Ep 1. Kiss Your Epaulets Goodbye

Rhoda season 2 episode 1, titled "Kiss Your Epaulets Goodbye," follows the titular character Rhoda Morgenstern as she returns to her native New York City after a failed attempt at starting a new life in Paris. The episode opens with Rhoda arriving at her family's apartment, where her mother Ida eagerly greets her and her sister Brenda offers a more subdued welcome. As Rhoda settles back into her old life, she finds herself struggling to adjust to the changes that have occurred while she was away, including the fact that Brenda has moved out and gotten her own apartment.

Despite her reservations, Rhoda is determined to make the best of her situation and sets out to find a job. After a rocky start, she lands a position working at Hempel's, a high-end fashion store in Manhattan. Although Rhoda is initially skeptical of the fashion world, she quickly finds herself enjoying her new job and excelling at it.

As Rhoda's career takes off, she also begins to reconnect with old friends and acquaintances, including her ex-boyfriend Joe, who is still living in the same apartment building as her family. With Joe's help, Rhoda starts to feel more settled in New York and even considers staying permanently.

However, complications arise when Rhoda begins to date a co-worker named Jack, who turns out to be married. Despite her better judgment, Rhoda becomes involved with Jack, and the two begin a passionate, but ultimately doomed, affair.

As Rhoda grapples with the fallout from her relationship with Jack, she also faces professional setbacks when she is passed over for a promotion at Hempel's. Feeling frustrated and disillusioned, Rhoda starts to question whether she made the right decision in coming back to New York.

Despite these setbacks, Rhoda remains determined to forge a new life for herself and begins to explore her options for the future. As the episode draws to a close, Rhoda is left facing an uncertain future, but also with renewed hope and a sense of purpose.

Overall, "Kiss Your Epaulets Goodbye" is a compelling and engaging episode of Rhoda that offers a nuanced exploration of themes such as love, career, and the search for meaning and identity. With its memorable characters, sharp writing, and thoughtful exploration of complex issues, this episode is sure to appeal to fans of the series and newcomers alike.