Ep 14. Vera's Mortician

Alice is a television sitcom that aired in the late 70s and early 80s. The show follows Alice Hyatt, a widowed mother who moves from New Jersey to Phoenix, Arizona with her son Tommy to start a new life. Alice takes a job as a waitress at a local diner and befriends her colleagues, the sassy waitress Flo and the sweet-natured Vera.

In season 1, episode 14, Vera's Mortician, Vera's uncle passes away, and she is tasked with selecting the mortician for the funeral. However, Vera is having trouble choosing the right funeral home as she is uncomfortable with death and feels uneasy discussing it. Alice, Flo, and Mel, the diner's owner, try to help Vera through this tough time by offering her support and guidance.

Meanwhile, Tommy is preparing for his first dance with a girl from school and seeks advice from the diner's regulars. The trio of waitresses, Mel, and even a customer named Earl all offer Tommy various tips on how to dance and impress his date. However, Tommy soon realizes that the most important thing is to just be himself and enjoy the night.

Back at the diner, Vera has finally chosen a mortician, but her troubles are far from over. She begins having nightmares about death and imagines herself as a ghost haunting the funeral home. The staff at the diner decides to take matters into their own hands and stage an intervention for Vera. They gather at her house and help her face her fears by talking about death openly and honestly.

The episode ends with Vera feeling more at peace with the idea of death and even cracking a joke about her own funeral. Tommy also returns from his dance with a smile on his face and stories to share with his mother. The episode highlights the importance of friendship, community, and being able to confront difficult emotions.

Overall, Vera's Mortician is a heartwarming episode that deals with heavy themes in a lighthearted way. The characters' love and support for one another shine through, and the audience is left feeling uplifted and inspired.