Ep 7. Sex, Drugs and Catholicism
- TV-PG
- November 4, 1996
- 22 min
-
7.0 (10)
Cybill Shepherd stars in the titular role of Cybill, a struggling actress who tries to navigate her way through the highs and lows of Hollywood while juggling her family life, friendships, and romantic relationships. In Season 3 Episode 7, titled Sex, Drugs and Catholicism, Cybill's world is turned upside down when she discovers that her daughter Zoey (played by Alicia Witt) is experimenting with drugs.
This revelation brings up a host of concerns for Cybill, who worries about Zoey's safety and well-being. She decides to confront Zoey and have a heart-to-heart conversation with her, but things don't exactly go as planned. Zoey is resistant to Cybill's words of caution, and the two end up getting into a heated argument. Meanwhile, Cybill's best friend Maryann (played by Christine Baranski) suggests that Cybill look into sending Zoey to a boarding school in Switzerland, where she can receive the help and guidance that she needs.
As if things weren't complicated enough, Cybill's ex-husband Jeff (played by Tom Wopat) comes back into the picture. Jeff, who is a devout Catholic, wants to reconnect with Zoey and teach her about the importance of faith and morality. This puts Cybill in a difficult position, as she doesn't want to deny Zoey the opportunity to bond with her father but also doesn't want him to influence her daughter's life in a negative way.
The theme of Catholicism runs throughout the episode, as Cybill and Maryann attend a church service where they encounter a priest who has a past with Cybill. This encounter unearths a long-buried secret about Cybill's family, adding an extra layer of drama to an already tense situation.
Amidst all of this chaos, Cybill is also dealing with her own personal issues. The episode delves into her relationship with her boyfriend Ira (played by Alan Rosenberg), who has gotten wrapped up in a sex addiction support group. Cybill is supportive of Ira's attempts to better himself, but she also worries that he is becoming overly dependent on the group and losing sight of their own relationship.
All of these plotlines intersect and collide in surprising and often comedic ways, as is typical for Cybill. The show is known for its sharp writing, witty dialogue, and strong performances from its cast. Season 3 Episode 7 is no exception, as it explores complex themes and emotions with both heart and humor.