Feud
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The song opens the episode as Babe carefully makes herself presentable to the outside world.
She puts on her makeup.
She lays out and puts on her clothes.
She chooses her jewelry.
She makes sure her hair is just right.
She dolls herself up only to let all of such vanity go.
Such rituals, though, tell us a lot about Babe: Shes all but obsessed with appearance.
Theres strength in it, but also a clear admission of vulnerability.
The tumor is not shrinking; radiation doesnt seem to be working.
And in that resilience, she begins wondering whether she should forgive Truman.
Not, of course, if Slim has anything to say about it.
she yells at them as C.Z.
shares Trumans party plans while they all lunch together.
That would be easier if Truman were easier to love and easier to forgive.
Fucking you is like fucking a fish!
he yells at Truman before punching him.
Slim is still intent on destroying him.
Whats going to happen when he finishes his book?
When it is Slim, C.Z., and Lee who end up at the end of his piercing gaze?
Shes a liberated woman enjoying the freedom that affords her.
And the two have found each other in their shared anticipated grief over losing Babe soon.
Theres a buoyancy to their banter that Babe could never compete with.
No one, Lee replies.
No one who doesnt love you.
And so Slim opts to end it with Bill.
Still, how will she manage to face Babe after such a betrayal?
As ever, Babe is one step ahead.
She wants him to be happy when shes gone, and Slim would be a perfect fit, no?
Theres a lot unsaid as the two dance together in their home.
And its too much for Jack, who leaves.
Maybe helping someone like Truman is futile.
Or, in Comos words, its impossible.
But Comos song and lyrics may well describe the final scene of this episode.
But then, as a newly sober (again!)
Might he approach her?
He does, of course.
And Babe, driven perhaps by the forgiveness shes hoping to gift herself, addresses the writer with tenderness.
Theyre both civil, perhaps too much so.
It is best not to repeat oneself.
Better yet, never look back.
In one gesture of grace and generosity, Babe asks him if hes still writing.
Because whoever really succeeds in the end?
Capote never did encounter nor talk with Babe following hisEsquirepiece.
IsFeudrewriting history, or are we here witnessing a kind of shared romanticized fantasy of a would-be encounter?
Only no eagles are ravaging him every day, just vodka.
The episode is dedicated to Treat Williams, who died last year.
Heres the column C.Z.
Does that sound fun at all?
How about if you added Ed Koch?
You are the most important person in the world for me, Truman.
Trust Joe Mantello to know how to break you with the simplest of lines.
With the line Hes also hung like a Pegasus!
