Ep 16. Cold Feet

In "Mad About You" season 2 episode 16 titled "Cold Feet," newlyweds Paul (Paul Reiser) and Jamie (Helen Hunt) are anxiously preparing for their upcoming honeymoon. On the day before their departure, Paul begins to feel unsure about their decision to get married and is hit with a case of cold feet. This episode follows the couple's attempts to work through their doubts and fear of commitment.

The episode starts with Paul and Jamie packing for their honeymoon to Aruba, excited to start their new lives together as a married couple. However, the excitement is short-lived as Paul suddenly becomes nervous and begins to worry about the responsibilities that come with marriage. Jamie tries to reassure him, but her efforts only seem to increase his anxiety.

As Paul's doubts begin to grow, he finds himself lingering at the door of an empty apartment in his building, contemplating the freedom that comes with being single. Meanwhile, Jamie confides in her therapist about her fears of losing Paul and not being able to maintain a healthy marriage. She also begins to worry about their sexual compatibility.

Paul's unease peaks when he has a conversation with his friend Ira (John Pankow) who advises him that if he is not ready for a committed relationship, he should end it before it is too late. This throws Paul into a tailspin, and he seriously considers calling off the wedding.

As the couple continues to struggle with their doubts, they each have a dream that reveals their deepest fears and insecurities. In Jamie's dream, she is left alone and heartbroken while Paul is living a free-spirited life without her. In Paul's dream, he is suffocating in a small space, symbolic of his fears of losing his freedom.

The dreams make them realize how much they mean to each other and motivate them to address their concerns head-on. Jamie suggests they postpone the honeymoon and spend the time working on their relationship, which Paul agrees to. They both work through their fears in therapy and come to an understanding about their commitment to each other.

The episode concludes with Paul and Jamie making up and reaffirming their love for each other. They decide to take the honeymoon after all, feeling more confident and secure in their relationship.

In "Cold Feet," the audience gets an intimate look at the struggles that many couples face before taking the leap into marriage. The episode tackles the fears and anxieties that come with major life changes and the challenges of maintaining a committed relationship. With its honest and relatable portrayal of these issues, "Mad About You" remains an enduring classic in the world of sitcoms.