Ep 4. Goodbye (1)
- November 4, 2003
- 20 min
-
8.6 (354)
Paul Hennessy is a sports columnist and father of three who is still heartbroken about the loss of his wife. His daughters, Bridget, Kerry, and Rory, are navigating the ups and downs of teenage life, while Paul tries to keep them in line and uphold the rules he has set for their family. In season 2 episode 4 titled "Goodbye (1)," the family faces a heartbreaking loss.
The episode opens with Paul's father, Jim, who lives with the family, being rushed to the hospital after suffering a heart attack. The entire family gathers at the hospital, including Paul's sister, Claudia, and her two children, Kyle and Dani. Despite initial optimism from the doctors, Jim's condition deteriorates quickly, and he passes away soon after.
The rest of the episode focuses on the Hennessy family as they struggle to come to terms with Jim's death. They each deal with their grief in their own way, with Bridget throwing herself into planning the funeral and Kerry shutting down emotionally. Rory, the youngest of the siblings, struggles to understand the concept of death and is comforted by her older sisters.
As the family prepares for Jim's funeral, they are also dealing with the practicalities of his death, including finding a burial plot and deciding what his final wishes were. Paul is especially struggling, as he feels pressure to be the strong one for his children while also dealing with his own grief and guilt over not spending enough time with his father before he passed away.
Throughout the episode, the family reminisces about Jim's life and the moments they shared with him. They also begin to realize how much they took him for granted and how much they will miss him. In a particularly poignant moment, Paul breaks down in tears as he tries to write a eulogy for his father.
As the episode comes to a close, the family gathers for Jim's funeral. They are joined by friends and family, including Paul's ex-girlfriend, who is now married with children. The Hennessys come together to say goodbye to Jim, and the episode ends on a somber note.
Overall, "Goodbye (1)" is a powerful and emotional episode that deals with the difficult reality of losing a loved one. The episode is expertly written and acted, and it is sure to tug at the heartstrings of even the most stoic viewer. It is a must-watch for fans of the series and anyone who has experienced the pain of losing someone close to them.