"Tough Love"
A review by Jenni:
Couldn't decide what to watch so I just started with the oldest
one I
hadn't reviewed yet. Sorry if this one seems sloppier than
usual. I've been having to shutdown the computer off and on
all
day due to storms.
What I love about this
episode:
Monica is introduced to coffee! I'm sure Tess came to
regret that. It made me think back on my first coffee (at
least
the first I
recall): a latte with
a shot
of raspberry at Borders.
I like Monica's
twinkly,
wicked
lil bit of humor when she catches the ladder and then asks
Elizabeth if
she'd still like her to leave. Cute.
Not that I've had an abundance of experience (thankfully) but the
depiction of alcoholism seems very realistic to me. The part
where Elizabeth is talking about lovers in front of Beth is so
cringe-inducing but I know that drinking can completely destroy
the
ability to judge appropriateness. I also thought it was good
that
Elizabeth brings up that her alcoholism originated with her
job.
I don't think that was meant to excuse her. But I do think
certain jobs make a person more prone to it and that's important
to
consider. Finally, by having
Sidney also be an alcoholic, the show demonstrates that alcoholism
often does run in families.
I love that Monica prays and then the birthday cake appears.
It's
neat to think that nothing is too small to God.
I thought the exchange Tess and Monica had when Monica is told
that she
wasn't informed of Elizabeth's alcoholism so she could befriend
her as
a woman was great. Because I know how preconceived notions
can
completely alter interaction between two people. Plus, it
drives
home the point that Monica later tells Elizabeth: she is lovable
as
herself, not as an alcoholic or reporter or any other label but as
her
true self.
The sequence that begins with Elizabeth praying desperately and
tearfully and then goes to Tess singing "Amazing Grace" is very,
very
powerful. Which brings me to: the repeated use of "Amazing
Grace"
(with the music box, Tess singing, instrumental at
the AA meeting, and
a choral version at the end) was a real strong point in the
episode for
me.
I like that TBAA often stressed that people needed to take
responsibility for their actions. It wasn't just "Eh, well,
God
loves you, anyway." It's shown here when Elizabeth returns
to the
house and begins to cry. Monica doesn't immediately comfort
her. Once Elizabeth falls to her knees and asks if Monica is
there as punishment (thus signifying she finally realizes her
behavior
is truly damaging and she regrets it), then Monica tells her of
God's
immense love and
assures her.
The reveal of Sidney at the AA meeting still gets me. As
does
"I'm so glad you were born."
What I didn't love about
this
episode:
I'm not sure I follow Tess' metaphor about a "plain old cup
of
joe" being superior to the other coffee drinks. I dress up
my
coffee plenty but I don't think that says much about me in
day-to-day
life. Normally I like metaphors but that one just didn't
work for
me. Not a big deal, though.
I'm undecided about the realism of the press coverage of
Elizabeth's
drunk speech at that event. Would a reporter really be that
vague
and all but cover-up her spectacle? I dunno.
Maybe. I
guess if she is a town hero they might. I don't see it
happening
with my local paper, though!
Lingering questions:
When is it okay to give kids iced tea? According to
Elizabeth it
must be past 7. Just curious!
Is "you don't understand oatmeal!" an actual expression or just
something Elizabeth came up with? I'd never heard it before.
Where is Monica when she hears Beth calling for help?
It's
very
green and I'm not sure where it was supposed to be.
Heaven?
Probly not cause Heaven was never shown.
Parts that made me feel
swoony:
None... But as I have nothing else to put here, I'll put my
lil
anti-shipperism statement here since I so love defending Andrew
against
it.
So... a drunken Elizabeth tells Sidney she should get a lover
because
it might do her some good. Monica responds that "a brisk
walk in
the morning always does me a lot of good." Does that sound
like a
romantically inclined person, let alone one capable of mad love as
Monica is in shipper fics??? NO!!!
Random thoughts:
I wonder if, when I first saw this and was quite young, I was
shocked
to see "Mrs. Huxtable" drunk! ;-) Stellar acting!
I feel like a dolt. I've watched this countless times and it
just
now hit me that Beth is likely named for Elizabeth.
I can't imagine having to do an intervention and giving someone I
dearly loved an ultimatum that might forever separate me from
them. Terrible, terrible thing to have to go through.
A Word from Travis:
Phylicia Rashad is outstanding as Elizabeth and the actors who
played her daughter and granddaughter also shine very well in
their roles. What I also enjoy about the episode is, the angels do
not overshadow the episode so their inclusion doesn’t seem
intrusive. A good story is able to play out with dynamite guest
star actors while the regular actors are also able to shine,
without taking away from the story.
Back
to
the Episode Guide
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