Such Is Life Season 1, Episode 37: Paths Back

1

Meeting

After a family outing, the Križaj family gets stuck on a narrow road during an encounter with the mayor’s family. Gregor, the husband of doctor Maja, and Irena, the wife of mayor Franc, both refuse to back down, prompting Maja to leave the vehicle. In the verbal showdown between Irena and Maja, the power dynamics between the two families become clear. After a month of working in her new environment, doctor Maja’s unconventional approach to treatment is not well received by the villagers. Nurse Cvetka struggles with Maja’s demand to remove the display case of dietary supplements from the reception area. Maja’s older children also find it hard to adjust to the move to Velika vas, and it seems the troubles are far from over.

30 min

2

Escape to Ljubljana

Zala’s escape to Ljubljana intensifies already strained family relationships. After a fight with her boyfriend in the city, Zala seeks refuge with her grandmother Olga, who constantly meddles in the family affairs of her daughter, doctor Maja. Maja finds some solace in her work, gradually discovering ways to connect with her patients—including the local priest Nace—while confiding her growing troubles to her friend Ana. The Križaj family aren’t the only ones facing challenges: Irena and nurse Cvetka also find themselves at a crossroads.

32 min

3

Fake Sick Leave

It’s clear that things at the clinic operated quite differently before Maja’s arrival—among other issues, the previous doctor had no qualms about issuing fake medical leave. Staying true to her principles, Maja exposes roofer Mile and refuses to grant him sick leave, which leads to mounting pressure against her. The new situation pushes nurse Cvetka into distress, especially as Maja firmly insists she finally remove the supplement display case. With help from his mother-in-law Olga, Gregor begins doing business with the villagers, but his well-intentioned purchase of a cabinet sparks conflict with Maja. Olga’s attempts to help her daughter resolve family tensions lead Maja to ask for her assistance—but not in the way Olga had hoped.

33 min

4

The Fatal Display Case

Irena is furious when she discovers that Cvetka has emptied the clinic’s display case and left the dietary supplements at her doorstep. At the clinic, Maja meets new patients—each with their own story—and insists on a holistic approach to treatment, including for Cvetka’s nephew Blaž, who blames himself for his friend’s death. Maja uncovers who’s behind the supplement business when Irena arrives at the clinic to retrieve the display case and relocate it to the local inn. Meanwhile, Gregor tries to build connections with the villagers, but the cabinet he bought ends up in the children’s room and sparks yet another argument.

33 min

5

Cowgirl

As Maja prepares for an evening out with her friend Ana, she’s called away by Cvetka for an emergency intervention. While tending to the situation, Maja learns more about the family dynamics of Cvetka’s neighbor. Meanwhile, Zala seizes the opportunity to convince Gregor she needs to go to Ljubljana, sparking yet another argument in the Križaj household. Despite her exhaustion, Maja joins Ana for a night of country dancing, finally unwinding after several stressful weeks. Resourceful Rok takes advantage of Gregor’s visit to the inn, where he meets Irena’s cousin—proving that blood truly runs deep.

30 min

6

Goats and Other Animals

On a free morning, Maja bikes with Rok and Jaka to the farm of Luka Bitenc, invited by her colleague Žiga who lives there. The pleasant outing is spoiled—at least for Rok—by poor mobile reception, which drives him to despair. A teenage prank by the Križaj brothers results in an injury to Luka’s arm, which Maja treats. Gregor finally breaks the ice with the locals by solving a dilemma affecting the village ski club. Meanwhile in Ljubljana, Zala discovers the darker side of her feelings for Pero and the murky relationships within his circle.

31 min

7

Inspection

While Maja continues to search for ways to win over the villagers, Irena looks for an opportunity to undermine her. Rok is also struggling to fit in, as he’s being bullied by local boys. The infamous display case finally finds a place in the clinic, just as Maja receives a call from the mayor inviting her for a conversation.

