Ep 17. What Are Friends For?

Flo season 2 episode 17 entitled "What Are Friends For?" is an emotional episode with a mix of drama and comedy that examines the different kinds of friendships people can have. The episode follows the lead character Flo, played by Polly Holliday, as she deals with the aftermath of a life-changing event.

Flo is a tough-talking, no-nonsense waitress in Cowtown, Texas, who always speaks her mind and tells it like it is. She is a beloved member of the community, and her customers always know they can count on her for a hot meal and a sympathetic ear. However, in this episode, Flo is struggling with her own personal issues, and she finds herself relying on her friends more than ever.

The episode opens with Flo arriving at her best friend Vera's house in a state of distress. She has just received some shocking news about her health, and she doesn't know how to handle it. Vera, played by Beth Howland, is the complete opposite of Flo and is a timid, passive character who always tries to please everyone. Despite their differences, the two of them have been best friends for years, and in this episode, their friendship is put to the test.

As they sit down to talk, Flo breaks down in tears, revealing that she has been diagnosed with a serious illness. Vera is shocked and offers her sympathy and support, but she can't help feeling overwhelmed by the magnitude of the news. She suggests that Flo needs to find someone else to talk to, someone who has been through the same thing and can understand what she is going through.

Flo listens to Vera's advice and starts reaching out to other people in the community. She talks to her doctor, her pastor, and even a support group of fellow patients. However, she finds herself disappointed with the results. She can't seem to connect with anyone in the same way she does with Vera. In the meantime, Vera worries that she has let Flo down and that she is not being a good enough friend.

Throughout the episode, the two of them have several heart-to-heart conversations, where they talk about the nature of their friendship and what it means to them. They both come to realize that friendship is not about finding someone who is the same as you, but about finding someone who accepts you for who you are and supports you through the good times and the bad.

The episode showcases the different ways in which people can be friends, from the casual acquaintanceship of Flo's customers, to the intense bond between Flo and Vera. It also explores the idea that sometimes, the people we think we need in our lives are not the ones who are truly there for us.

Overall, "What Are Friends For?" is a touching and poignant episode that deals with serious issues in a sensitive and thoughtful way. It is a reminder that no matter what life throws our way, we can always count on the people we love to be there for us, even when we don't know how to ask for help.