Ep 1. A Day Late and a Dollar Short

A Day Late and a Dollar Short is a heartwarming and relatable family drama series that follows the lives of the Price family as they navigate through their daily struggles, triumphs, and the complicated dynamics that make up their unique family unit. In the series premiere, aptly named "A Day Late and a Dollar Short," we are introduced to the multi-generational complexity of the Price family and their individual journeys towards healing and redemption.

At the center of the story is Viola Price (played by the brilliant Whoopi Goldberg), a strong-willed and resilient matriarch who has recently been diagnosed with a terminal illness. Concerned about the impact her looming absence will have on her fractured family, Viola attempts to bring her loved ones together in an effort to reconcile and rebuild the bonds that have been strained over the years.

Viola's four adult children each have their own unique set of challenges. There's Loretta (Ving Rhames), a demanding and controlling husband who struggles to reconnect with his estranged wife, Charlotte (Tichina Arnold), while simultaneously dealing with his own personal demons. Then there's Lewis (Mekhi Phifer), an aspiring musician who has found success in his career but is plagued by unresolved family issues that have prevented him from achieving true happiness. Cleo (Anika Noni Rose), the youngest of the siblings, is a single mother juggling the responsibilities of raising her troubled teenage son and searching for her own identity beyond motherhood.

Rounding out the family is Grandma Price (Kimberly Elise), a fiercely independent and opinionated woman who often finds herself caught in the middle of her children's arguments. Despite her stern exterior, Grandma Price's wisdom and unconditional love provide a much-needed anchor for the family as they navigate through their collective struggles.

As the episode unfolds, simmering tensions and deep-rooted resentments come to the forefront as Viola desperately tries to bring her family closer together before her time runs out. In their shared moments of vulnerability, the Price family members reveal their innermost fears, regrets, and desires, allowing the audience to glimpse into the complexities of their relationships.

"A Day Late and a Dollar Short" deftly weaves together themes of forgiveness, redemption, and the power of love as the Price family embarks on a journey towards healing. The episode provides a powerful and emotional exploration of the dynamics that exist within families, showcasing the universal struggles of its characters that audience members can easily relate to.

The performances in the premiere episode are exceptional, with each actor bringing depth and authenticity to their respective roles. Whoopi Goldberg shines as Viola, effortlessly portraying the strength and vulnerability of a woman facing her mortality and determined to leave her loved ones with a lasting legacy of love and unity. Supported by a talented ensemble cast, the chemistry between the actors is palpable, making the Price family's story all the more compelling.

With its engaging storytelling, well-drawn characters, and poignant exploration of family dynamics, "A Day Late and a Dollar Short" sets the stage for what promises to be an emotionally charged and captivating series. As the first episode concludes, the Price family is left at a crossroads, their journey towards reconciliation just beginning. Viewers are left eagerly anticipating the next chapter of their lives and the emotional rollercoaster that lies ahead.

"A Day Late and a Dollar Short" is a thought-provoking and heartfelt series that tackles the complexity of familial relationships with sensitivity and honesty. It explores the resilience of the human spirit and the transformative power of forgiveness and redemption, reminding us all that it is never too late to mend the bonds that have been broken.