Ep 9. Chef Boyardee

Three suburban mothers embark on a criminal venture and face the consequences in the American crime-comedy series Good Girls. Starring Christina Hendricks, Retta and Mae Whitman as Beth, Ruby and Annie respectively, the show exemplifies the lengths women are willing to go to provide for their families.

Episode 9 of season 4, titled "Chef Boyardee," finds Beth and Dean struggling to move on from their marital issues and muses on the possibility of getting back together. Meanwhile, Rio, Beth's former business partner, and romantic interest, re-emerges in their lives and causes chaos akin to the pandemonium he always brings. Ruby and Stan must confront their differences as they navigate conflicting work schedules, and Annie finds herself in a precarious position when her boss offers her an opportunity to excel at her work.

The episode's title, "Chef Boyardee", is a callback to a scene earlier in the series where a character cooks Chef Boyardee ravioli on a parade float. However, beyond the nostalgia trip, the show delves into a much darker territory. As Beth and Rio work to get to the bottom of who has been stealing counterfeit money from them, they realize that they may need to team up and strengthen the alliance they once shared.

Back at home, struggles ensue for both Ruby and Annie. While Ruby grapples with a work schedule that puts her relationship with her husband, Stan, in jeopardy, Annie finds herself in hot water when her boss tasks her with landing a big account. As Annie balances her work and personal life, she must also navigate the intensified tensions between her and her ex, Gregg, who is also her boss and shares a work dynamic that is continually strained.

The dramatic tension of this installment is palpable as the primary characters struggle to maintain a balance in their lives. The conflict between Beth and Rio is particularly intense, and as they come toe-to-toe, it's clear that they're both playing the game of who-can-one-up-the-other. Hendricks and Manny Montana, who plays Rio, have exceptional chemistry and amplify each other's performances.

Similarly, Retta and Whitman provide strong performances that capture the unique challenges their characters face. Retta's Ruby has her plate full, juggling the stress of her job and the concern she cannot give her family the attention they deserve. Although the show periodically opts to extend Ruby's caricature beyond the boundaries of realism, her plight remains authentic, particularly through the lens of a working mother.

Whitman's Annie's struggles, on the other hand, feel more grounded in terms of her characterization. For a character who often appears to have everything under control, the demands of her job and the tension with her ex feel unrelenting. Although she attempts to keep a brave face and talk through her issues with others, it's clear that this episode is pushing her to the limit.

Despite the episode's heightened tensions and dramatic subtext, there is adequate levity present. Beth's eldest daughter Stephanie (played by Lidya Jewett) offers a hilarious and much-needed injection of humor as she cajoles and manages her parents in a way that manages to be both endearing and amusing. Similarly, the show's reverence for nostalgia continually evolves in unexpected ways that allow the show to draw upon the audience's emotional history with surprising results.

In conclusion, Good Girls season 4 episode 9, "Chef Boyardee," delivers an intensifying of dramatic tension that allows for a deeper exploration of the characters' struggles. Whether it's Beth and Rio's tumultuous relationship, Ruby's attempts to keep the peace, or Annie's difficulty juggling competing interests, there is no shortage of conflict in this episode. Nonetheless, the show's ability to balance its darker themes with humor and nostalgia ensures it remains an engaging and entertaining watch.