31 min

8

Anonymous Letter

Cvetka and Julijan experience firsthand that dietary supplements are not as harmless as they seem, while Maja finds a new topic for her lectures. Unlike Rok, his siblings are adjusting more smoothly—Jaka meets his first friend right on their doorstep, and Zala connects with someone by the lake. But doctor Maja still can’t seem to catch a break: she receives her first anonymous complaint.

33 min

9

Village Showdown

Irena’s sabotage succeeds—only a handful of people show up to Maja’s lecture. A conversation with the attendees afterward makes Maja question whether she’s truly doing everything right. Things are tense at home too: the culprit behind Zala’s allergy is discovered, and as a result, Jaka loses his first friend in the village.

33 min

10

Unfortunate Medicine

Zala finally finds the courage to break up with Pero. Her call abruptly interrupts Ana’s visit, prompting Maja and Ana to head to Ljubljana. It turns out Zala is the reason behind Olga’s recent health issues. Meanwhile, Irena and Izabela are brainstorming ways to boost the reputation of the Vovk inn.

32 min

11

Blessed Among Women?

A women’s nature walk ends at Luka’s farm, where Olga meets Irena. Meanwhile, the men of the families gather at the local inn, where Gregor pitches his business idea to Franc. Both encounters carry a bitter undertone: Izabela makes it clear to Zala who truly holds power in the village, and Rok has an early run-in with intoxication.

33 min

12

Something’s Behind It

A visit from patient Nina raises Maja’s suspicion that domestic abuse may be involved. Meanwhile, Maja’s other patient Blaž is showing significant improvement. Things are also looking up for Gregor, who agrees on a mutual partnership with Nadja. Later, Maja and Zala head to a country event, where Zala discovers her mother’s wild side.

31 min

13

Phone

Rok doesn’t handle the phone-free day well and ends up in even more trouble. Meanwhile, Maja unsuccessfully confronts her patient Nina about the issue of domestic abuse. Izabela takes matters into her own hands and pays a visit to Luka Bitenc. Zala’s first climbing experience ends on a happy note.

33 min

14

What Went Wrong

The clinic is full of patients with stomach issues, and it turns out they all have one thing in common — a visit to the Pr'Vovk inn. Rok isn’t having the best day either: first, the locals humiliate him during training, and later it becomes clear that everyone forgot his birthday — except Olga and Luka.

32 min

15

An Unexpected Party

Izabela’s rude reaction is the last straw, and Rok decides to leave Velika vas. Luckily, Velika vas is a small place, and soon the villagers, under Irena’s direction, unite in a search effort. It turns out the liveliest scene is at the headquarters, where Irena serves the worried Križaj family some of Simon’s special cupcakes.

34 min

16

Simon’s Fall

The injury on Simon’s head deeply shakes the relationship between Irena and her son. Although former doctor Tereza assures that Simon is fine, Maja’s examination reveals a different picture and prevents more serious consequences. Unexpected, too, is the roadside encounter between two women, which reveals that Irena also has a secret of her own.

30 min

17

Emergency Help

Setting up the mill quickly turns into a tense situation when Maja and Jaka come across a work accident in the forest. Meanwhile, at the inn, Gregor learns that Rok has stopped training. After the forest rescue, Maja’s popularity begins to rise—and soon, Irena shows up at her door.

32 min

18

Football Passion

Maja’s principled approach to treating patients could have fatal consequences for veteran Roman. Meanwhile, Rok’s troubles with classmates surface—and they are far from innocent childhood games. At the same time, Gregor comes ever closer to realizing his new project, with only one obstacle in his way: Luka Bitenc.

30 min

19

Wild Cowgirls

While awaiting a friend from Ljubljana, Maja may have too hastily dismissed a patient who came knocking at her home. Meanwhile, Gregor works even on weekends, drafting business plans with a new colleague. Thanks to Ana, the Pr’ Vovk tavern turns into the scene of a wild party.

