Ep 11. My Daughter, Myself

In the Designing Women season 5 episode named "My Daughter, Myself," Julia's daughter Suzanne returns to Atlanta after a two-year absence. Suzanne, who has led a troubled life, arrives with her teenage daughter, Desi, in tow. In an attempt to reconnect with her daughter, Suzanne tells Desi that she'll be staying with her grandmother for a while.

However, Julia soon discovers that Suzanne has ulterior motives for returning. It turns out that she owes a large sum of money to the IRS and needs a place to hide out until she comes up with the cash to pay them back. Julia is conflicted about what to do, torn between her love and loyalty for her daughter and her belief in doing the right thing.

Meanwhile, the other women at Sugarbaker's are dealing with their own personal issues. Mary Jo is having trouble finding a man and begins to feel insecure about her looks. Charlene is excited to be in her first play but becomes nervous when she realizes how challenging her role is. Lastly, Anthony receives some upsetting news from his mother.

As the episode progresses, Julia tries to guide Suzanne towards making responsible choices and taking accountability for her actions. Her efforts are complicated when Suzanne's old flame, Franco, arrives on the scene. Franco is a smooth-talking con man who is more than happy to help Suzanne out of her financial mess. Julia is suspicious of his motives and warns Suzanne to be careful.

Throughout the episode, the relationships between mothers and daughters are explored. Julia and Suzanne have a complicated dynamic, with both women struggling to understand each other. Charlene's mother, who is in town for her play, causes her own brand of mayhem. Lastly, Mary Jo is forced to confront her insecurities about her body and how they relate to her relationship with her daughter.

As the episode comes to a close, Suzanne must make a difficult decision about what is best for her and Desi's well-being. Julia and Suzanne have a heart-to-heart conversation, where they both acknowledge their flaws and express their love for each other. The other women at Sugarbaker's also come to some important realizations about themselves and their relationships.

Overall, "My Daughter, Myself" is an emotionally charged episode that explores the complexities of family relationships. Through humor and heart, the show tackles heavy themes such as money problems, insecurities, and the bonds between mothers and daughters. Fans of Designing Women will find plenty to enjoy in this episode's blend of drama and comedy.