Every Decision Matters

Every Decision Matters is the third episode of Chapters.' second season, subtitled Atrocity Exhibitions. Written and directed by Mike Barkhoff - like the season as a whole - it stars himself and Skyler Neher as a couple arguing over the boyfriend's decision to drink rather than complete household chores.

Opening Poetry
"with every great action comes an equally great consequence,"

Plot
Girlfriend arrives home to find Boyfriend drinking, regardless of her pleas for him to slow down, and her asking him to do household chores, and her plans to go out later. The two discuss the urgency of his drinking and whether or not it is a "problem". When she makes him mad by calling him lazy and worthless, the fight worsens and ensues in Girlfriend shoving him. Boyfriend collapses and acts like he is blind to try and make a point. Girlfriend, however, takes this as a threat, fearing for what will happen if she is exposed as abusive, and uses a knife to kill Boyfriend. The episode ends with Boyfriend pleading for her not to kill him.

Production
Mike Barkhoff and Skyler Neher completed this episode and the next, The Affair in a single day.

Themes
This episode and the next share the theme of disloyalty and distrust in a relationship and the fighting that follows that. Another theme featured is trying to bury mistakes.

The addiction of the episode is alcohol and the adrenaline after a mistake is made that would end badly if caught by the wrong people.

Trivia
- Barkhoff intentionally dressed to look 'worn and depressed', keeping his hair unkempt and wearing a matching shirt and shorts that made him look 'as trashy as possible'.

Reception
The episode received acclaim for it's portrayal of abuse in a relationship, both mental and physical. The camerawork was also noted for it's slanted effect, which gave it an uneasy feeling throughout.