Sharon Horgan’s new HBO show Youth kicked off with a bang, throwing the audience into Alex’s chaotic life. The show follows the 50-year-old literary agent who is trying to balance life and career while seeking love and fun before she turns 60. The first episode shows that her life seems to be taking an interesting turn for her when she meets her old flame, Patrick, and sparks fly.

However, everything seemed to come crashing down soon when her son returned from the university without much explanation. What is worse, she seems to be tackling a new chapter in her career as she meets bizarre clients. Episode 2 of the series follows Alex as she tries to balance everything at once, which leads to an emotional and heartbreaking cliffhanger.

The episode begins with Alex, played by Sharon Horgan, and Sam (Sharlene Whyte) heading out to meet an author they have worked with for quite a few years. They meet the author named Charlotte, played by Anne Reid, to talk about her new manuscript, but the two are also joined by the author's cold and calculating daughter, played by Harriet Walter. But while Alex tries to explain that Charlotte’s manuscript is racy and inappropriate, she and Sam are warned by her daughter that they should allow this new change for her.

Both seemed to reluctantly agree. Meanwhile, Alex reveals to Sam that she has received a message from Patrick, who wants to meet her again. Now, along with her work, Alex also has to look after her son, so she calls his dad, Lorcan, who is off to Canada to help persuade her son to get back to university. When he appears reluctant to help, she threatens to reveal to his partner that he is cheating on her.

As revealed in the first episode. Alex’s parents are not doing well. Her mother has type 1 diabetes and has already lost one toe because of it, and she is required to be taken to the hospital again. And Alex has the duty to take her back from the hospital.

While Alex has new worries about her parents, things do not look impressive back in the office. During a meeting in the office, she asks Sam about the work by a new writer, which is dismissed by her best friend. Moreover, she is tasked with the job of handling Charlotte’s book.

But later, she emailed the new writer that she would be interested in reading more of the manuscript despite Sam’s previous comment that the writer was not reliable. Later, she receives a call from Lorcan, who informs her that he spoke to Ruari and is fine with him skipping an academic year, which Alex does not take lightly. Lorcan further added that Ruari wants to be in Canada with him and try to become a stand-up comedian, but he will not be able to handle it.

And when Alex suggests that he should pass on his decision to Ruari himself, he refuses to convey it to his son. Meanwhile, one thing that seemingly began to take off well in her life is her romance with Patrick, played by Rupert Friend. After Patrick visits Alex at her place, the two agree to go on a date.

While they meet and express their mutual feeling of wanting to be together, they get closer, share a kiss, and spend time together at Patrick's place. During their time together, Alex opens up about her mother's condition and her father’s mild Alzheimer's. However, Alex leaves as soon as she receives a text from her son.

After Ruari appears ready to return to university, Alex joins her son this time. But after reaching the students' quarters, they find out about a shocking incident. When Alex and Ruari reach his room, they realize that his stuff has been moved away.

Later, Ruari finds all his belongings in the trash. When Alex finds two other students and forces them to tell her what has been happening to her son, they call Ruari a pervert. This was quite a shocking incident for Alex, who stands in silence until Ruari arrives and asks whether they can get back home, to which she agrees.

Back at home, Patrick approaches her, asking to join him for a drink. While she hesitantly joins him, Alex feels a few moments of relief. Riding a bike with Patrick seemed to help ease her mind. However, things take a quick turn during their conversation.

When Alex reveals to Patrick that her mother lost another toe, she breaks down in tears. While Patrick tries to console her, he also suggests that she might be trying to juggle a lot of things at the same time. Alex argues back, suggesting that she wants to be with him, and expresses her feelings, which are reciprocated by Patrick, and they share a kiss.

However, they soon get into an argument when Alex claims that Patrick never had to be serious in his life. As she apologizes and tries to leave, Alex urges Patrick not to follow her. And Patrick simply followed her order. But quite clearly, that is not what Alex wanted.

As she turns back, she sees Patrick has already been walking in a different direction, which disappoints her. The second episode followed a messy ride in Alex's life. It ended on a quite painful and emotional note. Whether Patrick will reach out to her remains to be seen.

Fox Orders New Comedy Series ‘Mammoth’ From ‘Modern Family’ Veterans Christopher Lloyd and Danny Zuker

  What do you think about Youth Episode 1? Let us know in the comments.