Does Sean tell his parents that he's gay in Firefly Lane season 2 part 1?

Firefly Lane season 2 has arrived with the first batch of new episodes for the final season, and it’s an emotional rollercoaster. Not only does season 2 part 1 answer the burning question about what happens between Tully and Kate, but the episodes shine a light on Sean’s journey.

In the first season, we’re introduced to Kate’s brother (played by Jason Mckinnon as an adult and Quinn Lord as a teenager), and discover that he and his best friend Robbie are more than friends. Sean only confides in Tully about being gay.

By the end of season 1, Sean comes out to his wife and moves in with Kate in the aftermath, but his story doesn’t end there. The second season finds Sean opening up more and more, but does he finally open up to his parents? Here’s what happens for Sean in season 2 part 1.

Warning: Spoilers ahead from Firefly Lane season 2 part 1!

Sean’s journey to self acceptance came to a head in Firefly Lane season 2 part 1 after the events of the previous season. After coming out to his wife Julia and consequently Kate (in the 2000s timeline), he lives in Kate’s basement when Julia kicks him out of the house.

During this period of “separation,” Sean and Kate mother Margie still holds hope that Sean and Julia could repair their issues, whatever they may be, and get back together. However, a tense family dinner in episode 3 pushes Sean to the end of his rope and he comes out to his parents.

Earlier in the episode, during a flashback to the 1970s, Margie found Kate’s Tiger Beat magazine with Shaun Cassidy on the cover under Sean’s mattress. The magazine featured a centerfold of the actor shirtless, and Margie was clearly curious about Sean hiding the magazine.

Following the dinner, Margie speaks with Sean and tells him he could have talked to her sooner. He rebuttals with the fact that she knew. Sean believes his mother knew he was gay but never wanted to accept or admit it. That’s why she was constantly pushing him to go on dates with girls. (It’s also revealed in flashbacks that Sean and Tully slept together as teens, though just for fun.)

In spite of the tepid response from his parents (who are later awkwardly supportive of their son and his new boyfriend), Tully and Kate take him out to a gay bar and allow him to relish in his freedom and liberation. Sean’s journey, including that of his family, will surely continue in part 2 as his relationship with William gets closer to marriage.

Watch Firefly Lane season 2 part 1 now on Netflix!