his face as he watches a heart-wrenching YouTube video; the next, he's joyously dancing to the rhythm of his room-filling tunes. As he strolls into work, Ellis engages in lighthearted chatter with his staff, seamlessly transitioning into witty repartee with Sophia, the daughter of one of his employees. Little do we know, Ellis is a visionary in the realm of Biotechnology.
Anna, the company's CFO, approaches Ellis with concern etched on her face, inquiring about his recent demeanor. Her voice laced with solicitude, she alerts him of an impending board meeting in a quarter of an hour. Moreover, she reveals that the company had arranged for a therapist to attend to his well-being, but the therapist seems to have vanished into thin air. With a stern reminder not to be tardy, Anna exits, leaving Ellis to his thoughts.
Moments later, Anna reenters Ellis' office, finding him in a state of undress, and announces that he's running late for the meeting. Her quizzical gaze meets his unconventional proposal—to conduct the board meeting in the sauna. As the truth unravels, we learn that Ellis' late wife, Katie, passed away mere months ago, casting a shadow over his erratic behavior. In a moment of vulnerability, he confesses his turmoil and asks Anna to leave, revealing a shocking twist—he's locked his therapist in the basement.
Anna hurries out, briefing Malcolm, another trusted employee, on the dire situation. She implores Malcolm to bring his son, Jackson, from New York to Los Angeles, hoping he can help steer Ellis back to stability. Meanwhile, in New York, Jackson is patiently coaching a young pupil on the nuances of the flute, his conversation revealing a strained relationship with Ellis, who constantly tries to mold him into someone he's not.
Malcolm extends an invitation to Jackson for dinner, where he delicately broaches the subject of Ellis' mental health crisis. With a mix of reluctance and understanding, Jackson agrees to accompany Malcolm to Los Angeles for a 24-hour intervention, swayed by the gravity of the situation.
Upon arrival, Anna fills Jackson in on his father's groundbreaking projects and the tumultuous personal landscape he's navigating. A shocking revelation follows—Ellis has ceased working on Tuesdays, adding another layer of complexity to the already tangled web of his life.
Jackson stumbles upon Ellis amidst a bustling landscaping crew, his eyes widening in surprise. In a swift turn, Ellis turns the tables, poking fun at Jackson's vocation as a flute virtuoso. The playful banter escalates until Jackson, intrigued, challenges Ellis to escort him to the lab, eager to glimpse the mysterious project he's been toiling over. Ellis, initially dismissive, finds himself inexplicably trailing after Jackson as the latter strides away.
Within the confines of the lab, Jackson's world expands as he encounters Luna and Ruby, the brilliant researchers who illuminate the intricacies of his father's groundbreaking endeavor. An unexpected camaraderie blossoms between Jackson and Ruby, their conversations laced with ease, despite Jackson's disclosure of his fleeting stay.
Ellis, ever the social butter, extends an invitation to Jackson for karaoke night, an offer initially met with hesitation but ultimately embraced. As Luna and Jackson await the festivities outside, their shared reserve creates a comfortable silence, their temperaments mirroring each other's in unexpected harmony.
The night takes an unexpected turn as Ellis and Jackson's playful sparring turns earnest, their words laden with frustration and unspoken vulnerabilities. Just as Jackson prepares to retreat, Ellis confides in a heartfelt moment, revealing his profound longing for his deceased wife. This revelation softens the edges, setting the stage for Jackson's stunning performance at karaoke, which captivates even his own father.
The emotional tide continues to rise as Anna drops a bombshell, informing Jackson of his father's drastic measure—locking away his therapist in the bowels of their home. Jackson's shock is palpable, his mind reeling at the revelation. Ellis, ever the explainer, sheds light on the therapist's extortion attempts, painting a picture of desperation and blackmail that compelled his father's drastic action. This revelation binds Jackson and Ellis in a shared understanding of loss and the lengths people go to protect what they hold dear.
