LitPick Review
The Last Episode by K. E. Adamus is a humorous and ironic take on silly marriage conflicts. The “love triangle” in this short story is between Mark, his wife Ilona, and their 42-inch TV. Mark, who is sometimes called Marek by others, is a relatively successful businessman who is looking to move up in the company he works for. Ilona is a washed-out, depressed, and unsuccessful writer. After taking a hiatus from the working world, Ilona was supposed to have worked hard on screen-writing. A few years in, and lots of television later, she had written two pages. This married couple is altogether quirky, witty, self-loathing, critical, and unlikeable. They must both be in middle-age and seem to have forgotten each other in the midst of their selfish lives and selfish pursuits. Mark thinks the TV is the problem—or, more specifically, Ilona’s addiction to the TV. Ilona thinks she is simply depressed and Mark is too busy with work to have noticed, well, anything. This is a quick read, a fun and funny read, and as unlikeable as the two main characters are, there is much to smile at, reflect upon, and wish for. If only in all of our relationships we could have someone else reading about us or watching us and then ably pointing out how utterly foolish, selfish, and stupid we have been. If only such a person could do that for all marriages and point out the obvious that so many husbands and wives seem oblivious to.
Opinion:
The Last Episode by K. E. Adamus is a funny short story. Mark and Ilona are both unlikeable people. Ilona obviously is addicted to television, and none of it has benefited her at all. Mark, however, is addicted to work and success. As much as Ilona cares more about television shows than Mark, Mark loves his work more than his wife. What ensues is a humorous and ironic take on these two very selfish individuals who still actually deep down love each other. Thankfully, they see several of the problems through the ironic and sarcastic humor. The real problem is that both of them are selfish. Selfishness is the worst (but most lethally effective) marriage-killer. Selfishness is like a marriage assassin—quietly creeping up on people before sniping each individual from the shadows with a silent bullet. Most never see it coming, and many don’t understand it when it happens. How do we become so wrapped up in their individual lives that they forget to love, cherish, care for, and sacrifice for the one person they have promised to love forever? How do we become so blind to these deep flaws? Thankfully Mark and Ilona get some good advice and shake-ups that alert them to the assassin in the shadows. So there’s hope. As someone who has counseled married and engaged couples through marriage questions and issues, I appreciate stories that encourage hope even in difficult marriage situations. I also appreciated how relatable this short book is! The people and settings and issues are slightly different, but the reality is very similar. Sometimes we just need to see the obvious—and it isn’t always 42-inch-TV-obvious—but marriage issues are usually found in the everyday things of life.