32 min

20

Tiger on the Prowl

Jakov’s new tiger only worsens Maja’s hangover after a wild night. The Gorenjska region seems to be a favorite among Ljubljana locals: while Ana discovers the charms of Luka’s farm and Zala is visited by her friend Špela, only Rok is left out of the gatherings, as Maja sets him a new boundary.

32 min

21

Antivaxxer

Although Maja and Irena join forces for the first time, the day doesn’t go as planned. A young mother with her child appears at Maja’s clinic door. Suspecting a highly contagious illness, Maja acts to prevent a possible outbreak. But Irena twists Maja’s move to her own advantage, and the two women once again find themselves on opposing sides.

30 min

22

Which Animal Are You?

While Maja’s innocent joke sparks a new war between the women, Zala and Simon soar on the wings of love. Izabela quickly learns the old lesson that whoever digs a pit for another may fall into it herself. In trying to protect her mother’s reputation, she inadvertently boosts the doctor’s popularity. But Izabela wouldn’t be Irena’s daughter if she didn’t turn the mistake to her own advantage.

30 min

23

Pajama Party

Thanks to Ravbar, the cook at the Pr’Vovk inn, Maja once again clashes with Irena. At home, things aren’t much better when Olga sees a video of Maja’s cowboy dance. What seemed like an innocent party ends up troubling little Jaka as well.

31 min

24

Love with a View

A failing grade in math causes tension between Maja and Zala, and things are tense at Pr’Vovk as well when Gregor presents a new business plan to Franc. Yet the business challenges only bring Gregor and Nadja closer together. The night also turns out to be special for Simon and Zala.

31 min

25

Conscientious Objection

Zala is worried about a possible pregnancy, so she goes to the pharmacy with Simon. Gregor also becomes concerned when Luka rejects his business proposal. Worry shows on Irena’s face too, when she is visited by a fellow pharmacist.

30 min

26

Dangerous Liaisons

The courage of young mother Petja, determined to live by her own principles, convinces Maja to accept a new patient — a decision that will later prove to be a mistake. Did Maja also err when she chose to follow herself instead of her husband’s wishes?

30 min

27

Green Departure

A chance encounter by the lake sparks a new conflict between Maja and Irena. Meanwhile, Žiga and Gregor’s business meeting does not end on a pleasant note. The desire to be accepted into society drives Rok to commit a violent act.

34 min

28

Garden

Despite the failed business deal with the power plants, Gregor is already forging new plans. Rok’s school quarrel ends with broken glasses, but that is nothing compared to Izabela’s troubles.

30 min

29

Temptation

Rok admits to Maja that he is the main culprit behind Izabela’s disgrace, so the Križaj family goes to the Vouks to apologize. The unsuspecting Vouks welcome them in a festive atmosphere, but soon after the conversation begins, they are hit with a cold shock.

32 min

30

Fatal Kiss

Rok’s unpleasant days continue, as the incident with the glasses reaches its conclusion. Despite Gregor’s opposition, Rok seeks refuge with Luka at the farm. Meanwhile, on her way home from school, Zala experiences an unpleasant surprise.

33 min

31

Farm Life is Beautiful

Rok enjoys the farm chores and refuses to return to the valley. Zala struggles more and more to keep a secret that could shake the family. Meanwhile, Irena rolls up her sleeves to restore Izabela’s reputation.

32 min

32

Test

After visiting Rok’s homeroom teacher, Cvetka advises Maja to be cautious. Luka helps Rok calm down and return home. But the surprises are not over for Maja, as Zala reveals a secret.

33 min

33

Lightning in June

Franc and Irena are unhappy that Nadja is leaving Velika Vas, but Gregor takes the news the hardest. Things get lively at the kindergarten too, where little Jaka accidentally starts a fire. Yet the real lightning strike comes when Zala tells Maja about something that should never have happened.

31 min

34

Secrets and Lies

Rok would like to repair the harm he caused Izabela, but he isn't doing a very good job of it. Things aren’t easy for doctor Maja Križaj either – the test results of priest Nace are not good, yet she cannot find the courage to tell him the truth. She soon discovers, in her own life as well, that a truth left unspoken can be very painful.

