Episode 2 of "Unstable" commences with a jolt of panic as Jackson rushes home, his heart thundering in his chest, to find his therapist held captive in the gloomy confines of his basement by his father's unyielding grip. Upon entering, Jackson's ire ignites when he witnesses his therapist, unexpectedly, expressing gratitude to his father for shedding light on his own blind spots. This paradoxical scene only fuels Jackson's frustration.
The therapist, unfazed, delves into delicate terrain, inquiring about Jackson's feelings towards his mother's passing and the grieving process he may have undergone. But Jackson, like a wounded animal, skirts around the topic, his defenses firmly intact. Sensing the tension, Anna and Jackson intervene, politely escorting the therapist to the door.
The dawn of the next day brings with it a subtle yet poignant revelation. Ellis, noticing a subtle change in Jackson's routine, queries why the peanut butter, a staple in their peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, is conspicuously absent. Jackson's quiet confession unravels a heartrending truth: the omission is a silent homage to his late mother, who once prepared these sandwiches with love.
It becomes apparent that Jackson is engaged in a perilous dance of denial, refusing to acknowledge the depths of his pain and shunning the catharsis of grief. Ellis, with gentle insistence, encourages him to confront his emotions instead of letting them fester. Yet, Jackson remains steadfast in his refusal, his heart locked in a fortress of denial.
Unexpectedly, a glimmer of hope emerges when Jackson reveals that due to a missed flight, he'll accompany Ellis to his office that very day. Ellis' joy knows no bounds at the prospect of spending the day with his protégé.
At the office, tensions rise as Anna, in her role as project manager, confronts Malcolm with the need to trim costs. This directive falls heavily on Ruby and Luna, who find themselves on the brink of losing their beloved pistachio indulgence. Their outrage boils over into a heated confrontation with Malcolm, who, uncomfortable with the clash, elects to retreat rather than engage.
Ellis' arrival brings a moment of levity, his conversation with Anna lightening the mood. But her subsequent revelation casts a shadow over their exchange: the board is contemplating his replacement. With a meeting looming in a matter of hours, Anna urges him to attend. Undeterred, Ellis declares his intention to retreat to a secluded room, determined to emerge only when he's found a way forward, his determination a testament to his unwavering spirit.
Jackson and Luna forge a strong connection within the confines of the lab, united by their shared passion for the project and their undeniable nerdy tendencies. It's during these moments of camaraderie that Luna confides in Jackson, revealing she's already spoken for, leaving a subtle ripple of discomfort in the air. Ruby, observant as always, senses Luna's unease after she casually mentions her intention to ask Jackson out, unaware of Luna's revelation.
Meanwhile, Ellis struggles to concentrate on his presentation, his mind wandering despite the solitude of his room. Anna's timely entrance offers a moment of distraction as he shares a heartfelt tale about his late wife. With her gentle prodding, Ellis attempts to refocus, but his thoughts wander once more.
As Ruby gathers the courage to invite Jackson out while they toil away in the lab, Anna's unexpected arrival interrupts his response, urging him to attend to her immediately.
Malcolm stumbles upon Ellis engaged in an unusual activity, prompting him to seek advice on a pressing pistachio issue. Ellis, with characteristic pragmatism, suggests a cost-effective solution: switching to a cheaper brand. Ruby and Luna, aware of the change, playfully decide to keep it from Malcolm, ensuring he'll refrain from making further alterations for a few days.
Anna devises a plan, asking Jackson to accompany her to Ellis' room, where she encourages him to express his sorrow over his mother's passing in front of Ellis. Her strategy aims to alleviate Ellis' preoccupation with his son's perceived lack of grief, allowing him to focus. However, Jackson confronts his father with his own unique method of grieving, asserting that if Ellis fails to comprehend it, the responsibility lies with him.
Inspired by Jackson's bravery, Ellis confronts the board members during a pivotal meeting, boldly declaring that he'll complete the project on his own timeline and that if they can't accept that, it's their problem. The board members are left speechless, admiring Ellis' newfound confidence.
Ruby, undeterred, brings Jackson's attention back to her invitation, inquiring about their potential date. To her surprise, Jackson reveals he's only available that very day, as he's scheduled to fly to New York the following morning. The revelation adds a touch of urgency to their impending encounter.
As the night deepened, Ellis tenderly approached Jackson with a Jelly sandwich in hand, his voice laced with a newfound understanding. He shared with Jackson the profound realization that he should not hasten the delicate process of his grieving, allowing time to heal the wounds within. With a gentle smile, he added, "And when you feel ready, my friend, there'll be peanut butter waiting for you."
Jackson's eyes softened with gratitude as he thanked Ellis sincerely. He revealed that he had made the decision to linger a little longer, for there were unfinished matters that needed his attention. This news filled Ellis with boundless joy, and in a moment of pure emotion, he burst into song, his melody echoing through the night, a testament to their bond.
Later, as the shadows lengthened, Jackson found himself overcome with emotion. Tears streamed down his face as he grappled with the weight of his loss, the peanut butter in his hand a simple yet comforting presence. In this intimate moment, he allowed himself to fully grieve, the taste of the peanut butter mingling with the bittersweet flavors of memory and healing.
