Offspring Recap: It's Better, But Then Not Really

After the hell fire and brimstone that I rained down last week on poor little Offspring, I felt moderately bad. But then it seems, I am not alone in my frustrations and as equally important, everyone seems to be sharing the same concerns. Thankfully, this episode does a lot to remedy these major complaints and while, it's getting better - I really have to admit to being on Struggle St with Offspring this season. Honestly, the only reason, I'm horribly and belated recapping at all is because of the fantastic and articulate comments I see from people each week that inspire me to at least give them a home.

So here is a rapid fire pros and cons list of last week. Nina would have to appreciate this.

Pros
Far less Nina crazy times. No flailing wildly like she was barely in control of her body. However, far less crazy time actually meant far less Nina and if solving the problem of your show is removing the lead character, then there is bigger problems to face. I actually also enjoy the counsellor and his presence in Nina's life as a device. I don't even care she day dreams him - that's something that seems realistic as long as she doesn't start talking to him.
Billie Sees the Madness. When Jimmy turned up for a job interview at Proudman, I was panicked. This had all the hallmarks, of moving the family chess pieces around the board to let the insanity continue but hooray no. She realizes that as underwhelming as her skill set is, Jimmy is twice as bad and unreliable and just not appropriate to hire.
Kate's story development. I'm really glad they're starting to acknowledge her back story of domestic violence in both it's relationship to Patrick and also her own future potential relationship. Sure, it could have use more time to breathe, but overall, I'm liking Sister Reid and her sparky personality mixed with an actual story line.

Cons
CHERIE! I know it's supposed to be touching and sad and sweet but LORD, Cherie, get yourself together or at least give the character more story to help us understand why she's running so far, so fast. In three episodes we went from Ray mimicking Doc Martin to Cherie leaving the state on an indefinite road trip. This while declaring her love and confusingly for the young child in her life, pashing the crap out of the father figure that's about to disappear from his life.
Geraldine. I don't care, I find your treatment of the people in your life selfish, vain and without foundation to be the so called heart of the family. I hope Phillip grows a pair and walks!
Hospital professionalism - I really find it hard to swing so wildly, from serious conversations about reporting Patrick and his previous drug problems to the Nurses front desk activity. I hate the forced kooky, zany-ness and the farewell for Cherie was grating and annoying.

I'll keep hanging in there, but now sadly, it's out of a sense of duty rather than enjoyment and I hope Offspring can turn this around. As evidenced by last week's episode there is potential there, it's just hopefully not too late.