Ep 3. 86 The Waitress

Alice season 2 episode 3, titled "86 The Waitress," begins with a jam-packed night at the diner. During this particularly busy shift, Mel's waitress, Florence, sprains her ankle. Although this is unfortunate, it presents an opportunity for Alice to try out waitressing for the first time. Alice is excited about the chance to learn something new and prove that she's a valuable member of the team, despite being an ex-con.

The episode follows Alice as she navigates the fast-paced world of waitressing, which proves to be more challenging than she initially thought. She struggles to remember orders and timings, and the other waitresses are less than patient with her, pushing her to the brink of quitting. However, she persists, determined to prove herself. All the while, she's dealing with her personal life, including her complicated relationship with Nick, a man from her past who also has a criminal record.

Meanwhile, back at the ranch, the diner is bustling with activity. Vera is keeping her eye on the clock, eagerly waiting for the moment when the diners' plates will be cleared so she can start her nightly poker game. When she realizes that the waitresses are behind schedule, she begins to get agitated. Flo, who's laid up with her sprained ankle, can't help but crack jokes at Vera's expense.

As the night wears on, tensions rise in the diner. A group of rowdy customers, who have clearly over-imbibed, refuse to vacate their booth. When the waitresses try to persuade them to leave, one of them gets violent, and Alice springs into action, showing that she's not afraid to stand up for herself and her colleagues.

All in all, "86 The Waitress" is an entertaining and action-packed episode of Alice, showcasing the daily drama of working in a busy diner. It's a great showcase for the character of Alice, who's determined to prove herself, both to her coworkers and to herself. The episode also touches on the issue of criminal records and how difficult it can be for ex-cons to reintegrate into society, something that Alice is struggling with even as she tries to turn her life around. All in all, it's a great addition to the Alice canon and a must-watch for fans of the show.