Much of [Wives and Other Women], which spans the years 1970–81, centers on conversations about the sexploits of several middle-aged characters. The message seems to be: Don't trust your spouse. She/he is cheating on you, most likely with someone she/he works with. So you might as well have your one-night stands too….

None of the characters is admirable. Even though they have interesting careers, they remain dull people who in futile attempts seek through sex an escape from the dullness of their lives.