Ep 9. Thanksgiving

Felicity season 1 episode 9: Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving is just around the corner, and Felicity is feeling homesick. With only a few days until the holiday, she decides to invite Noel, who is also staying on campus, to her family's Thanksgiving dinner in Palo Alto. Noel accepts the invitation, but Felicity's family is less than thrilled to have a stranger at their table. Felicity's father, who is a doctor, tries to talk to Noel about medicine, but Noel is not interested in his advice. Felicity's mother is also skeptical of Noel, and the tension at dinner is palpable.

Meanwhile, Elena is also feeling homesick and decides to go home for Thanksgiving, but she can't afford the airfare. She is hesitant to ask her parents for help because they have already sacrificed so much for her education. She confides in Felicity, who offers her the money she had saved for a dress that she no longer wants. Elena is touched by Felicity's kindness and accepts the offer.

Ben, on the other hand, is not looking forward to Thanksgiving at all. His mother is coming to visit him, and he hasn't spoken to her since his parents' divorce. Ben is angry with his mother for cheating on his father and blames her for the divorce. He is also still struggling with his feelings for Felicity and can't seem to be able to put them aside.

At the dorm, Sean is hosting a Thanksgiving potluck for all the students who are staying on campus. He is excited about the prospect of cooking a turkey but soon realizes that he has no idea how to cook it. He enlists the help of Meghan, who has no culinary skills, and they embark on a hilarious mission to cook the turkey.

As the holiday approaches, tension builds between Felicity and Noel. She feels that he is invading her family's space, and he feels that she is not being understanding of his situation. They try to make the best of the situation, but it becomes evident that they are not a good match.

Thanksgiving day arrives, and tensions are high at the dinner table. Felicity's parents are not impressed with Noel's career aspirations or his lack of direction. Felicity is embarrassed by her family's behavior and tries to make small talk to lighten the mood. However, when Felicity's father makes a snide comment about Noel's future, he storms out of the house. Felicity follows him, and they have a heart-to-heart conversation about their expectations for the future.

Back at the dorm, Meghan and Sean's turkey-cooking adventure takes an unexpected turn when the turkey gets burned, setting off the fire alarm. They try to salvage the meal, but it is beyond repair.

Elena arrives back on campus, having spent a lovely Thanksgiving with her family. Ben's mother also leaves, but not before apologizing to him and telling him that she still loves him. Ben realizes that he needs to forgive his mother and move on from his anger.

Felicity and Noel return to the dorm, having resolved their issues. They both realize that they are not right for each other, but they are grateful for the experience. As a group, they sit down to have a Thanksgiving meal of macaroni and cheese and pie, realizing that the holiday is about being together, not about the food.

Overall, "Thanksgiving" is an episode that explores the complexities of family dynamics, relationships, and the meaning of gratitude. It is a heartwarming episode that highlights the importance of compassion, forgiveness, and understanding.