Summary
Physical is well-written and meticulously structured, yet for a comedy series, it is lacking in any genuine fun or humor. “Burning Up” slowly moves the season’s many plot points forward, yet these are repetitive and predictable on the whole.
We recap the Apple TV+ series Physical Season 3 Episode 3, “Burning Up,” which contains spoilers.
Poor Sheila (Rose Byrne) has finally gotten her life back on track, and now she’s faced with troubling visions of her fitness rival Kelly Kilmartin (Zooey Deschanel).
In “Burning Up,” Sheila tries to ignore these hallucinations for good. She continues to expand upon her business empire with an endorsement deal while looking for joy and some romance in her life once again.
Physical Season 3 Episode 3 Recap
The third episode opens with Sheila completing her first official workout session on her new TV segment, Waking Up With Sheila. She’s even managed to convince the weatherman Stew (Parks and Recreation’s Jay Jackson) to participate in her routine.
Afterward, Greta congratulates her friend, Sheila is now practically a household name, having been broadcast in living rooms across the country.
What is Sheila’s endorsement deal?
Due to her national success, a regional company called Hartman Foods made a pitch to Sheila. They want to work together as partners. The company has created a fat-free cookie that they want Sheila to endorse. Sheila and Greta take home some samples to try.
The endorsement deal is great news for Sheila, but the connection to food brings up some tough issues. She discusses the problems at her anonymous support group.
Sheila admits that she doesn’t know what she likes anymore; she has lost touch with herself. She can’t even tell the Foods company what her favorite flavor of cookie is.
Danny crashes the party, popping by on one of his long jogs. The other members are distraught; this is meant to be an anonymous meeting.
Sheila argues with Danny outside. He wants Sheila to look after their daughter Maya a day early so that he can attend a house party. Sheila is furious that Danny would show up unannounced for childcare.
Angered by her ex, Sheila rifles through Danny’s criminal record file for dirt. This folder was collated by Sheila’s ex John Breem. Kelly reappears, questioning why Sheila would want to ruin her ex-husband’s life.
Sheila drives over to Danny’s hotel village accommodation with the voice still in her head and her vision.
What are Sheila’s demands?
She’s had enough of being made out to be the fool. Sheila demands that Danny take on 50/50 custody responsibilities of Maya without involving the lawyers. She adds that she will not be looking after her daughter today as Danny had asked. Danny protests but is silenced when Sheila brings up his criminal record. She believes that he cooperated with the authorities to get out of trouble. Danny is fearful of his ex-wife that she will use this information against him. He complies.
Danny struggles with his new parenting responsibilities. The apartment is soon a tip. He calls his sister Deb for help. Danny informs her that he is getting a divorce, he feels lost in his life, and he needs help.
Deb agrees to stay over to support her brother and look after Maya.
In John’s subplot, the business entrepreneur attends a dinner with the LA Games Committee associates. John’s wife Maria flips during the dinner, though, questioning the misogyny and sexist comments that she must endure.
The next day, John is assigned Porta potties as his contribution to the games. He blames this slight on Maria for her behavior at the meal last night.
Maria fights back, stating that she won’t be humiliated by John anymore. Something has to change.
Who is Carlos?
Sheila worries that she doesn’t know herself anymore. She goes out for dinner alone to try new foods. Here she meets a food delivery man called Carlos. They hit it off and exchanged numbers. Sheila tells Greta the good news, she’s found a possible new boyfriend.
Greta and Sheila negotiate terms with Hartman Foods and shake hands on the endorsement deal. The partners go home to celebrate in different ways.
Firstly, Greta confronts her husband Ernie about the breakdown in their marriage. Greta wants Ernie to back out of the business deal, but he refuses to leave the company.
Physical Season 3 Episode 3 Ending Explained
Meanwhile, Sheila prepares for her first date with Carlos. Of course, Kelly is there in the mirror’s reflection, taunting Sheila and her life choices all the time, but Sheila manages to shut her out. Sheila has decided to grab what is hers to go after what she wants in life.
The episode ends with Carlos knocking at her door. Instead of going out on their date, Sheila drags Carlos into her home. She passionately kisses Carlos, taking exactly what she wants.
What did you think of the Apple TV+ series Physical Season 3 Episode 3? Comment below.