Ep 8. Somebody Down There Likes Him

Rhoda Season 2 Episode 8, "Somebody Down There Likes Him," finds Rhoda Morgenstern (Valerie Harper) struggling to find a job after quitting her previous one. She even considers taking a job at a resort in the Catskills, much to the dismay of her family and friends.

Meanwhile, Rhoda's sister Brenda (Julie Kavner) is dealing with her own problems. She has been seeing a man named Marvin (Lee Bryant), but she is unsure if he is truly interested in her or just using her for her cooking skills. Brenda's insecurity leads to a few comical moments during the episode.

As Rhoda continues her job search, she meets a man named Al (Richard Schaal) who seems to be down on his luck. Despite his apparent misfortunes, Al maintains a positive attitude and even believes that "somebody down there likes him." Rhoda is taken aback by Al's optimism and tries to help him in any way she can.

As the episode progresses, Rhoda becomes increasingly frustrated with her job search and begins to feel sorry for herself. However, a chance encounter with Al puts things in perspective and she realizes that her problems are not as severe as she believes them to be.

The episode touches on themes of resilience and perseverance, as both Rhoda and Al navigate difficult situations with different outlooks. It also deals with the idea that sometimes it's easier to focus on other people's problems rather than face your own.

Overall, "Somebody Down There Likes Him" is a heartwarming episode that showcases the humor and depth of the Rhoda series. The characters are well-developed and relatable, and the script is both witty and poignant. It's a must-watch for fans of the show and anyone who enjoys a good comedy with heart.