Free Agents Episode 1.03 Dr. Hu

Alex and Helen wait at an outdoor coffee stand in the rain. Helen mocks him for using an umbrella because it's not a manly thing to do. It's only socially acceptable for a man to use an umbrella when he's with a woman. Challenging the notion that his masculinity is defined by his proximity to femininity, Alex moves away to prove that he's still manly. That's when a gust of wind catches the umbrella and blows it inside out.

Alex delivers a presentation to the execs of Landon Umbrellas. In order to generate press, he wants to marry images of umbrellas with photos of "real" men - construction workers and the like. Sitting in on the presentation, Emma wonders if the manliest job in America is being a member of the Village People, scoring points with the executives. Afterwards, Alex confronts Emma about speaking out of turn at the meeting. He wants her to understand her role as an assistant, but she can't help being her sarcastic, fiery self.

Stephen wants Emma to join Alex's team to rework his presentation because the umbrella client found her amusing. Stephen thinks she'll bring a fresh perspective. Alex says no. Stephen says yes. Stephen wins. Stephen compliments Helen on her last media strategy outline, saying it was "good." When he steps away, she bitches to Alex that Stephen hated her outline - "good" is filler, and her work is better than good. So when Helen said sex with Alex was "good," what did she mean? Alex claims she's being too hard on herself and recommends his therapist, Dr. Hu. Helen insists she doesn't need therapy, but a skeptical Alex leaves her with his contact info anyway.

Dan and Gregg are freaked out that Stephen wants Emma on the team. - are they all getting fired? Alex pretends to be calm about the whole situation, but he's just as freaked out as they are, especially since he has his kids all week. When Gregg suggests they focus their efforts on destroying Emma, Alex kicks him out of his office. Meanwhile, Helen makes an appointment with Dr. Hu. Armed with copious notes and talking at top speed, she runs through a mental health list of justifications as to why she doesn't need therapy. Dr. Hu can barely get a word in edgewise. In conclusion, she's sorry to have wasted Dr. Hu's time, but she really doesn't need therapy... and she's relieved when the doctor concurs.

Alex is more than a little annoyed to discover that Emma had taken over the conference room to brainstorm and has locked herself in. Who's answering his phones? Emma's letting the calls go straight to voicemail. She can't answer the phone and make men like umbrellas at the same time! As opposed to picking off the herd, Alex suggests that Emma use this presentation as a learning experience. It's time to be respectful and take her place as a member of the team. Emma pre-empts any further lecturing by saying, "Okay," and Alex backs out of the conference room, not fully convinced that it really is okay.

After work, Helen tells Alex that Dr. Hu said she's fine and doesn't need therapy. Alex can't believe it. Does Helen mean she discussed her fondness for wine and using it as an excuse to never go out. Helen claims she's ready to go out. In fact, she's going out for drinks tonight with who... Dr. Hu! Furious that Helen is dating his therapist, Alex chases her but is stopped in his tracks by an unknown guy sitting in Emma's chair. Not only has Emma hired temp Marty to do her job, she's scheduled the concept meeting for Landon umbrellas for right now, full well knowing Alex can't attend. Late to pick up his kids, Alex promises to look at what Emma comes up with in the morning. On his way out, Gregg reminds him that he did suggest destroying Emma...

On her date with Dr. Hu, Helen chugs white wine and spews out every last one of her neuroses at top verbal speeds. The next morning finds Emma, Gregg and Dan in the conference room, now slaphappy with camaraderie after their all-night concept meeting. And they have a new great idea: viral videos using umbrellas as weapons. Alex thinks it's edgy, but kinda sucks. Too late... Emma already pitched Stephen and he loved the idea. Emma tells Alex that he dropped the ball, refusing to hear that there's a process she needs to adhere to. Out of patience, Alex lets Emma know that he's going to take her down if she continues to disrespect him... but not now, because he's late for his therapy appointment.

Alex tells Dr. Hu about Emma; he'll take her down if need be. But Alex has bigger bones to pick. He referred a friend, and Hu told her she was fine. Surprised, Hu realizes Alex is talking about Helen - she never mentioned that Alex referred her. When Hu insists he would never do anything to impede Alex's progress, Alex decides he's made enough progress to dispense with therapy altogether. Back at work, Stephen tells Alex how impressed he is with Emma. Alex tells Stephen that he's proved his point. They'll all work harder, so can Stephen call off Emma now? Stephen plays dumb, so Alex decides to make a point of his own. How would Emma like to pitch the client tomorrow? She would!

Later, Helen approaches Alex in a huff. Dr. Hu cancelled their date - what did he do to screw it up? Regardless, she swears she'll have the date reinstated. Meanwhile, Emma is melting down, five minutes away from her big pitch the client. Sadly, she fumbles the presentation to a room full of deadpan execs. Regardless of her attempt to make umbrellas appeal to young people, the Landon execs don't think her idea's going to work. That's when Alex steps in. What young guys do think is cool is good hair. They'll plant an article in Men's Health linking male pattern baldness to rain exposure, job done. Everyone loves Alex's save, especially Stephen.

After work, Hale Dayton proceeds to their local bar to celebrate their success. Emma's half in the bag and mocking Alex when Stephen sidles up to congratulate her and order her back to her assistant's desk in the morning. Alex reminds Stephen that he could have just told him to "step up his game." Stephen could have - but how much fun would that be? At the other end of the restaurant, Helen has resurrected her date with Hu. Alex butts in to start an argument with Helen - who's more crazy? Finally, Hu stands up and steps out, calling them both "codependent whack jobs." Alex sits down in Hu's chair, and the date pretty much continues, as both Alex and Helen dismiss Dr. Hu.