The discussions on here are almost always interesting, especially trying to parse out the Hutch/Vivian relationship. As I have stated before, I think there is more complexity to their relationship that can not be summed up in generalities. Some observations frequently missed (or not emphasized enough):
This is a 20 year relationship. Over that length of time it is impossible not to have some routines, patterns and learned behaviors in a relationship. Many speak of Hutch not “wearing the trousers” in the relationship. I would contend that is more of Hutch accepting Vivian is the more outgoing of the two and instead of fighting every time she tries to “fix” something he kept quiet. Why? Because he loves her and he elected not to die on that hill. You see this in relationships all the time. Twenty years with the same person…if you haven’t compromised and begrudgingly accepted some annoying personality traits of your spouse…you are now divorced. It’s a marathon, not a sprint.
Viagra. Some 25% of men suffer from erectile dysfunction, studies suggest more than a third of men experience it some time in their life. Can be medical or emotionally induced. The older you get the more the likelihood of experiencing it. Hutch, apparently, has to use it. So what? It doesn’t mean he finds his wife unattractive. More likely, his job and life are crushing him. He is in his 40s. His only child is now in college. That is a defining moment in people’s lives that usually involves some soul searching and a reevaluation of their life. IF Hutch did screw up at work, it is probably as a result of these changes in his life.
Vivian’s motivation. Apart from our beloved crew who simply like to label her a whore, it is more complex I think. Again, she married young and has been in a relationship for 20+ years. Her only child went off to college. That is a huge deal, especially for women. Like Hutch she is having a “now what?” moment. Given her personality and Hutch electing not to fight her on her need to “help” and “control” she tries to solve Hutch’s work issue. This is a learned behavior from both of them. It is part of their relationship dynamic now, regardless of what either of them truly think. Ah, but we see a glimpse of that…Hutch is now tired of her meddling and feeling she has to take charge. Vivian is frustrated Hutch is not more assertive. Both do not realize they made that Faustian bargain early on in their relationship. Christain is the mere catalyst exposing this crack in their relationship.
The “true” Hutch and “true” Vivian. This is where it gets real interesting and speculation abounds. As mentioned above, both are going through a reevaluation of their life…whether they know it or not. There is comfort in their relationship, but also complacency (which is real easy to do.) Both may now be chafing at the roles they have assumed over time. Their personalities had become magnified in trying to compromise with each other (Hutch receded to allow for Vivian’s control/help issues, Vivian filled the breach thinking she had to because Hutch wouldn’t.) Vivian got married young and may have had a wild streak before Hutch. He was solid, measured and brought a focus to her life she yearned for at the time. Yet, something buried can always resurface. Given the perfect stew and her personality, she was primed for a master manipulator like Christian. Hutch, is a seething mass of forced deference. He is smart (as it has been stated), good with numbers and, apparently, still has some qualities attractive to the opposite sex. He is not a “beta” or loser As some have stated. Oh no, I think we shall see how much Hutch can take before he masters his inner Conan. The question is, will Hutch and Vivian‘s relationship be reborn with new roles or will one be buried by the other’s reversion to their true self? Only the Dev and the corpse of Freud may know the answer…