Ep 14. Lunch With Mama

Lunch With Mama is the fourteenth episode of the second season of The Jeffersons. The episode originally aired on January 7, 1976.

The episode opens with George Jefferson preparing for a meeting with the bank. As he's getting dressed, his mother, Olivia Jefferson, walks into the room and begins fussing about his choice of attire. George brushes off her criticism, telling her that he's wearing his good suit because he's meeting with the bank. Olivia scoffs, telling him that he should know better than to trust banks. George rolls his eyes and reminds her that she's never trusted banks, but that doesn't mean he shouldn't.

As George leaves for his meeting, his mother follows him out, insisting that she's going with him. George tries to explain that it's a business meeting and that she wouldn't be welcome, but Olivia is persistent. After some arguing, George relents and agrees to take her with him.

At the bank, George introduces Olivia to his banker, Mr. Whittendale. As they sit down to discuss business, Olivia begins asking Mr. Whittendale questions about his personal life. George tries to redirect the conversation back to their loan application, but Olivia is not to be deterred. Eventually, Mr. Whittendale becomes frustrated and excuses himself to take a phone call.

As they wait for Mr. Whittendale to return, George tries to explain to his mother that she can't behave like that in a business meeting. Olivia is unrepentant, telling him that she's always been that way and she's not about to change now. They argue some more until Mr. Whittendale returns.

To George's surprise, Mr. Whittendale tells them that their loan application has been approved. Overjoyed, Olivia insists on taking everyone out to lunch to celebrate. George is hesitant, but Olivia is insistent. They go to a nearby restaurant where Olivia orders everything on the menu.

As they eat, Olivia regales them with stories from her youth. George becomes frustrated, telling her that he's trying to talk business with Mr. Whittendale. Olivia is dismissive, telling him that he's always so serious and he needs to lighten up. George complains that he can't lighten up when he's trying to run a successful business, but Olivia doesn't seem to understand.

After lunch, Olivia insists on going to a jazz club. George is hesitant, but she convinces him to come along. At the club, Olivia dances with a young man who catches her eye. George becomes jealous, telling her that she's embarrassing him. Olivia is unapologetic, telling him that he shouldn't be so possessive.

As they leave the club, George becomes increasingly frustrated. He tells his mother that he can't keep up with her and she needs to slow down. Olivia brushes him off, telling him that she's not going to change just because he's getting old.

The episode ends with George and Olivia returning home. They say goodnight to each other and George goes to bed. Olivia stays up, sitting in her favorite chair and smoking a cigarette. As she sits there, she seems to be lost in thought.

Overall, Lunch With Mama is a fun, lighthearted episode that showcases the complicated relationship between George and his mother. The episode is full of witty banter and hilarious one-liners, making it a must-watch for fans of The Jeffersons.