Ep 13. The Cheese Stands Alone

Cybill Shepherd stars in the hilarious comedy series, Cybill, as a struggling actress named Cybill Sheridan trying to make it in Hollywood. Season 1, Episode 13, titled The Cheese Stands Alone, follows Cybill as she balances her career misfortunes and her love life.

In the episode, Cybill's agent, Ira (played by Alan Rosenberg), calls her with great news: she's landed a role in a prestigious play. Cybill is elated, until she realizes that the play is in San Francisco, meaning she will have to leave her two teenage daughters and her ex-husband, Jeff (played by Tom Wopat), behind. When Cybill informs her daughters and Jeff of her decision, they are all upset, especially her youngest daughter Zoey (played by Alicia Witt) who feels as though her mother is abandoning her.

Despite the guilt of leaving her family behind, Cybill heads to San Francisco and rehearsals begin. However, things are not going smoothly, as Cybill clashes with the director, played by guest star Richard Lewis. The director is extremely demanding and expects Cybill to put everything on the line for the play, even if it means sacrificing her personal relationships. Cybill becomes increasingly frustrated with the situation and misses her family more and more, but she can't bring herself to leave the play.

Meanwhile, back in Los Angeles, Maryann (played by Christine Baranski) and Dr. Dick (played by Peter Onorati), Cybill's best friends and confidants, try to cheer her up. They take her out for a night on the town, hoping to distract her from her worries. However, their plan backfires when Cybill gets drunk and ends up making a fool of herself at a high-end restaurant.

As the play's opening night approaches, Cybill's nerves are on edge. She realizes that her personal relationships mean more to her than her career and decides she needs to make things right with her family. She calls Jeff and Zoey and apologizes for leaving, promising to come home as soon as the play is over. Immediately after the call ends, Cybill finds herself alone in her dressing room, reflecting on her life choices. She becomes overcome with emotion and breaks down in tears.

The episode ends as the lights dim for the play's opening night performance. Cybill takes a deep breath and heads out onto the stage, determined to give the performance of her life.

Overall, The Cheese Stands Alone is a poignant episode that showcases both the comedic and dramatic elements that make Cybill a standout series. Cybill's struggle to find balance between her career and personal life is relatable and the episode ends on a satisfying note that will leave viewers feeling uplifted.