Ep 20. Mommie Nearest
- May 19, 2002
- 23 min
-
(39)
As Told By Ginger season 2 episode 20, "Mommie Nearest," follows the titular character as she navigates a difficult relationship with her mother, Lois. Ginger's mother is an ambitious woman who is more focused on her career than on being a supportive parent. When Ginger's father comes to town, she suggests that they have a family outing, but Lois is too busy with work and doesn't show up.
Throughout the episode, Ginger grapples with her feelings about her mother and the impact that Lois's selfishness has had on her life. She remembers a time when she was in a school play and her mother failed to show up, leaving Ginger feeling embarrassed and alone. As she reflects on these memories, Ginger realizes that she wants a different kind of relationship with her mother, but she doesn't know how to make it happen.
Meanwhile, Ginger's classmates deal with their own family issues. Darren's parents are getting a divorce, and he enlists Carl and Hoodsey to help him stay with his father. Macie's mom is constantly hovering over her, and she tries to use the outing as a way to get some time to herself. Dodie and her mom, Joann, have a disagreement about what Dodie should wear, which leads to a tense argument.
As the day goes on, Ginger becomes increasingly disappointed that her mother hasn't shown up. She talks to her friends about her feelings, and they offer her advice on how to deal with the situation. When she sees her mother's car parked outside of the movie theater, Ginger rushes in to confront her. Lois explains that she had a work emergency, but Ginger is furious that her job always seems to come first.
In the end, Ginger and Lois have a heart-to-heart conversation about their feelings, and they both agree to try to work on their relationship. Ginger realizes that her mother is doing the best she can in a difficult situation, and Lois acknowledges that she needs to be more present in her daughter's life.
"Mommie Nearest" is a poignant episode that explores the complicated dynamics of mother-daughter relationships. It delves into the themes of communication, understanding, and forgiveness, and offers a hopeful message about the power of love and connection to overcome even the most difficult of obstacles. With strong performances from the cast and a well-crafted script, this episode is sure to resonate with viewers of all ages and backgrounds.