As I've already explained, est was not a cult. There is no evidence that I'm aware of that est graduates in general lose the ability to communicate with their loved ones in ordinary English. I didn't. In fact, my relationships with everyone, friends and family alike, actually improved.
Sandra can't fix the marriage. She can't fix Stan. He's withdrawn and in pain and he won't let anyone in. His response to feeling this pain was to fall into bed with Nina. I don't think we can hold Werner Erhard responsible for that, at least. Sandra's response was seek answers for herself in the human potential movement. I don't know how the writers are going to have it play out but in the Real World, as opposed to TV Land, Sandra's self-exploration could be a very positive thing, for her and for Stan. Certainly I would recommend that over starting an affair--with anyone--let alone a Soviet agent.
Re: est, Werner Erhard, etc.
Sandra can't fix the marriage. She can't fix Stan. He's withdrawn and in pain and he won't let anyone in. His response to feeling this pain was to fall into bed with Nina. I don't think we can hold Werner Erhard responsible for that, at least. Sandra's response was seek answers for herself in the human potential movement. I don't know how the writers are going to have it play out but in the Real World, as opposed to TV Land, Sandra's self-exploration could be a very positive thing, for her and for Stan. Certainly I would recommend that over starting an affair--with anyone--let alone a Soviet agent.