Ep 2. Distressed Jean

After a successful premiere, the new ABC sitcom "Call Your Mother" returns with an emotional second episode titled "Distressed Jean." Written by creator Kari Lizer and directed by Pamela Fryman, the show continues to explore the theme of family relationships and communication with a mix of humor and heart.

The episode starts with Jean (Kyra Sedgwick) getting a text message from her son Freddie (Joey Bragg) saying he lost his job and needs to talk to her. Being the devoted mother that she is, Jean immediately heads to Los Angeles from Iowa to check on her son. However, she quickly realizes that Freddie is not the only one who needs her help. She discovers that her daughter-in-law Celia (Rachel Sennott) is struggling with her own issues, including anxiety and a strained relationship with her own mother.

While dealing with the unexpected family drama, Jean tries to adjust to her new life in a city that she hardly knows. She stays at a hotel where she meets Danny (Patrick Brammall), a charming Australian who works as a bartender. Danny tries to convince Jean to try new things, including an exotic fruit called durian, and take advantage of the opportunities that LA has to offer. Jean, on the other hand, feels overwhelmed and out of her comfort zone.

The bulk of the episode revolves around Jean's attempts to help her family. She tries to be there for Freddie and Celia but struggles to find the right words to say and the right solutions to offer. Her old-fashioned parenting style clashes with Celia's more modern approach, and the two women have a few tense confrontations.

Meanwhile, Jean also tries to reconcile Celia with her own mother Jackie (Sherri Shepherd), who shows up unannounced at the couple's apartment. Jackie is a larger-than-life character who is hard to ignore and even harder to please. Her relationship with Celia is strained, to say the least, and Jean's presence only adds to the awkwardness.

The writing in this episode is sharp and witty, with several laugh-out-loud moments. The acting is top-notch, as expected from a cast that includes Sedgwick, Shepherd, and Brammall. Sedgwick delivers a nuanced performance that balances Jean's maternal instincts with her own insecurities. Shepherd is hilarious as Jackie, a woman who tries to hide her vulnerability with bluster and sarcasm. Brammall brings a refreshing energy to the show, and his scenes with Sedgwick have a natural chemistry.

Despite the humor, "Distressed Jean" also tackles serious issues such as mental health and intergenerational conflict. The episode shows the importance of communication, empathy, and acceptance in any relationship, whether it's between a mother and son, a daughter-in-law and mother-in-law, or two friends from different cultures.

Overall, "Call Your Mother" season 1 episode 2 is a strong follow-up to the pilot. It continues to build on the show's premise and themes, introduces new characters, and provides enough laughs and heartwarming moments to keep viewers engaged. With Sedgwick leading the cast and Lizer's sharp writing, the show has the potential to become a hit in the crowded sitcom landscape.