Ep 2. Riley's Parents

Living with Fran is a sitcom that follows Fran Reeves, a divorced mother of two, as she navigates her new relationship with her younger boyfriend, Riley Martin, while also dealing with the challenges of being a stepmother to his two children. In season 1 episode 2, titled "Riley's Parents," Fran struggles to find common ground with Riley's conservative parents, who are coming to visit their son and grandchildren.

The episode opens with Fran anxiously preparing for the arrival of Riley's parents, Ben and Myrna Martin. Fran wants to make a good impression on her boyfriend's parents, but she's worried that her liberal views and non-traditional family dynamic will clash with their conservative beliefs. When Ben and Myrna arrive, Fran's fears are quickly confirmed. Ben is a stern, no-nonsense type who doesn't seem to approve of Fran's lifestyle, while Myrna is friendly but clueless about Fran's place in the family.

As Fran attempts to bond with Ben and Myrna, she realizes that her usual charm and humor aren't going to win them over. She tries to tone down her personality and cater to their interests, but her efforts are met with resistance. Meanwhile, Riley is caught in the middle, trying to keep the peace between his parents and his girlfriend.

Things come to a head when Fran accidentally reveals that she's not married to Riley, which shocks and appalls Ben and Myrna. To them, Fran's living arrangement with Riley is scandalous and immoral, and they express their disapproval in no uncertain terms. Fran is hurt and frustrated by their reaction, but she tries to stay calm and explain her perspective. Eventually, Ben and Myrna begin to see that Fran truly loves Riley and his children, and they start to loosen up and accept her into the family.

The episode closes with Fran, Riley, and his parents sharing a meal and a laugh together, finally on the same page. Fran learns that she doesn't have to sacrifice her own values and beliefs to make others happy, and that sometimes, people can surprise you with their capacity for understanding and acceptance.

Overall, "Riley's Parents" is a heartwarming episode that explores the challenges of blending families and bridging cultural and generational gaps. The performances are strong, with Fran Drescher bringing her trademark wit and vulnerability to her role as Fran, and the supporting cast (including the excellent Charles Shaughnessy as Ben Martin) providing solid comedic support. The writing is sharp and insightful, touching on issues of gender, sexuality, and family structures with sensitivity and nuance. Fans of sitcoms like Modern Family and The Big Bang Theory will find a lot to enjoy in Living with Fran, and "Riley's Parents" is a standout episode that showcases the show's strengths.