Ep 13. It's a Marginal Life

Blossom season 2 episode 13, titled "It's a Marginal Life," follows the Russo family as they grapple with financial insecurity. The episode begins with Joey, Blossom's older brother, losing his job at the movie theater after the theater is shut down due to falling profits. Meanwhile, Blossom's father Nick is struggling to make ends meet as a musician, playing gigs at dive bars for meager pay.

The family's financial troubles become apparent when they receive an overdue electricity bill and are forced to deal with power outages. Blossom's mother, Maddy, encourages Nick to take a job at a factory to help make ends meet. Nick is initially resistant to the idea, feeling like it goes against his dream of being a musician. However, after a particularly depressing gig at a local bar, Nick realizes that he needs to make a change and decides to take the job.

Joey, on the other hand, is struggling to find work and is feeling discouraged. He tries to take up various odd jobs, including selling cleaning supplies and trying his hand at acting, but nothing seems to work out for him. Eventually, he takes a job as a telephone sales representative, making cold calls to persuade people to buy magazine subscriptions. However, even this job doesn't come without its challenges. Joey is constantly belittled by his supervisor and is struggling to make sales.

As the family struggles to adjust to their new financial situation, they are forced to make sacrifices. Blossom's little brother Anthony has to give up his ice skating lessons, and the family is forced to cancel their cable subscription. However, despite these challenges, the family remains hopeful and determined to make it through together.

In the midst of all of this, Blossom is dealing with her own personal struggles. She is feeling out of place at school and is struggling to connect with her peers. She confides in her friend Six, who encourages her to embrace her unique qualities and not worry about fitting in. Blossom takes this advice to heart and resolves to be herself, no matter what anyone else thinks.

Overall, "It's a Marginal Life" is a heartwarming and relatable episode that explores the challenges of financial insecurity and the importance of family. The Russo family's struggles are all too familiar to many viewers, and their determination to stick together and overcome their obstacles is inspiring. At the same time, Blossom's personal journey of self-discovery and acceptance adds an extra layer of depth to the episode.