In Transparent Season 1 Episode 8 we get to see all of the Pherffman's as they were in 1994. The episode is done entirely in flashback, and reveals a lot about who the Pferffmans are today.

The episode revolves around the events that take place after Ali cancels her Bat Mitzvah, with most of the scenes revolving around Maura and Marcy at Camp Camelia.

Watch Transparent Season 1 Episode 8 Online

As I mentioned in my Transparent Season 1 Episode 7 Review Ali had her Bat Mtizvah canceled by saying that she did not believe in God, and I wondered if Mort supported this partly because he wanted to go to Camp Camelia with Mark. 

I think it raises an interesting question. Did he just support the fact that it wasn't right for Ali to have a Bat Mitzvah if she really did not want too? How much did the opportunity to go to Camp Camelia play into his decision? I am not saying his decision was bad or criticizing him, just wondering what was going on in his mind. 

The end result was that the Bat Mitzvah was canceled, and it allowed us to see the Pferffman's all in their own element back in 1994. 

At Camp Camelia Maura got to be herself and be truly happy for the entire weekend. Throughout the weekend at Camp Camelia it became obvious that Maura was different than her fellow camp goers. 

We are cross-dressers, but we are still men.

Jackie

• Permalink: We are cross-dressers, but we are still men.

Maura continued to investigate whether Ramona was kicked out for coming out as trans or if she choose not to come back. 

Over the course of the weekend, Maura bonded with Connie, the wife of another camper, and it seemed like she was really entertaining the idea of having a supportive and accepting wife. Connie mentioned that she used to be uncomfortable with it, but realized that people are all just bodies. 

When it was time to leave Camp Camelia the differences between Maura and Marcy really became apparent. The episode addressed discrimination toward trans people, that came from people in the cross-dressing world, a community that you would expect to be an ally. 

It makes me happy. I want to be happy for two more hours.

Maura

• Permalink: It makes me happy. I want to be happy for two more hours.

This episode also continued to develop Ali, who was left to her own devices as a child. Ali gets a ride to the beach from a misinformed caterer where she meets an older man, whom she spends time with. When the two wake up in the morning, it is revealed that the guy knew that Ali was not 17, but that did not stop her from going in for a kiss. We are left to assume what happened as the episode ends.

Did you enjoy that this episode was all in flashback? What do you think happened with Ali at the end? 

If you missed this episode you can watch Transparent online via TV Fanatic!