33 min

35

New Beginnings

Maja decided to stand on her own two feet and bought herself an old car. Luka finds out that something is wrong with the car and decides to take action. Although Maja and Gregor try to hide the problems in their relationship, the truth soon comes to light.

32 min

36

Trust

Luka has new help on the farm – a young and enthusiastic girl named Brina. Cvetka confides in Mile that she is going on a longer trip, and Rok and Gregor also head out on their own paths, while Maja is left alone with Zala and Jaka.

33 min

37

Paths Back

News about changes in the marital life of doctor Križaj spreads through the village. Irena devises a plan to distance her son Simon from the Križaj family, while Maja meets Brina, with whom she starts a joint project. But the biggest surprise awaits Maja on the couch of her mother Olga.

32 min

38

Alliance

Zala is worried because Simon is supposed to go study in Berlin in the autumn. Concerns have also fallen on Nace’s shoulders, as Maja has told them about the diagnosis. Maja accepts Izabela’s business offer because she wants to help her son Rok.

34 min

39

New Freedom

Irena feels betrayed when she sees that Maja appears as Izabela’s new professional collaborator on Instagram. Zala starts working at the Pr' Vouk tavern. Nace confides in Roman about the illness. A special friendship begins to grow between Maja and Brina.

32 min

40

Meaning

Brina is struck by back pain and drops by Maja’s clinic, where she sets a clear boundary. Stane interprets Maja’s advice about a midlife crisis in his own way, and Luka is also in crisis when he appears in front of Maja’s apartment building in the middle of the night.

32 min

41

Important Decisions

Maja and Cvetka can’t agree on choosing a new nurse. Fortunately, Mile’s blunder proves that Cvetka’s intuition about the nurse selection was right. After a demanding day at work, a surprise awaits Maja at home.

33 min

42

What’s Next?

Gregor wants his family back, but his wish finds no fertile ground with Maja. Nadja also receives a cold welcome at the Pr’ Vouk inn. A pale ray of hope shines into the relationship between Maja and Irena.

33 min

43

Old Loves

Rok returns from rehab, and although the whole family is back at the table, it is unclear whether Gregor has truly resumed his role as head of the family. The choir is angry with Franc over the purchase of a defibrillator, so Maja holds a CPR course for the locals at the inn, where both the waitress Eva and Luka reveal new sides of themselves.

31 min

44

Searching the Past

Nace shows Maja a deteriorating photograph of a young woman who clearly means a great deal to him. Maja takes it home and asks Rok if he can restore it. Simon suggests an open relationship to Zala, while Pero also confesses his love to her—leaving Zala completely confused.

32 min

45

Fatal Passions

In the middle of the night, a pregnant Nina seeks refuge with Maja after Silvo becomes violent again. Tensions also rise in the Vouk household, where Izabela sparks a heated family debate about their relationships. Gregor and Zala argue as well, only to be met with an unpleasant surprise on their doorstep.

33 min

46

Where to Go When Bridges Are Burning

Maja and Gregor’s argument is interrupted by their neighbor Breda, who brings the news that Franc has suffered a heart attack. The next morning at work, Maja faces a surprise when pharmaceutical rep Mirjam visits her with an enticing job offer. Nadja returns to Velika vas.

33 min

47

To Leave or Stay

Zala refuses to follow in her father’s footsteps and decides to play an open‑cards game with both men. Irena and Nadja, however, play with far less transparency, earning themselves a protest in front of the town hall. After a successful intervention at the rally, Maja ends up in Luka’s arms.

34 min

48

She Decides for Herself

It turns out that Maja’s holistic approach to healing has had a positive effect on the people of the village after all, as this time she receives goat cheese instead of sausage. Although the invitation to the other world seems tempting, Franc decides to stay among the people of Velika Vas a little longer. But what will Maja choose for herself – a new love, a new job, or a new self?

33 min