Ep 7. Mommy Nearest

Reba season 2 episode 7, titled "Mommy Nearest," follows the daily happenings of the Hart family. Reba is a single mother who is juggling her parental and professional responsibilities with grace. She's always there for her children and other members of her family, irrespective of the challenges that come her way.

The episode begins with Reba attempting to complete her to-do list before the kids get home from school. Meanwhile, her ex-husband and the father of her children, Brock, stops by to tell her he's going to co-chair Emma's kindergarten Halloween party.

Reba initially protests, given that she was asked to run the event, but Brock insists it's important to him. Reba ultimately agrees to let him take the lead, although she gives him a few ideas to help him out.

Next, we see Kyra, in her rebellious phase, reading Edgar Allan Poe's poetry. Reba is concerned about her choice of reading material, but doesn't want to limit her daughter's literary interests. Meanwhile, Van and Cheyenne, Reba's daughter, are experiencing marital problems, and Cheyenne keeps bringing her baby, Elizabeth, over to Reba's house for babysitting.

During the day, Reba's mother, Helen, arrives and announces that she was part of a magazine story. Reba is ecstatic for her mother and offers to help her buy an outfit for the forthcoming photoshoot. However, Helen turns her down, insisting she can take care of herself. Later, Reba finds out that the photoshoot is the same day as Emma's Halloween party, and Helen's attendance would mean missing the event.

Reba offers to reschedule the photoshoot, but Helen doesn't want to hear it. Instead, Helen vents about how Reba thinks she isn't independent and needs her help. She insists on attending both events, vowing to make it work. The situation emanates tension between the two.

As the episode progresses, we see Brock putting together the kindergarten Halloween party. Reba, who initially agreed to step down, feels that she could have done better. Brock barely puts any effort into the party, making many mistakes along the way. When Reba sees the party, she is disappointed. The food is unappetizing, the games are poorly planned, and the decorations are lacking.

Brock notices Reba's disappointment and admits that he has done nothing, hoping she would step in and take the lead. Reba steps up and saves the party. Despite her previous abdication, she saves the day and makes the most of the situation, turning the Halloween party into a cherished moment for Emma and her friends.

In another scene, Van and Cheyenne, who are going through a rough patch in their marriage, have a heart-to-heart discussion that leads to them agreeing to fix their problems together. Reba's counsel plays a crucial role in them realizing their love for one another and reminding them about their commitment to their vows.

Meanwhile, Reba's mother has a photoshoot with the magazine, happy to have a moment in the limelight. However, she realizes how much she misses being with her grandkids, and how much she depends on family to make her happy. In the end, she chooses to throw away her persona as a fiercely independent woman and return to the family fold.

Reba, Brock, and Helen all come together, and the episode ends with Helen, Brock, and Reba sitting together, looking at old pictures, reminiscing happy memories, and discussing how their problems brought them together. The family's closeness triumphs over their disagreements.

Overall, "Mommy Nearest" is an episode that emphasizes the importance of family, despite its imperfections. It's a great reminder of how togetherness trumps personal differences, misunderstandings, and conflicting interests. It teaches us to appreciate our loved ones, to be understanding, and to work together in the face of hardships.