Ep 1. Gift-A-Rooney

Liv and Maddie season 4 episode 1 titled "Gift-A-Rooney" revolves around the Rooney family preparing for the upcoming holidays. The episode showcases their individual struggles with finding the perfect gifts for each other, dealing with stress and anxiety, and coping with change and uncertainty.

Liv is excited about spending her first Christmas with her family after being away in Hollywood for an extended period. She is determined to make it a memorable one but is overwhelmed with the task of finding the perfect gift for each member of her family. Her celebrity status complicates matters, as she cannot just buy any gift from a store but has to put in more effort.

Maddie, on the other hand, is dealing with stress and anxiety as she prepares for her college applications. She is worried about getting into her dream college and is under pressure to perform well. Her parents try to assure her that they support her decision irrespective of which college she chooses, but the burden is still overwhelming.

Joey, the youngest of the Rooney siblings, has to come to terms with change when he realizes that his usual Christmas traditions will have to be put on hold since everyone else has other plans. He is left feeling left out and excluded and decides to take matters into his own hands.

Parker, meanwhile, struggles to come up with a gift for his parents, which causes him to feel inadequate. He tries different methods to come up with the perfect gift but keeps failing, leading to frustration and anxiety.

The episode also has a heartwarming subplot involving Karen, the mother, and matriarch of the Rooney family. She struggles to come to terms with the fact that her children are growing up and moving on with their lives. She is worried that they no longer need her in the same way they used to. However, a surprise from her husband, Pete, helps to lift her spirits and reminds her of the love she has received from her family over the years.

As the episode progresses, the lives of the Rooneys seem to be falling apart. They find it hard to deal with change and uncertainty, leading to conflict and strained relationships. However, what they eventually realize is that the gift of family is what they need to stay strong through difficult times. They come together, share their struggles and triumphs, and remind each other of the love they share as a family.

In conclusion, "Gift-A-Rooney" is an emotional, heartwarming episode that highlights the struggles and joys of family life. It reminds us of the importance of support, love, and togetherness in navigating life's ups and downs. The episode is a must-watch for fans of Liv and Maddie as it marks the start of an exciting and emotional season.