Ep 11. What's In A Name?

The show "That Girl" Season 1, Episode 11 titled "What's In A Name?" revolves around the main character, Ann Marie, played by Marlo Thomas. Ann Marie is a struggling actress who is determined to make it big in New York City. In this episode, Ann Marie receives a letter from her father, who has legally changed their family name from Marie to Brennan.

Ann Marie is taken aback by the news and is confused as to why her father would change their family name. She asks her father to explain his decision to her but he simply responds with, "It's a long story." This response only leaves Ann Marie more curious and determined to figure out the reason why her family's name was changed.

Throughout the episode, Ann Marie seeks answers from her family and friends but no one seems to know the true reason. Her mother and grandmother are equally as baffled by the sudden change. Her boyfriend, Donald, played by Ted Bessell, suggests that Ann Marie's father may have changed their name for business purposes or due to some legal issues.

Determined to get to the bottom of the situation, Ann Marie decides to do some investigating on her own. She visits the courthouse to search for any information about the name change but comes up short. Frustrated and disappointed, Ann Marie begins to question if she will ever learn the truth.

As the episode progresses, Ann Marie's father unexpectedly arrives in New York City. She confronts him about the name change once again and this time, he reveals the truth behind his decision. He tells her that he changed their name because he was ashamed of their French-Canadian heritage. He believed that having an Irish name would make it easier for his children to succeed in America.

Ann Marie is shocked and hurt by her father's confession. She had always been proud of her heritage and felt that her father's decision was disrespectful to their family's history. However, after some reflection and a heart-to-heart conversation with her father, Ann Marie learns that his intentions were not to hurt her or the family but to provide them with better opportunities in life.

In the end, Ann Marie comes to terms with her family's name change and embraces her heritage. She discovers that her identity is not defined by her last name but by the person she is and the values she upholds. The episode ends with Ann Marie performing on stage, proud of who she is and where she comes from.

Overall, "What's In A Name?" is a touching and thought-provoking episode that explores themes of identity, heritage, and familial relationships. It showcases the strong character of Ann Marie and her unwavering determination to uncover the truth. The episode reminds viewers of the importance of embracing one's heritage and the significance of family history.