Ep 1. Virgin, Mother, Crone

Cybill is a popular American sitcom that debuted in the late 1990s. The show revolves around the life of Cybill Sheridan, a struggling actress who lives in Los Angeles. The first season of Cybill premiered on CBS in 1995, introducing viewers to the show with an episode titled "Virgin, Mother, Crone."

The episode opens with Cybill (played by Cybill Shepherd) working on a low-budget horror film. She is playing the role of a vampire and is having a hard time getting into character. Her co-star, Maryann (played by Christine Baranski), is impatient and demanding, and the director is incompetent and lacking in vision. After a frustrating day on set, Cybill returns home to her two daughters, Rachel (played by Dedee Pfeiffer) and Zoey (played by Alicia Witt), who are trying to cheer her up.

Cybill is a single mother who is struggling to make ends meet. She lives in a small apartment with her two daughters and is constantly worried about money. Her ex-husband, Ira (played by Alan Rosenberg), is a successful commercial actor who is now dating a much younger woman named Mindy (played by Kari Lizer). Cybill resents Mindy because she feels that she is stealing Ira away from her and their daughters.

Cybill's best friend, Maryann, is a successful businesswoman who is also going through a difficult time. She has just turned forty and is feeling insecure about her looks and her career. She confides in Cybill that she is considering plastic surgery and that she is afraid of growing old.

The title of the episode, "Virgin, Mother, Crone," refers to the three stages of a woman's life in mythology. The virgin represents youth and innocence, the mother represents fertility and nurturing, and the crone represents wisdom and experience. Throughout the episode, each of the female characters embodies one of these archetypes.

Cybill is the mother figure, struggling to provide for her daughters and protect them from the harsh realities of the world. Maryann is the virgin, clinging to her youth and afraid of growing old. And the director of the horror film is the crone, a wise and experienced woman who is unappreciated by those around her.

The episode explores themes of aging, motherhood, and the struggles of women in Hollywood. It also sets up the main characters and their relationships, laying the groundwork for the rest of the series. Cybill is a witty and self-deprecating character who is easy to root for, while Maryann provides comic relief and a contrast to Cybill's down-to-earth persona.

Overall, "Virgin, Mother, Crone" is a strong start to the series, introducing viewers to the world of Cybill Sheridan and her dysfunctional yet lovable family and friends. With its sharp writing, talented ensemble cast, and relatable themes, Cybill quickly became a fan favorite and a critical success, running for four seasons and earning multiple Emmy nominations.